How do you mentally manage running in mountain lion territory?
Just as the title says. Moved to southwestern CO from front range CO so not a new concern. I’ve always had this huge fear of having a mountain lion encounter, and the trails down here are just quieter and feel spookier.
I totally get that we are living in their habitat so there’s no getting around the fact they exist out here! And I know all the basic stuff — I avoid running around dawn or dusk. I’ve stopped running with music. I’ve found a way to carry bear spray comfortably. I know how to respond if I see one. However, I do still run alone, so I try to pick popular trails.
My alertness easily turns into getting extremely anxious or panicked, especially deeper into my runs. Sometimes I’m in my head about it before I even get to the trailhead. So, it can take a lot of work to be in the right head space to get out there or calm myself down mid run.
Any tips, mantras, facts, etc that have helped you still run with this fear?
Edit: Thanks to the majority of you being kind and bringing thoughtful comments on what I sometimes feel like is a silly fear! I’ve definitely got some new things to consider or try.