Running surfaces? What’s better?

[Asriel]

Does anyone have any advice/experience as to whether it is better to run on hard or soft running surfaces i.e. tarmac/paths or grass/earth? I have the choice of both and wondered what the pros/cons are. Thanks.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just different... road running harder impact wise.. but the tracks and trails can be hard too and with undulation of grassy surfaces, can be tricky and challenging to negotiate...even though they are wonderful... I road run when the fields and tracks are sodden or snow bound...

As Winter comes, we sometimes have to make allowances and run routes which are not favourites...

Just very different... I love my fields... but recognise sometimes that a short 3K around the village and back can be what is necessary.. and each and every run, where ever it is, is a joy. Try both... they are different and fun!

[Asriel in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the great advice

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

There’s slightly more impact running on the hard stuff. The soft stuff gets very soft in prolonged wet weather, and grass gets as hard as the road in prolonged dry spells, and not as smooth. I go for the soft most of the time, but I’d recommend running both. Many parkruns are bits of both, there are races on both, most marathons are on road.

[Asriel in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks that’s really useful

[Hidden]

I've tried running along the grass that grows next to the pavements but it felt so uneven that I feared I would twist my ankle or something. Now I permanently stick to the roadside - the cars can either run me over or get out of my way. 😜

I suppose it's one advantage to living almost in the middle of nowhere, I can run in the middle of the road - avoiding the camber - in the quiet back-country lanes.

[Asriel in reply to Hidden]

That’s a great tip. Thanks!