Attacked on the LFT

Headed out for four miles this morning. The weather forecast was warning of possible thunderstorms but I decided to take my chances.

It was pretty quiet out on the Lakefront Trail. I'm guessing the possibility of poor weather scared some people off. I like it when there are fewer people out as I get overtaken less frequently. Turns out, it wasn't such a good thing today.

Just as I passed one mile into my run, I got grabbed from behind by a guy on a bicycle.

I wasn't wearing headphones but I didn't hear him coming. My reflex reaction was to grab his arm and pull him off me. I don't think he had any greater intention than to grope me as a "ride by" as he just really kept going. He did proceed to turn back to me while riding away and blow me a kiss.

There was another guy on a bicycle ahead of him who had passed me first. He was clearly speaking with someone behind him (not in English though, so I'm not sure what he was saying) as he went past. With the benefit of hindsight, it appears they were confirming the coast was clear to grab me. There was also a third guy kind of trailing behind too, who I think was with them.

Another runner appeared heading the other direction just after this happened so I turned back and ran behind him until the bicycle guys were out of sight. Then everything just kicked in - I started shaking and about five seconds after that I burst into tears. I sat on the side of the path for a minute or so while I pulled myself back together.

Even though my stomach was still churning, I decided to finish my run. Unfortunately, every time I heard a bike coming up behind me for the remaining three miles, my heart started racing. It was not fun.

Running is my number one crush right now. As much as I debate going out some mornings, I love my runs. So I am beyond furious that, not only do some men think they have the right to treat women so disrespectfully, but they would violate what is sometimes the best part of my day.

I try to be a smart runner. I either don't run with headphones, or only wear one in my right ear with the volume down. I stay on well populated paths. I wear a light if it's dark.

But shit is still going to happen.

Keep safe out there. And be aware.