1/ I returned to roller skating recently. I was a roller-skating waitress in college and always loved skating. I skate outside every day.

Here's why it's challenging for women to exercise alone outside:

In the approx 20 times I've skated *alone* outside in the last month:

2/
- I was skating in a "secure," mostly empty parking lot. A man chased me in his car, jumping curbs bc he couldn't stop when I leapt into the bushes.

- Today, when I skated on a basketball court, a man pulled up in his car, watched me, and began masturbating.

I need a group.

3/ And that stinks. That I can't just go out alone in the middle of the friggin' day.

This happens to just about every women and girl, and it's not okay. And we MUST be allowed to talk about it.

Sorry to be a downer today.

4/ (In case you want to know how I handled it: I called the police when the car chased me. They filed a report and had security camera footage, but it was not clear enough to make out the license plate. Today, I did nothing but flee, because it doesn't seem to actually matter.)

5/ Before you tell me that's not enough data, please pause and look at the broader pattern of data in the country, the world... And also -- just imagine what it feels like to find something healthy that you love doing outside, but have experiences like that when you do it.

6/ I know the VAST majority of men do not behave this way. But I still wish it weren't as common as it is.