Running on grass - why so hard?!? : So, finally... - Couch to 5K

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Running on grass - why so hard?!?

Leosmit profile image
LeosmitGraduate
17 Replies

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.

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Leosmit profile image
Leosmit
Graduate
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17 Replies
roseabi profile image
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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to roseabi

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

Womangolfer profile image
WomangolferGraduate

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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to Womangolfer

Feel better that it isn’t just me! 😆

Wenderwoo profile image
WenderwooGraduate

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

CJMumma profile image
CJMummaGraduate

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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to CJMumma

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

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to Curlygurly2

I like that description - legs screaming!!

Oldlady57 profile image
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 profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

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 profile image
ThisoneistryingGraduate

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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to Thisoneistrying

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

Thisoneistrying profile image
ThisoneistryingGraduate in reply to Leosmit

😱 can you imagine?!

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

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 profile image
LeosmitGraduate in reply to Elfe5

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

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

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!

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