Grass or pavements?

[Timd61]

Nearly at the end of week 3 and all been on grass was thinking of doing it on pavements.

Is there much difference?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I started out on grass to minimise the impact on my joints, which is quite significant. Running on grass is slower and also more energy sapping. Good road shoes, fitted after gait analysis, can help reduce impact on harder surfaces.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yes... as IannodaTruffe says... grass and tracks can have uneven surfaces and really test our running skills...and the pavement pounding etc can be fairly unforgiving ..good shoes for road running are essential.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

My view is that if you have the option to run off road, take it (although it is also good to mix up your routes so it might be a pity to be too slavish about that)

I am very strict about my surfaces, for reasons which don't apply to most people, and won't do more than a couple of runs in a row on hard surfaces (be that trail or gritstone edge) and almost never run on tarmac or paving slabs. I can really tell the difference in my body when I do.

I like a bit of bog really, wet up to the calves is most refreshing.