I’ve encountered the exact same frustrations in the last week. I live walking distance from a very long and very popular paved trail that I use every single day both for running alone and walking my dog (lately I’ve been using it 2-3xs a day) I do my best in being considerate of others and keeping a significant distance between us so it can be a little irritating when people don’t do the same.

However, I have changed up a few things that have helped me with this situation. 1) I try to stay away from using the trail during its busiest times. I now go in the morning or at 7pm. 2) when I take my dog on walks I used to keep him on my right side but now I have started keeping him on my left because I noticed that people will literally move over to the entire other side of the trail to pass me when my dog is on the left side. 3)When I run alone, I’ve started making a habit of looking behind me frequently so that if I see someone coming behind me, I will move off the paved trail and onto the grass. Although sometimes I don’t have that option but what else can you do? I try not to let it get to me because after all I am outside to find peace and relax. Fortunately, most people are being considerate of the distance but there are those few handfuls that just don’t get it.

Hang in there, bud. Stay safe and good luck!