Hmm. In winter I normally stick to routes that go along the main roads so that there are always streetlights and plenty of people around.It's difficult though if you dont know the area. I think you just need to go and explore the area a little. Carry your phone and personal alarm. Find someone to run with.
Try treadmills instead if you dont feel comfortable?
Either join a local club as Meldy says or work out a route on MapMyRun? Your Uni may even have a running society? Go along to Fresher's Fair and find out what societies you can get involved with that might feature running (i.e. there might be an athletics one as it's more general?)
I went to Cov Uni and found it tricky too - the areas weren't especially nice and people used to get stabbed/raped all the time round there.. just keep your wits about you, run without an iPod (or keep it low volume so you're aware of your surroundings still) and familiarise yourself with some routes and you'll be fine. I was - and I'm the most paranoid person ever
i'm in a similar situation. i'm going back to uni soon and will be living in an area i don't know well. i'm planning on going exploring on my bike next week (i'm moving tonight and i've got about a week till the course starts) to check out routes. i've already planned a route using mapmyrun that goes 'round the block' (living off campus). as winter is approaching my plan is to stick to that route for evening runs (as it has pavements and streetlights - ooooh the luxury!) and then go for longer ones at the weekend. i'm looking forward to being able to run outside in the winter. it's too dangerous where i am at the mo (out in the sticks) and i HATE the tready
i'm also planning on joining a local running club, which will hopefully mean i'm only running alone in the evenings once a week.
good luck!!!
As a student don't you have lots of free time while at Uni aswell to go out running - only kidding .
FB/Dan - I am guessing that Aphridite is a woman and (generally) their perception of danger is very different to most men's. My wife won't run in the park by herself despite the fact our house edges onto the park and I can safely see her the whole way round from my living room.
As others have said, join a club (they may ahve beginners/women only sessions) or put a notice up for other runners - you should find someone, Brum is a big city so there's bound to be someone else there that runs.
I think if you drop to weekend runs only you may loose fitness and therefore your enjoyment of the countryside runs.
FB/dan - i usually do run outside (LOVE it!). i only consider it dangerous on winter evenings as there are NO streetlights or pavements and the idiot drivers around here don't seem to understand what a 30mph speed limit means!!
yeah, i'm a wimp, but so what?
Aphrodite - which uni and what area are you staying in? Might be able to point you in the right direction
(I live SW of Brum & went to Brum Uni, plus I now work in Dudley)
