People feel various things while running. It could be fatigue, peace, or of course runner's high.
“It's harder to get there than people think,” said runner Courtney Busse-Jones.
Jennifer, who also runs, said, “It's like time to myself. It helps me focus and focus a little bit.”
But the last thing they should feel is unsafe.
“I know I have to be a little more cautious,” Busse-Jones said.
The disappearance and murder of a 22-year-old female college student while on the run has caused anxiety among people.
“The investigation suggests they had no relationship. He didn't know her at all. I think this was a crime of opportunity,” said University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff. Clark said.
Police said Laken Riley was jogging during the day and was later found dead near a lake on the University of Georgia campus.
“It's so sad that something like that happens when you're just doing it for fun,” Jennifer said.
“We can do our best to stay safe, but we can't guarantee what others will do,” Busse-Jones said.
Courtney and Jennifer often run outside, but it's usually just the two of them. Both said they take extra safety precautions, including peeking over their shoulders, turning down their music and running with their cell phones.
“Unfortunately, if I see someone coming in my direction, I just try to stay out of grabbing distance,” Busse-Jones said.
“When you're relaxing and doing something fun and enjoyable, you always have to stay alert,” Jennifer said.
Both stress the importance of being careful while exercising to prevent a simple workout from turning into a tragedy.
“It has to be something you think about,” Busse-Jones said.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested in connection with the death.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says Ybarra entered the country illegally in 2022. However, police have not linked his immigration status to the crime.
