I live in a village and see plenty of runners day and night. The canal and trans pennine trail is part of some of my runs so always see lots. But how dark,cold or remote it might be there will always be a chance of bumping into some other runner!
I like to take Monday and Friday off even when training for a run, I think your mpm times are good and if your slower mpm feel slow then that's good I personally wouldn't run any slower if it feels right it probberley is!
Ps I would take my trainers I know holidays are for relaxing but isn't a nice easy run in the fresh air relaxing?