The difference between trail and pavement running

[pollyp1]

is, in my case, over a minute a mile.

ps: all three runs used for comparison purposes were short and slow (I suspect) and I pushed myself harder on the trail run this morning than I have for ages.

Definitely showed improvements, tho.

[Rignold]

yes.

Off-road vehicles are not as fast as F1 cars either.

Although just 1 minute/mile is pretty good going. My trail pace is way slower than road. anywhere from 25-50% depending on the terrain.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Rignold]

It was as I expected! I was curious to see what the difference is for me. I'm still trying to get a consistent pace.

I say trail, I mean the paths in our local woods so not extreme but definitely hillier and with more roots. Sadly, tho, only 1.5 miles.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I take it that you are saying that trail running is slower?? A lot depends on the "trail" of course - I have run on "trails" that are just gravel equivalents of concrete paths. But , in general, the great majority of my running has been on concrete paths and bitumen roads - and I do much prefer this to soft trails (grass, etc)

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Oh yes, definitely slower. I say trail, I mean the paths in our local woods so not extreme but definitely hillier and with more roots. Not a lot of grass. Sadly, tho, only 1.5 miles.

I've been curious about the difference in time and about my own improvement in turns of stamina.

[misswobble Graduate]

Slower but better for building stamina and exercising the feet and upper body, abs etc 💪🏃‍♀️

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Absolutely. I love it, I just wish there was more around here. I might just have to start driving, or learn to love running laps!

[misswobble Graduate]

Laps are the pits. We need to move forward I check out new runs, which you can measure, using Goodrunguide.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, not heard of that. My problem is living in the middle of a very urban area - apart from the lovely woods at the top of the hill - I am slowly and reluctantly coming to the conclusion that I will have to start driving again. At least it will open up other ares of my life too - there is only so much you can do on public transport!

[Dpsl Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

I understand your reluctance to drive. It seems so counterintuitive to get in a car to go somewhere to get your exercise!

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Dpsl]

Exactly! Also the parking around here is rubbish and I've not driven for 20 years following a car crash...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is a greater variety of trails than pavements, in my observations​, so one minute​ difference will not hold for the more extreme off road routes. Mind you, some of the pavements around here have become​ rather more like ankle twisting trails than safe smooth walkways.

Off road is just more fun.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I didn't really think it would! And, yes, much more fun. And also I am slow regardless of pavement or trail, so loads of room for improvement.