CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's a discussion that started on Twitter, a viral thread about what women do to stay safe while exercising outdoors.  But, this conversation is continuing offline.  

  • A post online by Amanda Deibert about runner safety has generated more than 15,000 shares and 2,000 comments.
  • Some commenters said they preferred to run with a dog, others bring weapons.
  • Hyatt Coin and Gun's owner Larry Hyatt says he sees women customers daily looking for a variety of weapons to take with them while exercercise outdoors.

"It's a shame," said Bethany Barnes, a Charlotte resident. "I think people should be able to be free and enjoy themselves and enjoy nature and you can't do that because of the world we live in."

 

Barnes is grateful for the awareness Amanda Deibert brought with her post that has generated more than 15,000 shares and 2,000 comments. Some commenters said they preferred to run with a dog, others bring weapons. Hyatt Coin and Gun's owner Larry Hyatt says he sees women customers daily looking for a variety of weapons to take with them while exercercise outdoors.  He says pepper spray is his best seller.

"I think that happens in more than just exercising just out in day to day life we have to be careful and be more vigilant," said Kelly Tomlin, a Charlotte resident.  Tomlin's boyfriend was surprised to find out she puts her keys in between her fingers when she runs to protect herself.

"They wouldn't have to understand it because it doesn't happen to them as often," she explained. 

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