Running on grass - why so hard?!?

[Leosmit]

So, finally got free time, but very frosty. Too scared to run on pavements/roads, thought I’d be smart and run around playing fields. Reckoned as grass is softer surface it should have been easier... I was like an old donkey pulling a cart load of peat... legs heavy and really tough going. Check this - did 0.5 miles less than my usual runs! But still did the 30 minutes and was chuffed with that.

[roseabi]

Well done, superstar!!!

I find it depends upon the type of grass. On the really short, sheep-nibbled stuff up on the hills it's fabulous running! But on longer grass, where you can't see the troughs and dips because of the grass, it can be a bit treacherous. Also the softness can bog you down a bit, as you noticed. But like most things, if you stick with it it will get easier xxx

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Hopefully that was a one-off! Will try a pavement run tomorrow!

[Womangolfer Graduate]

I always run on roads but have had to run on grass once due to slippery roads, however I also found it really hard.

Hopefully you will get back on the road soon.

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Womangolfer]

Feel better that it isn’t just me! 😆

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done....a change is as good as a rest, so they say.

[CJMumma Graduate]

I found that too! I went a run in the woods a while back and wow it was a slog 🥵 First 5 mins in and I wanted to give up. I was listening to Laura’s podcast and she was keeping the beat but I just wanted to mute her haha. I kept going and was about 30 seconds off 30 mins as I was back at the car and had already circled the busy car park gathering a few stares 😂 guess it’s better impact wise for joints but defo tougher on the muscles 🙈 well done for completing the 30 mins though, that’s determination 👍🏼

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to CJMumma]

Ha! I do that too - run around the car til the time is up!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I remember my first all-grass parkrun I could hear my legs screaming.. then just whimpering quietly! Next time it was much easier, and after that I got some trail shoes because I really like this parkrun - trail shoes make it much easier.

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

I like that description - legs screaming!!

[Oldlady57]

I’m much slower on grass too. I’ve stuck with it as I’ve been injury free since changing from road running ( problem with both knees prior to running on grass) Do what you feel happy with & just enjoy your run👍🏻 oh, I’ve also found that when l occasionally do a road run I’m quite a bit quicker ( for me anyway) 😉

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I only run on grass if I have to. Hate it! But then again, it might be nice in summer when its really dry and cut short! I take my hat off to people who do it all the time. Far more stamina than me!

[Thisoneistrying Graduate]

Well done for doing the 30 mins. Like others have said I think it depends on the grass. I tried sand once. Never again! 😂

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Thisoneistrying]

Yeah, Parkruns on a beach - that would be awful!

[Thisoneistrying Graduate in reply to Leosmit]

😱 can you imagine?!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I like running on “softer” surfaces- short grass, firm wet sand, cinder tracks - good for my joints, away from traffic, - but yes, slower. I just snail along gently disregarding speed. 😄

Having said that, muddy, slippery tussocky grass is not fun! 😂

[Leosmit Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Snail along! That’s a great description 😂. Thing is, snail or hare, you’re doing it!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Interesting to hear that! I have never run on grass & always imagined it to be this romantic soft surface 🤣Think I will stick to my dune path!