Running is a great way to get some exercise and relieve stress, but it’s not always the safest activity. What if you’re out for a jog and find yourself in danger?
It’s essential to be careful when you’re out jogging, especially if you’re alone. You may feel safe in your neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean something terrible can’t happen.
If you have a concealed carry permit, you can protect yourself by taking your firearm on runs. A concealed carry permit allows you to carry your weapon safely and legally in public places where guns are prohibited.
Whether it’s an angry dog or a violent human who wants to hurt you, running with a gun could save your life in an emergency.
This article will go over the basics of running while carrying a firearm.
Why Should You Run With a Firearm?
The running community has been rocked in the past few years by a series of attacks against runners. Several high-profile cases have hit the news, and it seems like every time you turn around, there’s another story about someone getting attacked while out on the run.
The issue is especially concerning for female runners because they comprise a large percentage of those who have been attacked.
In a recent Runner’s World report, more than half of female joggers under 30 reported experiencing harassment, often sexual. In addition, a 52-year-old woman was mauled to death by a pack of aggressive neighborhood dogs on the loose.
The statistics don’t lie. In light of these startling incidents, many people wonder whether they should continue their morning runs or give them up altogether.
While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of injury during exercise, you can take some steps to reduce your chances of being targeted by criminals and other dangerous individuals.
One simple way is to carry a firearm with you when you go out for a run.
Here are some reasons why jogging with a concealed weapon is worth considering:
- Running with a gun is an excellent way to protect yourself from animals like dogs or bears that might attack you while you’re out.
- You can use your gun to defend yourself against other people who might try to hurt you on the run, such as muggers or kidnappers.
- You can defend others who may need help during an animal or human assailant attack.
Why Regular Gun Holsters are a Bad Choice for Running Armed
If you’re a runner, you know the right equipment can make all the difference between an exhilarating run and a miserable slog.
So what happens when you add a traditional holster to your running gear? Let’s find out!
A Traditional Ankle Hostler Will Put Extra Weight on Your Foot
Adding some weight to your ankles while jogging will slow you down and be a big distraction. And that is not the only problem with ankle holsters.
While ankle holsters are a popular option for many people, they’re not the best for runners who want a secure way to carry firearms.
First, ankle holsters are often uncomfortable to run in. They can rub against your leg and cause chafing. Thus, it will be hard to focus on running without worrying about the pain in your ankles.
Second, ankle holsters can be difficult to access while running because you have to bend down to draw your weapon. Most importantly, If you prefer running shorts instead of pants, ankle holsters may not be your best bet as you won’t be able to conceal them.
Note: A trigger guard is a must-have in gun holsters. If your holster fails to adequately protect the trigger guard, it can lead to an accidental discharge.
A Traditional IWB Holster Will Pull Your Running Shorts Down
Most athletic shorts are stitched with breathable fabric and a stretchy waistband to keep you comfortable. Unfortunately, no matter how light your pistol is, it’s bound to pull your pants down the second you take off running.
Traditional holsters are great for walking around but not so much for running. They can be bulky and uncomfortable when you move at high speeds. They also don’t give you much freedom of movement — you may feel restricted by them as soon as you start running.
A traditional holster can badly hinder your stride. It may also make it hard to draw your weapon quickly, which could be deadly in a self-defense situation. When you run with a traditional holster on your hip, your stride is thrown off by the weight of the gun pulling down on one side.
As a result, you’ll likely shift and adjust the weight of your gun throughout your run. If you have to run after a mugger or chase down a suspect, the weight imbalance could put you at a disadvantage.
You might also be tempted to dump some of your ammo to reduce the overall weight you have to carry. We get it! But we don’t recommend it.
It’s never a good idea to sacrifice safety for convenience, especially when you carry a gun. Some day you might need every single one of those bullets for self-defense. So make sure you have enough ammo before heading out into the wilderness!
On a side note, try Warfytr Liberty Holster if you’re hell-bent on jogging with an IWB holster. You can attach your gun to your sportswear at any angle and lock it into place. This unique design allows for easy movement and functionality, even during high-impact activities like running and exercising.
The Four Best Ways to Carry Your Gun While Running
What’s the best way to carry your gun while running? We’ve got four great suggestions for you!
1. Funny Packs
If you’re a member of the “fanny pack” camp, chances are you’ve had to deal with some pretty funny jokes about your choice of bag. But don’t let those jokes get to you!
But if you do want to take the joke in stride, here are some ways to deal with it:
- Just laugh it off. Giggling is good for your health.
- Wear a fanny pack that matches your running outfit. Although most people prefer a plain black pack, colorful options may spice things up for you.
2. Chest Packs
The chest holster is the ideal carry for any wannabe action hero. It clips to your chest and holds your gun securely like a baby in a sling. Moreover, chest packs have straps that go around your shoulders and back.
They also include roomy pockets to hold small items like keys or credit cards.
But if you’re wearing a waist or chest pack, you can’t avoid fiddling with straps and buckles before you can reach for your gun. Additionally, you may have trouble keeping the weight centered over your hips or shoulders if you’re not used to wearing one of these packs.
Practice wearing your pack for familiarity when you’re in the field. You should be able to draw your firearm quickly, so get accustomed to those movements before an emergency arises. Again, building muscle memory is vital here!
3. Belly Bands
The belly band holster is designed to hold the gun snugly against your side, keeping it out of sight and secure. Belly bands are comfortable and easy to use, making them a popular choice for runners who want to carry their guns while exercising.
4. Concealment Shorts
While there are several ways to conceal a gun during a run, none are as effective as concealment shorts. Concealment shorts hide your weapon from prying eyes.
Concealment shorts are more comfortable and less restrictive than a holster, but they still allow you to reach your gun quickly if needed.
They have pockets built right into them that hold your weapon in place and keep it from bouncing around as you run. These pockets are also made of stretchy material to accommodate any size pistol — even those with extended clips!
Why You Should Take a Concealed Carry Class Before Running With a Gun
You should be proficient in drawing your firearm and firing it before going for a run with one. If you aren’t sure what this entails, you can find online resources to learn proper safety and handling procedures for firearms.
For instance, a concealed carry class will teach you how to safely and effectively use your revolver in different situations, from self-defense to hunting. In addition, you’ll learn the laws surrounding the use of firearms and how they apply to you as an individual.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. We hope this guide has helped you learn how to run with a gun and feel more confident about your safety when you’re on the road.
Don’t let the fear of being attacked stop you from running — just know you can take steps to keep yourself safe from harm. Running with a gun is one way to be sure you’re prepared to defend yourself.
And remember: the best way to learn how to jog with a concealed weapon is through hands-on training and experience!
