Running off road vs paved footpaths and another rookie error!

[Lilleth27]

Hello fellow c25k-rs! I've amazingly completed week 7 and about to knock on week 8's door tomorrow 😀 Up until last week I've been running by the river on an earthen path complete with mud puddles and stones, loving the freedom of the countryside - a far cry from the dread of school cross country!! However Saturday's deluge meant I had to face my fears of running on the pavement rather than the inevitable mudslide, so compromised by setting off after dark instead of the morning and it was a totally different experience. I'm not sure if it wasn't having to concentrate so much on where I was treading, it being a totally different feel underfoot of a smooth surface with different friction... In future I'm not sure whether to purposefully mix it up, perhaps just keep the pavements for rainy days/after dark adventures? For the experienced runners, would you need different trainers for off-road vs pavement? I'm hoping to get my first proper pair tomorrow after finally locating a local running shop. My cheap adidas starter pair have compressed down on the outer edge of the heels already...

As for my rookie mistake, I hadn't thought ahead and occasionally ended up in pitch darkness as I'd forgotten the road I was along wasn't lit and didn't always have cars lighting the way, doh!

Lastly something strange has happened... On Facebook a friend posted a beautiful picture of a lake in Switzerland that had a path alongside. My first thought was what a beautiful path to run... Help!!! 😉

[pollyp1 Graduate]

You're way beyond help!

[Lilleth27 in reply to pollyp1]

😂

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Welcome to the world of running - next it's music with the right beat.

[Lilleth27 in reply to ancientrunner]

Not even thought of that! Guess thrash metal should stay off any future playlists for a while 😉

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I run on pavement mostly, and you're right, it's an adjustment to run on other terrain. I like it all (minus deep snow or long grass) so I say mix it up. That way you'll be ready to run anywhere or for any event you want to sign up for.

I also crunch the heels down very badly on my shoes. I'm finding I need to replace them every six months or so, though I know most folks get much more mileage out of their shoes.

[Lilleth27 in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks, I'm glad I wasn't imagining it. I shouldn't be surprised they're crunching down already, I used to have the segs of shame hammered onto the outer edge heels of my school shoes as I wore them down pretty quickly 😉

[Qscout Graduate]

A good headtorch is essential for night running and don't forget your hi-vis stuff. I just wear a workers safety vest was only £2-£3's. I got my headtorch from alpkit as it also has a red light on the back as well as the white light on the front.

As for trainiers I only have the one pair, however, you can get trail shoes so if you are going to be doing most of your running off road they might be better, they have much better grip for off road. Not quite foodball studs but pronounced tread pattern.

When you are at your sportshop definitely ask them.

[Lilleth27 in reply to Qscout]

Thanks, it was a bit of a quagmire this morning and decided it was probably working my balance too staying upright 😉 I'll see what they say, hopefully they'll know the area so know what to suggest.

You've reminded me that I've got a hi-vis vest in the car somewhere from part of a work safety thing. Excellent 😀

[misswobble Graduate]

Oh dear you're sunk! Now you see paths on in terms of running you are on a slippery slope, possibly quite literally in your case when running off road. It was a bit hairy on the trail yesterday wasn't it. I had to back up when I saw an imminent mud bath, and had to back track to more sound trail. Fun though!

Running trail and or road is a good plan. Road running can be hard on the legs and a bit samey if you run on the same stretch too much. Switch routes often or you get fed up. I like to run up Knob Hill and gawp at the big houses. Best when its dark! Tee hee Lovely at Christmas time!

If you are going to make trail running a regular occurrence then best get a proper shoe. They have grippier soles to cope with mud. Although there's possibly nothing that will do well on sheet ice. A lady posted on here a recommendation for ice shoes though, she's in Norway. I forgot what they were called .... the post is here somewhere ... goes off to sift through em