WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE IN MY RUNNING SHOES?

Is there someone you could run with? Safety in numbers! I would be scared too, bad stuff happens. Maybe carry pepper spray or something? A personal alarm?

Yeah, is there someone you can run with? That seems like the best plan, or try a different trail like BaileyBoo suggested. Maybe try running somewhere there's lots of people, even if you can't find a particular buddy.

Also, does the harassment/stalking usually happen at a particular time of day that you can avoid? In my neighborhood recently there was a spate of "man taking iPhones from young women alone" type of thing, but he always struck after dusk so I just didn't go out at night without the boyfriend until it died down. (Not running-related, just in general.)

Carry pepper spray and a cell phone at all times. Stick to daylight running or well-lit areas. Make sure someone knows your route and about how long you expect to be gone.

Keep the phone where you can get to it easily. If someone gives you the creeps, hold it to your ear and act like you are calling in a report; let them see you looking at them and their plates. If they don't get the hint, make the actual call.

Whatever you do, don't look scared or intimidated. Head up, shoulders back, and an expression that says "Don't even THINK about it!" A nervous, timid woman looks like an easy target. Don't be that woman.

I would recommend a self-defense class to any female anywhere. (Well, to the ones who didn't have mean big brothers or cousins to deal with growing up, lol.) If nothing else, it's good exercise and you might come away with a bit more self-confidence.

Be safe out there, and enjoy C25K!!

Don't walk/run on your own - make sure you take a different route and a different time every day - have pepper spray.

You may want to contact the police department and ask them - what would they suggest.

I would agree with most of the previous posts. Numbers helps, and even though I would consider myself a very capable person that can handle myself if needed, I still carry pepper spray with me when I am on the backroads or trails, mainly concerned there could be wild animals. But yes a cell phone at all times. I have never thought of what someone previously mentioned, "Don't run the same path." That is very good advice now that I think about it.

I go with my dogs. No sane person would ever approach me with my two 75 lb beasties.

That being said, no sane person would put herself and her child at risk to go for a jog. Please be careful. I always carry my cell phone when I go out. You never know when you might come across a situation where you need to call for help. My husband recently came across something, a tazer attachment for a cell phone. Not legal in my state without a license to carry a concealed weapon.

My husband knows my routes, where I am going and how long I expect to be gone. I usually get back home 5 minutes before he gets upstairs in the morning. If I go in the afternoon, he gets home a few minutes before I finish. Even the girls I work with know where I'm going for my lunchtime walk. When we were on vacation I mapped out my walk for my husband and sat around for 2 hrs chomping at the bit because the sun didn't come up until 7am and I didn't have my beasties to walk with me.

Try getting a buddy to go with you or finding a place indoors. If that isn't an option, try reaching out to those in your community who frequent the same areas. Perhaps you can watch out for each other.

Safety first! I think self-defense training is an excellent idea, not just for this situation but in general. I'd look for an indoor place to run, or find an adult running buddy.

I'd be nervous too!! Everyone already gave you great advice!!! Stay well!!