Every time I go for a run outside lately, I think of Sherry Arnold. And I know I'm not the only one. As I was leaving for a run a few weeks ago, my husband told me, "Be careful out there." He normally tells me to be careful or be safe. And I know he means it. But this time there was something in his voice, in the way he said it. I knew he was thinking about what happened to Sherry too.
It makes me a little more careful about where I run, how close I get to the road, how far I let myself get from home, and who I've told where and when I am running. I make sure I wear my RoadID and take my phone. And I carry pepper spray.
I also tend to run on busier roads. I always have. Because I would rather suck in some exhaust fumes and face the possibility of being hit by a car than disappear and leave my family wondering where I went and what happened to me. Imagining the worst. I'm pretty sure my family would agree.
Some of these things wouldn't have made a difference the day Sherry didn't get to go home. Some of them might have.
During my runs, my thoughts about Sherry's tragic death usually turn to thoughts about all the amazing runners I've come to know through my own running journey. Every time you walk out the door for a run, please remember: Be careful out there!
It makes me a little more careful about where I run, how close I get to the road, how far I let myself get from home, and who I've told where and when I am running. I make sure I wear my RoadID and take my phone. And I carry pepper spray.
I also tend to run on busier roads. I always have. Because I would rather suck in some exhaust fumes and face the possibility of being hit by a car than disappear and leave my family wondering where I went and what happened to me. Imagining the worst. I'm pretty sure my family would agree.
Some of these things wouldn't have made a difference the day Sherry didn't get to go home. Some of them might have.
During my runs, my thoughts about Sherry's tragic death usually turn to thoughts about all the amazing runners I've come to know through my own running journey. Every time you walk out the door for a run, please remember: Be careful out there!
You can join thousands of other runners who are going to run with Sherry in their thoughts on February 11, 2012. More information about and a printable bib for the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold can be found HERE.
I do the same thing! Tragic event, but for sure has made me be aware of my surroundings much more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we are doing a run in her memory! It's going to be great!
Agreed. We need a runner friendly tracking system...like the things they give old people!!!
ReplyDeleteYes. Be careful out there.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about Sherry on my runs lately too. The whole situation really makes think about life and whats important. I've also been running on main roads more often and making sure I'm safe.
ReplyDeleteMy first long run after Sherry's disappearance, I found a note in my glove from my husband...."Be safe and have fun." It shook him too.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think Sherry is guiding all of us out there right now. And I'm with you...give me some crowds or cars over a desolate road any day.
ReplyDeleteI too have been thinking about Sherry. Thank you for this post. And yes, we all need to take care of each other and be safe out there!!
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ReplyDeleteAwful story but, i think we can all learn from this. We tend to think our communities are safe and nothing like this could ever happen (especially if you live in Utah). But there will always be some nuts in the bunch. I can't wait to run on the 11th for Sherry!!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about safety lately too. So instead of running late afternoons, I've been fitting my runs in during lunch time.
ReplyDeleteDo you carry the pepper spray in your hand?