Run on hard or soft ground?

[Crikey47]

Absolute newbie, 47, about to embark on run #2. I live opposite a gorgeous huge meadow with well-trodden grass tracks, in a village with plenty of pavements. What's the general consensus: running on hard ground or running on soft for joints, back, ankle injury prevention? Any thoughts/experiences most appreciated!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I had a history of knee pain... I started on grass, it’s softer but that does mean it takes a little more energy. My knees are now stronger and pain free and some of my runs are on the road now, but I still love being in the mud!

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I just completed run #2 along the canal, some muddy patches on gravel path, and I enjoyed it more tab the wet meadow run I did for run #1, I think I did find the grass a challenge, constantly looking at the ground for divots (cattle and horses roam free on the meadow) and concern about slipping, but not yet ready for roads anyway, too much traffic both vehicle and pedestrian at that time in the morning. So I think the canal path was a good compromise. Thanks for the advice!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Crikey47]

Yeah, I wish I had a canal in town, they tend to be flat too 😂

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Oh yes, apart from where the bridges are which always seemed to be exactly a few metres after I had to start the running sections!! 😅

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Crikey47]

They did that deliberately a couple of hundred years ago!

My nearest bit of canal is Marple lock flight... 16 locks in a mile and a half... so even my flat is hilly!

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

😂

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If you have the right shoes then it doesn't matter;I run on road though grass is an option but I do slightly worry about puuting my foot in a hole and spraining my ankle if I were to run on the grass and people do say its slower. I like the road but maybe try both or mix it up and see how you get on.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and offers advice on many topics.

Many people suffer from pains primarily caused by impact and my advice includes running on the softest surface available, so grass or treadmill. While giving less impact grass also can be more energy sapping.

Enjoy your journey.

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Just read your very helpful post, thank you!!

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just completed run #2 along the canal, some muddy patches on gravel path, and I enjoyed it more tab the wet meadow run I did for run #1, I think I did find the grass a challenge, constantly looking at the ground for divots (cattle and horses roam free on the meadow) and concern about slipping, but not yet ready for roads anyway, too much traffic both vehicle and pedestrian at that time in the morning. So I think the canal path was a good compromise. Thanks for the advice!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Softer ground does cause less impact. I’m very overweight so my routes are chosen to avoid tarmac and paving as much as possible. Also, now we’re coming into the darker end of the year, the more you can do your running where there’s no traffic, the safer you’ll be. Whatever you decide, if you start to feel jarred by impact, just slow down a little - embrace your inner snail, as we say round here ! Enjoy your journey x

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Oh I definitely have an a inner slug!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Crikey47]

Probably faster than a snail - you’re not weighed down by a nasty heavy shell 😄

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

True dat!! 😂

[JulesAllostock Graduate]

I was one of a group of people at work who started the programme. I run on a bridle path, (gravel, bare earth, mud and puddles). I was the oldest and the only one not to have joint problems during the programme - the others ran on hard surfaces. I'm running further now and found last week my knees did not like running on the bumpy grass verge next to a main road. So the mud and gravel is hard work but apparently a bit better on my knees. I'm very slow too

[Crikey47 Graduate in reply to JulesAllostock]

Very encouraging, thank you!!