Running on grass

[Safc73]

At the minute I am doing my c5k on the local sports field. Is this better than running on pavement as I do not feel confident yet to run around the streets

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Now it’s not as baked as it was a few weeks ago, grass has the advantage if not being solid and so as you land a foot the shockwave sent up your leg isn’t as bad... so your joints will certainly appreciate not being in concrete. I don’t intend to ever run on pavements, but I’m lucky that I have so much green around me. Just watch for rabbit holes, they hurt when you don’t see them!

[Safc73 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thankyou

[Runsome Graduate]

Hi Safc73 i think you get a little more cushioning under foot which is good and I did this for the first half of the C25k. but it does seem to use more energy running on grass so now I mostly run on the foot path 😀

[Safc73 in reply to Runsome]

Thankyou

[MarkyD Graduate]

Pros and cons. Running on grass can be more gentle on the joints compared with running on paths or the road. But the grass running surface is more uneven, and harder on the ankles (and in fact, harder all of your muscles that try to keep you balanced). And you may find that you tend to look down when running on grass, and this can cause neck problems and tension. When you run on path/road you don't need to look down so much, and this helps keep your head up, with shoulders relaxed and open. You'll look to have much better style when running on a path

And wet grass! Meh!

[Safc73 in reply to MarkyD]

Thankyou

[antonioa Graduate]

I run on pavements but use gel heel insoles which cushion the effect on my joints. Worth trying.

[Safc73 in reply to antonioa]

Thankyou

[emily-m Graduate]

I think you're probably fine on grass. Some people really prefer it and don't run on pavements/the road at all. I'd imagine that a playing field is relatively smooth/level. It ought to be, anyway!

I'm in week 4 and still don't like running in the street. I feel a bit self-conscious, especially as it's busy round here with shoppers and people out for the evening. Once I ran on the road at a friend's in rural Cumbria, which wasn't much better. A lady stopped to ask if I needed a lift as I was doing the warm-down walk!

I mainly use park paths, which I'm lucky to have nearby, with a little bit of grass where I switch from one path to anothe,r and a little bit of street running at the top of my loop. I'm going to try to increase this as I run for longer, I think. Maybe try to expand your route as you progress and get more confident? The variation might help you to keep going, too. Good luck! The main thing is you're out there running, wherever you run. 😎

[Safc73 in reply to emily-m]

Thank you for the advice, with me being over weight I am very self aware of how people may look at me. That's why I try on the field lol not may people.

[antonioa Graduate in reply to Safc73]

To be honest, I doubt anybody would give you a second glance

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Safc73]

Honestly do you ever notice runners? Or did you before this? We’re invisible to others, honest!

I personally hate running on grass - it’s a lot harder I think! But each to their own 👌🏽

[emily-m Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

In the park I sort of feel there's a secret society of runners of which I'm mysteriously part. If I ran down Northumberland St in the middle of Newcastle I probably wouldn't feel that, though before I finish C25k I might just try it. 😉 The more runs I do, the less self-conscious I get. Even run in shorts now, which in w1 I never thought I'd do. Runners *are* invisible. It's very powerful.

Confidence, like running, takes work, but you can get there. Like the running, you can build your confidence in stages if you need to. They go together. 😎

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to emily-m]

Ooh another north Easterner to meet on a ParkRun Safc73 👌🏽

[Safc73 in reply to Tasha99]

Yes would love to do a park run when I get good at this running lol

[Safc73 in reply to emily-m]

Thank you for the advice 😊😊😊