Difference in terrain? : Hi all I've been... - Couch to 5K

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Difference in terrain?

first_mate profile image
first_mateGraduate
8 Replies

Hi all I've been running in the park since I started (W2R2 tomorrow) but there's been a lot of rain here since my last run and I'm worried it will be too slippery. So I'm thinking of maybe trying my first run on a harder surface, i.e pavement. I'm just wondering if there's any major difference on how I will run/impact on the joints.

Any thoughts or advice welcome. Thanks all x

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first_mate profile image
first_mate
Graduate
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8 Replies
davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

If it's just some damp grass then road shoe's should be OK, if a lot of mud then trail shoes.

The pavement may feel slightly harder, but shouldn't bother you much, for doing c25k. I hope you have some good supporting shoes with cushioning.

first_mate profile image
first_mateGraduate in reply to davelinks

Thanks for coming back to me. They're not very expensive running shoes, as I don't want to spend too much until I know I can / want to carry on with this. But the ones I have seem to be supporting my feet so far, I know they are a cantilever type but that's about it. Sorry this is all a bit knew to me just now.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate in reply to first_mate

Give it a try on the pavement if the parks so bad, slow & steady. My wife used a pair of £12.99 Lidl road running shoe's and they were fine through the programme, then bought a pair for £35 half price in the sale, so you don't have to pay out big money for shoes, if you want to run in the park on dodgy ground at this time of year, then a pair of trail shoes can be got for about £30.. the more mile or karrimor shoes are not bad for this.. don't use them on the road though..

first_mate profile image
first_mateGraduate in reply to davelinks

OK thanks for the tip about the shoes etc. Handy to know

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

In some ways, running on pavement or road can be easier because you don't have to check where you are putting your feet all the time. Can be easier to keep a steady pace. Give it a go - and take in that wind!

first_mate profile image
first_mateGraduate in reply to Ullyrunner

Thanks I gave it a go, and it wasn't as bad as I expected. Got a little blown away by the wind though lol x

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

pavements do have more impact on your joints but you can get bigger speeds.... Just ensure you have good shoes to protect them.....

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate

I generally run on pavements but occasionally cross the common - nothing as tricky as trails but I find running on grass so much more difficult. It just really slows me down and each step feels like it takes double the effort. Grass is supposed to be softer on your joints but I do have well cushioned shoes for pavement/road running. I would imagine it's very much down to personal preference so you can always give it a go and see which you prefer.

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