With the 2016 Olympics Games that began August 5th, it is hard to remember that there is a world that exists outside of Rio, Brazil. Tuning into Facebook throughout the day, I am greeted with statuses about the USA team's' victory, and our current title of having the most medals. On Twitter, most of my peers are tweeting about their love for Michael Phelps, or how the girl's gymnastic team can get it. But what I have hardly seen is people talking about the two joggers that were just recently murdered.

On August 2nd, 30 year-old Karina Vetrano set out for a jog in the late afternoon in an upper-middle class neighborhood in Queens, NY, only to never make it home. When her father, a retired firefighter, began to worry about her well-being, he called 911. Around 10:30 pm that evening, her body was found in a marshy area covered by over-sized weeds. It had appeared that she was raped and strangled to death. Mr. and Mrs.Vetrano are devastated, as well as the community of Howard Beach. They recall Ms. Vetrano as being a kind-hearted and a nature lover. As of now, police are still looking for the person who could have done such a terrible thing. But the community can't help but question, "How safe are our children?"

On August 7th, 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte, a New Yorker visiting her mother's home in Princeton, Massachusetts, was found burned and murdered about half a mile from the home. Employers described her as bright, caring and ambitious. Similar to Ms.Vetrano's case, both young women were attacked and murdered during the day, before the sun had even begun to set. However, police have ruled out that these cases are connected.

Now, I am in no way a runner. I have the worst ankles and knees, you would think I am a 50-year-old woman. But many of my friends go for jogs, especially at night. Recently, in my city of Staten Island, NY, there have been three muggings at one of our major parks in just one week. Fortunately, those who were attacked are safe. But with the attacks on August 2nd and August 7th, I can't help but be fearful for those who do go for jogs, or even walks during the evening hours of the day.

Some things to remember if you're going for a jog or walk:

If you're out for a jog, and you see something or someone suspicious, call 911. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

If you're going before or after the sun goes down, try and run with a friend or two. It is always better in numbers.

As hard and boring as it may be, never jog with headphones in. Your ears will help you.

Try to jog or walk in well-lit paths, near a major road or highway, or areas that tend to have a crowd.

And to the parents of Karina Vetrano and Vanessa Marcotte, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.