Gun-Toting Jogger Reveals Why She Runs Armed

ByMaya Harborlight

A South Carolina mother’s decision to jog with a visible firearm has ignited fierce debate after her TikTok video demonstrating her “run outfit of the day”—complete with holstered handgun—went viral with over 4.2 million views. Mikaela Dieppa, who combines her Amazon-purchased gun holster with Lululemon activewear and Hoka running shoes, has divided opinion on whether armed exercise represents sensible self-protection or troubling normalization of firearms in everyday life.

“For all the people who say I should be concealed carrying when I am on my run, you’re probably not a female who has men slow down and stop to watch them running,” Dieppa explained in her viral video. The mother-of-one claims that her visible firearm serves as an immediate deterrent, with potential harassers quickly moving on once they notice she’s armed, according to The New York Post.

While some commenters praised her proactive approach to personal safety with messages like “Open carry every time,” others expressed alarm at what they view as excessive measures for everyday activities. “This is wild, if you need a pew pew to go for a run there is something really wrong with your country,” wrote one international commenter, reflecting widespread concern about America’s gun culture from global perspectives.

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Personal Safety or Public Health Issue?

“It’s not that I’m scared or paranoid, it’s a fact that women get assaulted in broad daylight all the time, even when taking precautions,” Dieppa stated in follow-up comments. “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” This sentiment resonates with many women who experience harassment while exercising, with a 2023 Runner’s World survey finding that 58% of female joggers report being harassed during runs.

The stay-at-home mom’s assertion that there is “so much less” crime in her state because people open carry highlights the beliefs driving her decision. However, statistical evidence presents a more complicated picture. According to 2020 CDC data cited by The Daily Mail, states with the highest gun death rates align closely with those having the most permissive gun laws: Mississippi (28.6 deaths per 100,000 population), Louisiana (26.3), and Wyoming (25.9).

A 2024 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that suicide by firearm rates increased 18 percent in states allowing permitless open carry, suggesting complex public health implications beyond personal protection considerations. U.S. firearm-related suicides rose from 21,175 in 2013 to 26,328 in 2021, potentially correlating with expanded carry permissions.

From Personal Defense to Political Statement

What began as Dieppa’s personal safety choice has evolved into a lightning rod for America’s ongoing debate about firearms, personal liberties, and public safety. Comments on her video quickly moved beyond practical safety discussions to broader political statements, with supporters declaring “Everybody should open carry… They’d be no more crime crime would go away,” while critics questioned the societal implications of normalized weapons during everyday activities.

The mother’s video also sparked debate about whether open carrying represents effective self-defense strategy or potential risk escalation. Safety experts remain divided, with some supporting armed self-defense and others cautioning that visible firearms could potentially make carriers targets for theft or escalate otherwise non-violent confrontations.

Dr. Melissa Carson, a public safety researcher at Georgetown University, notes the complex trade-offs involved: “There’s a psychological benefit to feeling protected, but we must weigh this against statistical risks of weapon misuse, theft, or escalation. The data suggests armed individuals may actually face increased risks in certain scenarios.”

The Practicality Question: Guns and Exercise

Beyond safety philosophy, Dieppa’s video raises practical questions about integrating firearms with high-impact exercise. The physical demands of running—including jostling, sweating, and potential falls—create unique challenges for safe weapon handling that differ significantly from stationary or low-impact armed activities.

Firearms instructors specializing in women’s self-defense emphasize that those choosing to carry during exercise must invest in specialized holsters designed for activity, maintain consistent awareness of their weapon, and practice drawing and handling while in motion—skills requiring significant training beyond basic firearms handling.

“Carrying during exercise requires specialized equipment and training,” explains certified instructor Maria Rodriguez. “Standard holsters can shift during running, potentially causing discomfort or dangerous situations where the firearm isn’t properly secured. This isn’t a casual decision.”

The Legal Landscape of Ladies Who Carry

Currently, 29 states have constitutional carry laws that permit carrying firearms with minimal documentation requirements. South Carolina, where Dieppa resides, specifically allows open carry with a permit since 2021, when the state enacted the Open Carry with Training Act, creating the legal framework for her armed running routine.

While legal in her state, Dieppa’s approach would be prohibited in the 21 states with more restrictive carrying laws, highlighting the patchwork of regulations governing firearms in public spaces across America. This regulatory inconsistency creates challenges for both gun owners trying to follow laws and law enforcement agencies responsible for distinguishing lawful from unlawful carry.

Self-defense experts emphasize that those choosing to carry firearms must understand not just how to operate their weapon, but the legal framework governing use of deadly force in their jurisdiction—knowledge requirements extending far beyond simply purchasing a holster and gun.

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Alternative Approaches to Runner Safety

As debate continues around Dieppa’s approach, safety experts highlight multiple strategies for runner protection beyond firearms. Running in groups, varying routes and schedules, carrying non-lethal deterrents like pepper spray, using safety apps that track location, and participating in community safety initiatives all provide protection with different risk profiles.

Organizations like the Road Runners Club of America promote comprehensive safety guidelines that emphasize awareness, visibility, and community-based protection rather than individualized armed response. These approaches focus on preventing threatening situations rather than responding to them once they develop.

“The ideal solution combines individual preparedness with community responsibility,” notes women’s safety advocate Jennifer Williams. “Rather than debating whether women should arm themselves, we should be asking why women can’t safely exercise in public without extraordinary protective measures.”

As Dieppa’s video continues generating discussion, it highlights a fundamental reality—that for many women, the simple act of outdoor exercise remains fraught with safety calculations and protective strategies that their male counterparts rarely consider necessary. Whether through firearms, community initiatives, or cultural change addressing harassment, the conversation extends far beyond viral videos to fundamental questions about freedom, safety, and gender equality in public spaces.

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