Another, but unrelated reason not to run with headphones- you can’t use them in organized runs or competition, so don’t train with music lest you become “addicted” to it!

I say, let’s bring back the on-the-shoulder ghetto-blaster! (no, not really.)

Golden Silence- regarding “But sometimes one doesn

I’ve learned from a safety workshop to never use your headphones—not even in the daytime, and to only use your cell phone in case of an emergency, not to have a lengthy conversation (even the “talk with a friend on the phone to feel safe”-type conversations don’t do anything to make you safer or more alert).

Also, making noise helps. When I have to go home alone at night, I’ll have my keys in my hands (as opposed to buried in my purse) and jingle them. I sing out loud as well, not caring how bad I sound. Any type of noise makes you less vulnerable to attacks.

And one more thing – I believe the time has come for new ideas to make this community a safer place to live for law-abiding citizens, even if it means a temporary cessation of some of our constitutional rights.

I

I was mugged one block from the U street metro station at gunpoint by two dudes sitting outside just waiting for someone to take advantage of. Now, if I’m in the area, I run two and from those stations.