Thanks for all the great ideas... I've only ever carried pepper spray one time in the past (thanks kaplods for the tips on practicing with it) because there was this dog that used to like nipping at my ankles when I went by... But I never would have used it on him because I always thought it was his "people" that weren't channeling all that energy in a more positive direction (I know, I know I attribute way to many human qualities to dogs...)

I actually have 2 dogs, a big Lab who is like a 100 lbs. and the biggest sweetheart in the world who has quite the bark and actually scares some people (which always surprises me) and a pit bull from a rescue who has a head like a cinderblock who is also a big sweetheart, once you get to know him... and I truly believe he would rip the throat out of anyone who tried to attack me... The problem is that they're both 10 years old now... and I don't think they would be all that interested in tagging along for my long runs... I think they might say... "I love you and all, but you're gonna have to come up with a different bodyguard solution, because I'm NOT IT!... now isn't time for like my 20th nap of day or something... lol...

That's really scary! I'm not sure what they're called but my nan gave me a little keyring thing which makes a seriously loud and high pitched noise if you pull the pin from it and wont stop until it's put back in-I guess it's some kind of safety alarm. It has a clip which would also sit over a pair of trousers too so might be good for running.

Might be an idea to note down any time you (hopefully don't need to though!) see this guy again so if you do contact the Police you can provide a bit more to help them investigate-Be safe!

So I just wanted to update everyone... I took your advice and I went to the police and Im glad I did... but now I'm actually even a bit more freaked out... Here's what happened...

The police were very nice and took it very seriously (which I was worried about) they had me talk with a detective and I actually was able to identify the guy from a mug shot! So here's where it got even more scary... Turns out the guy is wanted for get this... Threatening to kill and ex girlfriend who has a restraining order against him... apparently he has a history of weapons, drugs, and assault charges... and if that isn't bad enough he recently threatened to kill a federal judge so the the FBI is looking for him too! I'm not trying to sound overly dramatic here, but I was actually physically sick thinking that I crossed paths with this person...

I'm actually a bit relieved now because thank God nothing happened to me... I just really wish I got the name of the gentleman on the horse who was kind enough to help me out... I would really like to thank him in person...

Oh my goodness! Shocking! I'm so glad you went to the police about it. I don't think any of us expected that turn out. Think we were all thinking it would just be safe to report it so the police know.

It is a shame about the man with the horse. Maybe you will cross paths again one day.

Hopefully you'll feel safer when out running now.

I just wanted to explain that I was trying to do one big post thanking everyone for all their advice and support and the update with what happened when I went to the police today and I kind of got side tracked with talking about my dogs which probably sounded like I was being a bit glib... and it turned into 2 posts back to back...

Sometimes I feel like I come across as not taking things seriously, but I think it's just my way of coping with stress...

Just another update... the detective called me and let me know that they arrested the guy... and that he is being held without bail... and that apparently he's facing up to 20 years as a result of the threats that he made to that federal judge... (I guess if you just threaten to kill your ex girlfriend, not such a big deal, but threaten to kill a federal judge... and WATCH OUT!... but don't get my started about that...)

Anyway I haven't gone anywhere near that trail since this all happened, but I'm gonna take some suggestions that I got here... and head out there maybe tomorrow and see how I feel....

Thanks once again for all the support and great suggestions...

Be Safe Everyone!

Glad they got the creep. One down . . . a bajillion more to go.

Yikes, what a story! At least they arrested the guy.

I sometimes walk on a bike path along the Hudson but I feel a little too vulnerable there, since there aren't many people. It sucks to have to worry about such things.

When I was in probation officer training, our self-defense class instructors would often say that women especially, but everyone needed to trust their gut, because the worst offenders preyed on the fact that people (especially women) fear that they're over-reacting when they feel that creepiness vibe.

We were taught (women and men) that if we felt we were in danger, to trust that gut instinct and to avoid wasting time by questioning it. Assume the danger is real, and act accordingly - don't worry about looking foolish, better to look foolish than to be hurt or dead because you didn't want to be embarassed.

And since we were were told that as law enforcement agents, it goes double for everyone else. Looking foolish is the least of your problems, and most of the time that "creepy" vibe is telling you something you need to listen to.

I'm so glad u are are safe! If it were me I might bring a friend the first time I went back to that place even if your friend would rather just walk. Just in case it brings back any residual feelings from such an ordeal. Who knows what that nut woulda done if he coulda caught up to you. I'm so glad he's behind bars but there are always more freaks out there. I walk and hike in a forest with great jogging trails but I don't ever go alone because I'm a chicken. I'm about to go now and take my mom with me. Don't ask why taking a 68-yr old woman as a bodyguard makes me feel safe, but at least there is safety in numbers. Good job going to the cops. Even if you felt silly, obviously it was the right move and I'm sure the detectives are glad you did too.

Thanks once again to everyone here for all the support... I actually didn't go out on that run today... I decided to stick close to home and do my "run" in the pool instead... But I am looking forward to getting back out there, and I'm determined to not let all of this get in the way of that...

time will also help you feel better getting back out there as well

for instance: one time we had a 500-pound black bear break into our house at night and it charged my DH in our living room and he shot it...it took a great deal of time for us to be comfortable at night after that and even now i still have some heeby-jeebies leaving any doors open past twilight lol

WOW. That sounds nightmare-ish. I'm so glad they caught the guy! This kind of thing is one of my worst fears about living in big cities... and my city is nowhere NEAR the size of NYC.

@Alaskanlaughter- that sounds incredibly scary.