No longer running on grass : Had to stop running... - Couch to 5K

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No longer running on grass

Joopoo profile image
15 Replies

Had to stop running in the park (on grass) as not lit and evenings getting darker. Did first run on tarmac/concrete and seemed so much more difficult! Is it actually harder to run on concrete than grass, or was this just all in my mind, I wonder....

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Joopoo profile image
Joopoo
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15 Replies
Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

I have been running on concrete and asphalt since I started out doing this 2 years ago. Regardless of what I read on the Internet, I am much more comfortable running on hard surfaces and feel it to be much less tiring that running on soft surfaces. Perhaps it is just because I am used to it???

Joopoo profile image
Joopoo in reply to Bazza1234

Thanks for the reply and encouragement. On another note how do u cope with running in winter when it's really cold? (I only started this plan in July)

Rignold profile image
Rignold in reply to Joopoo

run faster

nhs2015 profile image
nhs2015Graduate in reply to Bazza1234

I think Bazza it could be because you are used to it? Same with me. I run on the beach and find it harder to run on concrete or asphalt. When I change route if it is a concrete path all along, I run on the grass alongside it. I just need something softer. Now that I am back into it with a vengeance I chose the beach as I feel more comfortable there.

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate in reply to nhs2015

I ran on Surfers Paradise beach last weekend - only about 2K -- but I did not like running on the slope of the beach . I had to run close to the water's edge - as further up the beach the sand is far too fine and soft to run on

nhs2015 profile image
nhs2015Graduate in reply to Bazza1234

You are right on this Bazza, at this time of the year my beach is still a little bit on a slope as well. It makes me lopsided. I give it another month and it should be flatish.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

I mostly run on farm tracks and paths which I like because of the scenery and lack of traffic, but I do think it is actually a bit easier running on tarmac. At least you don't have to be looking at where your feet are going all the time!

Joopoo profile image
Joopoo in reply to Ullyrunner

Yes that's true! I will be 'running' (I am v slow) again tomorrow so will see if it's any easier. Thanks

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

My experience is that it's faster on tarmac, but gentler on the joints on grass. As always, variation is king :)

Joopoo profile image
Joopoo in reply to Tomas

Thanks. Will go out positively tomorrow

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Tomas

Precisely this.

ridingstar profile image
ridingstarGraduate

I agree I find tarmac easier to run on. If I do part of my run on grass I am always happy when it's time to change to tarmac :)

Joopoo profile image
Joopoo

Ok. Thank you. Maybe I will find it easier tomorrow

Rignold profile image
Rignold

I hate running on tarmac. Joint jarring, bone bruising, monotonous and boring. Grass or trail is much more fun.

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Rignold

And this. Speed is less important than joy, I reckon.

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