Grim 5am running issue men ‘never have to think about'

News.com.au

2 days ago

A former rugby player turned politician has exposed an alarming double standard about running that one half of the population 'never even have to think about'.
David Pocock, an independent senator for the ACT, discussed the terrifying reality of going for a run as a woman after two females were assaulted while exercising on Canberra trails.
But while police warned women to 'stay vigilant' in the aftermath of the attacks, Mr Pocock challenged the advice, stating it 'puts the burden on them when it should be on the men doing the assaulting'.
Data shows around two thirds of women experience abuse while running, with a staggering 82 per cent of women admitting they felt concerned for their safety while exercising outside.
Meanwhile a 2020 survey of American women, suggests that figure could be higher, with 90 per cent of female respondents stating they had experienced unwanted attention while running, with 24 per cent saying it happens often.
These shocking statistics reflect the all too common challenges females face simply for doing something men likely wouldn't think twice about.
It's this point that Mr Pocock wanted to highlight in a recent video he shared on TikTok, where he directly addressed men and asked: 'I'm interested, when you run, what are you thinking about?'
The 37-year-old – who has previously captained the Wallabies and was a Vice-Captain for the Brumbies – went on to explain that when he's out jogging, he will listen to the birds, before stating: 'One of the things you're probably not thinking about is getting sexually assaulted.'
Mr Pocock continued: 'I think it's such bulls**t that we live in a country where so many women are worried about that and are thinking about that when they are out.'
The issue is one that has become a hot topic of conversation on social media recently, with many women detailing terrifying incidents they have experienced in a bid to raise awareness.
Australian athlete, Montana Farrah-Seaton, said she believes being able to go outside to exercise is a 'fundamental human right' – yet safety is always at the forefront of her mind.
'As for my everyday training runs, particularly in the early morning or late evening when light is low, there is an added layer of being aware of your surroundings,' she told news.com.au.
'I do however, try to ensure I have some company with me on these runs or take the run inside.
'But there has been a couple of instances when I have been travelling and running solo, particularly when running through parks, that I have felt a little unsafe.'
The professional ultrarunner from Albury, NSW, said that while she has been 'pretty fortunate', she is familiar with the terrifying experiences shared by so many women.
'I do believe it is a fundamental human right to feel safety in your community,' she said.
Mr Pocock agrees, calling on men to 'talk to our mates' about the rising concern felt among women, particularly when running solo at night.
'Talk to someone about this culture we have created, where we have so many women who are not only fearful, but actually getting assaulted when out running,' he said.
Reaction to the video has been overwhelmingly positive from both men and women, with many praising the MP for bringing such a 'huge issue' to the forefront.
'Thank you. Because I don't know if men know what it's like to walk to your car at night with your keys between your fingers, just in case. Or, on the phone to a friend, just in case. Or, avoiding walking your dog too late, just in case. Imagine living your life in a way that's just in case of the unpredictable,' one woman shared.
'I loved you as a rugby player but I love you more as a stand up man, your political view is inspiring,' another agreed.
As one woman declared: 'At this point I genuinely wish men wore cat bells after sundown.'
'It's vile and inexcusable,' stated someone else.
'I was shocked when I found out how many women runners deal with this. It's huge,' one man responded.
'Great call out David. It is a privilege to not have to think about that,' shared another.
As one guy said: 'Such a huge issue that needs to be tackled at many different levels.'
Meanwhile one bloke said he had been thinking about how 'how privileged I am to be able to go for a walk at 5:30am when it's dark out with noise cancelling headphones and not a care in the world', adding that 'women should be able to do the exact same thing'.
In a bid to help women feel more comfortable when running, Apple recently introduced the Check In Feature, which enables Apple Watch owners to notify a friend when they have arrived at a destination, when a workout session is completed, or after a specific period of time has passed.
Farrah-Seaton said it is a safety tool she now relies on.
'Before the Check In feature launched I would usually message my mum or make someone aware I was going for a run if it was at a time I felt a little unsafe, whether that was location or time of day,' she said.
'However, now with the new Check In feature it allows for ease of this in different scenarios, not just while I am outside running.
'I share my location with my family and a couple of girlfriends and it does give another level of security, especially when I travel interstate and internationally for work. I am usually solo on these trips, so being able to share my location with my mum gives her piece of mind knowing I am safe.'