Tell me about surfaces..

[Ubercrone]

So i'm chuffed to say i did the 25mins on wk 6 today. I've only ever run on field edges, so theyre pretty uneven, tractor tyre ruts and all and i guess my pace is quite careful as i dont want to crack my ankle on this uneven surface. I'm thinking it's about time i got on the road. Basically, is it gonna hurt!?

[misswobble Graduate]

Field edges aren’t great let’s face it so the road should be blessed relief 🙂. Just go steady. If you only have trail shoes you might need to switch to Road shoes

Good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

When I started running it was with the intention of only running off road, to try to save my dodgy knees, so it was trail shoes and fields for me. However, when I wanted to increase my distances it became necessary to run at least some sections on roads.

The impact of smooth, hard surfaces is much greater than grass or ploughed fields but if you invest in some good road shoes they will soak up much of the shock. You will also find that you can cover considerably more distance on tarmac and concrete than on grass as your speed will increase.

As a warning, my first injury came running on the road in trail shoes. Whether the shoes were contributory I have no idea, but it spurred me on to have a gait analysis and get some good, well cushioned road shoes. If a run involves mixed surfaces I opt for the road shoes unless my route involves steep, loose or wet surfaces.

My knees strengthened over the years and I honestly don't mind running on roads, but the best experiences always come while frightening the wildlife in the fields or woods.

Will it hurt? It will be firmer but if you avoid heelstriking, the shock is perfectly acceptable and you will get used to it.

Be brave, try it and see.

[Ubercrone in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thankyou. I am not in youths first flush and don't want to damage anything that will take ages to heal and disrupt the fragile image of myself as a 'runner'. I was kinda hoping i wouldn't need another pair of shoes though...

I love the wildlife too, today a little group of coal tits were flitting and twittering along the field hedge as i ran next to it ....having a bit of a laugh at my pace no doubt.

[trevorjl Graduate]

I've found that hard surfaces are harder on the joints, but soft surfaces are harder on the muscles.

As your muscles are used to soft ground you may find it easier on footpaths, and bound along like a svelte gazelle!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I prefer soft ground & was wary of running on tarmac - like you wanting to avoid injuries.

Running in the dark after work has meant I have to run on roads now - usually 2 of my 3 runs. I do find my knees grizzle a bit more after running on hard ground, but I did have gait analysis and bought some good running shoes - they were a big improvement on my old trainers & my knees seem to be coping. Sometimes I give them an extra rest day if they're a bit sore.