Yesterday I was mugged on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at 5:10 p.m. in broad daylight near the bottom of the overpass near Gunn Highway. The good news is that I am ok and the punk did not get my gold chain that he attempted to grab off my neck two times. A bike rider came to my assistance after my calls for help.
I wanted to make this public knowledge as a wake-up call to all of my fellow runners who may have become complacent in their daily and weekend runs. Be vigilant-I saw the 4 kids hanging out and saw 1 drop behind me. The warning light should have come on in my mind. It did not. Don’t wear jewelry-dissuade temptation. Keep your cell phone with you when you run. The police were there in 5 minutes after my distress call to them. Try to run with a friend-They may not have come after me if I weren’t alone.
I am heartbroken that my wonderful trail has been poisoned by these punks. Needless to say, I am hesitant to go back there since they did not catch the perpetrators. Be careful-don’t let a situation like this catch you during the one outlet (running) that usually gives us stress relief.
Therese O.
Here is a link to Jeff’s latest newsletter.
