I am Jodi Fisher, founder of Go Guarded. Go Guarded was born several years ago when I first started running. I was new to running and did not yet have a running squad, so it was solo runs for me. I was on one of these evening solo runs in a nearby public trail, and I inadvertently took a wrong turn. I accidentally veered off the main path, ending up in an unfamiliar, isolated part of the park, somewhere remote and secluded. I quickened my pace and eventually returned to a busier section, but the fear for my safety during solo runs stayed with me.
Personal Safety Meets a Runner’s Reality
My career has always been in law enforcement and criminal justice, so the importance of personal safety has been drilled into me. As such, off I went on a search for safety products that met my needs as a runner. The search was disappointing! I was shocked by the lack of convenient, comfortable, effective options that made sense for runners.
Creating Go Guarded from Scratch
Although I had no product development experience at the time, my personal safety experience, and a ton of hard work led to the creation of Go Guarded. The first product I created was the Go Guarded Ring. (insert pic here).
Go Guarded Ring is a great safety tool for runners for several reasons. It is extremely convenient; just slip it on and go. As it is worn on your finger rather than carried, your hands remain free to tie your shoelaces, adjust your ponytail, reset your watch, etc. And since it is worn rather than held, it is less likely to be taken away and used against you, which is one of the pain points of other safety tools. And most importantly, it is always ready. You will not be fumbling around in your fanny pack to try to find your safety device when every second matters.
Expanding the Line: Hand-Held with Pepper Spray
The second product I created was the Go Guarded Hand-Held with Pepper Spray. (insert pic). This is a great self-defense tool for runners for the same reasons the Go Guarded Ring is. The Hand-Held conveniently attaches around your hand via an adjustable strap, leaving your hands free. And like the Go Guarded Ring, since it is attached to you, it is less likely to be taken away and used against you. It is in hand and always ready. The best part of the Go Guarded Hand-Held is that it is a “Double Defender”. The pepper spray can be used to deter an attacker, but if that is not effective, or you are in a situation where you are unable to deploy it, you have the second option, the Go Guarded knife. While deterring an attack is always best, if that is not possible, we’ve got you covered.
The Go Guarded Hand-Held with Stun Gun
The next product in the line-up is the Go Guarded Hand-Held with Stun Gun. (insert pic) And while I hate to choose favorites, this is the one. With all the same features that make the Hand-Held with Pepper Spray so effective for runners (hands free, attached to you, always ready, multiple defenses), the Go Guarded Hand-Held with Stun Gun takes it to the next level with its painful shock. Plus, the loud, eerie crackling sound of the stun gun is often enough of a warning to fend off potential attackers (human, canine or coyote). Nobody likes that sound!
A Mission That Still Matters
Even though I take pride in how far Go Guarded has come, and the role it has played in keeping people safer, there is still much to be done. We should be safe to run, walk, hike, and travel in peace but until that time, Go Guarded will continue to make the best self-defense options available.
