Is running on the roads slower?

[Jts1972]

I finish work at 5.00am so like to go out as soon as I get home. It's too dark to be running in the park, I'm not scared of the bogey man, honest, but where there's little light it's hard to see if there's anything on the path and I'm scared of going over in my ankle. I've taken to running in the streets now, but I just feel it's quite a bit slower, about 20secs per K. The paths aren't the greatest around here plus there's quite a few junctions I have to navigate. Anyone find that running through the streets is slower than running in the parks?

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I find tarmac is faster than grass, but as you say you have to stop to cross roads etc...you will lose seconds when you turn corners too.Six of one, half a dozen of the other I'd say! Which do you prefer?

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Anywhere where you have to watch your footing or there are obstacles is going to slow you down, as is running in the dark.

I know some people find a headtorch really helpful in winter.

[Jts1972 Graduate]

I prefer running in the park, but on the paths. I've not tried running in grass yet, thinking of having a go in a cross country after Christmas though. I used to love cross county in school.

[orchards Graduate]

Guess it might depend on the grass! What I'm running on is mainly a mix of tracks with ruts from tractors and paths down the edges of fields, woodland or orchards (of course ) Lovely to be out in it but you do have to watch out for your footing which i guess slows me down. Then there are stiles and gates...

[Terrorrun Graduate]

Running in the dark always slows me down