Is it safe to run alone around woodland/footpaths?

Im 26, female but only 4ft 11 and petite. I remember doing some self defence training for my nursing course and everyone was asked who out of the group would they choose to attack and people everyone said me because im smaller/weaker. It kind of worries me would you say its safe to run around woodland/footpaths at about 2pm? I hate running on roads with all the noise/fumes etc.