Grass or tarmac

[Patjoub]

Which is the best to run on? I was talking to an ex runner yesterday and she said running on tarmac is damaging to your joints should I start running on grass instead? I thought it would be harder as it’s uneven

[spscollins]

I find grass a bit soggy after rain. I tried both and as jogging goes, I prefer tarmac.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Grass generally provides less impact to your joints than tarmac and concrete provides a greater impact. Grass, because of the often uneven surface that you mention, builds the small muscles around ankles, but also is more energy sapping than firmer surfaces.

I started running on grass to try to minimise impact on my dodgy knees. Five years on my knees are stronger than ever. Running tends to build, rather than destroy muscle strength, and aid bone density and it is, in most instances, only if you do an extreme amount of running (say multiple marathons in each year) that you are likely to suffer permanent joint damage.

C25k is recommended to be run at an easy conversational pace (see the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... A slow pace, with no overstriding, so footfall is under your body, no heelstrike and wearing proper running shoes (the most important factor) fitted after a gait analysis, carried out at a specialist running shop, are all ways to keep impact minimal.

[Amandana]

To me this is like which vegetables are "best" for you... the ones you'll actually eat.

Run where ever you'll actually get it done. If grass is an easy option you're likely to use and there isn't some kind of hump to get over (like driving there, the fact that it's dark when you're up before the sun, etc) that's likely to get used as an excuse not to go... go for it! Otherwise, just run where it's easiest for you to actually get out the door.

[Ripcurlrana71]

Personally I’m only running on tarmac because I find it more stable. I tried to run on grass last week and it was too wet and my socks started to get wet. Horrible feeling! I will give it another go as the Parkrun is run partially on grass too and don’t want to rule running out in certain situations. Just wait for it to dry out.