Road or trail?

[LoungeLizard2018]

I'm in week 2 and I've been doing my running on the downs (prefer no people) rather than road/ pavement. Given I've never really run, hence couch to 5k, I'm not really sure if that's a good thing or not? Does the programme work the same way or is road better? Any pointers gratefully received. Thank you! 😁

[YoureDoingGreatPet]

I think the best surface for running on is whichever you personally prefer. You need to be happy doing it, so run in your happy place. That’s what will get you to graduation.

I started running off road, twisted my knee and had to have 5 weeks off. I’ve always run on pavements since, with the exception of parkrun. I know people say grass is kinder on your knees, but I find my knees and ankles are happier with the stability of firmer and more even ground. When the going gets rough I seem to be a lot more tense.

Apparently if you really want a challenge, try running on the beach. I’ve not tried it myself yet, but it’s supposed to be more challenging.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

YDGP has it spot on. I am used to running on pavements so that is what I find easier/prefer. I know I need to branch out and try trails, parks, etc.

If you ever do decide to run on a beach for goodness sake only run on the wet bit near the sea - dry, powdery sand is a nightmare (so I’m told).

[LoungeLizard2018 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Haha, my nearest beach is full of large pebbles, so no chance of that! 😆

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I find grass hard! Prefer road/pavement but each to their own

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Each surface is different and presents its own challenges.

I mix mine up a bit, mainly because early in my running I realised if I registered for a race I needed to be used to whatever suffice came with it.

[Sharon_B Graduate]

I’m on Week 5 now. I started the programme only running off-road, as not many people about, and heard that it was less stressful on your knees. Have now changed to pavements though, as the ground was very uneven and I was constantly worrying that I would get an injury. Also found that it used up a lot of concentration to try and avoid all of the dips and holes.

[Hidden]

I want to run on trails! I just sense the ground would be more giving and less stressful to your body.

I love to hike and walk in the woods and know so many great places to go...but I'm weirdly afraid to trip on a root or rock and break my arm(s). It feels strange to have this fear as I am so comfortable on trails otherwise...but running is so new to me I can see this disaster happening.e

I'm most curious about people who start this program in the dead of winter on a treadmill and then "graduate" outdoors in the spring. I wonder how that is?