Options for running surface

[gxinfinity]

I'm, getting ready to start a 9-weeker that builds you up to about 40 miles a week (I seriously need to reduce the bodyfat and work the cardio before starting to build back up weight wise) that I've shamelessly ripped from the an eBook copy of the SEALS training guide.

Anywho, in the same guide, it mentioned that road courses are supposedly horrible for your mechanics and will lend you to injury, and that level grass or the good old track are much better (as long as you switch directions.)

Is the difference really that big? Auburn's campus has enough ups and downs that my normal run is basically a paved cross country route. My other option is the intramural fields just down from my dorm - smooth grass.

Personally, I hate running circles...but if the road course is killing my legs...?

 

[Larrabee]

I'm, getting ready to start a 9-weeker that builds you up to about 40 miles a week (I seriously need to reduce the bodyfat and work the cardio before starting to build back up weight wise) that I've shamelessly ripped from the an eBook copy of the SEALS training guide.

Anywho, in the same guide, it mentioned that road courses are supposedly horrible for your mechanics and will lend you to injury, and that level grass or the good old track are much better (as long as you switch directions.)

Is the difference really that big? Auburn's campus has enough ups and downs that my normal run is basically a paved cross country route. My other option is the intramural fields just down from my dorm - smooth grass.

Personally, I hate running circles...but if the road course is killing my legs...?

i would go with a mixture of both, change it up and keep it interesting. Running is going to put a lot of stress on your body either way. You may want to take one of those workouts and do it on a bike. That way there is much less stress on the bones and joints in your legs.

 

[Run in DC]

I recently saw the results of a study in a newletter from the American Council on Exercise that concluded, as you might have guessed, that running on grass is much less jolting to your body than running on concrete, which is at the other extreme end. On the other hand, since it is an irregular surface, running on grassy fields could also lead to twisting your ankle, especially if you're not an experienced runner or otherwise have not developed the stabilizer muscles in the foot and ankle. Also, keep in mind that running sneakers are not necessarily designed to stabilize your ankle, as compared to a basketball shoe, for example.

 

[Larrabee]

I recently saw the results of a study in a newletter from the American Council on Exercise that concluded, as you might have guessed, that running on grass is much less jolting to your body than running on concrete, which is at the other extreme end. On the other hand, since it is an irregular surface, running on grassy fields could also lead to twisting your ankle, especially if you're not an experienced runner or otherwise have not developed the stabilizer muscles in the foot and ankle. Also, keep in mind that running sneakers are not necessarily designed to stabilize your ankle, as compared to a basketball shoe, for example.

Thats why I said just mix it up. Either way you are putting a lot of stress on your legs.

 

[Run in DC]

Agreed. I don't have many grassy field options but run on grass occasionally. The paved jogging trails near me are a decent surface, not as hard as concrete but still not exactly cushy. Some track surfaces, however, can be pretty good. And while a little off topic, the way you run can have a big effect on how much your legs are impacted by running. At the very least, avoid sitting back in your stance and running on your heels or even mid-foot.

 

[Larrabee]

Agreed. I don't have many grassy field options but run on grass occasionally. The paved jogging trails near me are a decent surface, not as hard as concrete but still not exactly cushy. Some track surfaces, however, can be pretty good. And while a little off topic, the way you run can have a big effect on how much your legs are impacted by running. At the very least, avoid sitting back in your stance and running on your heels or even mid-foot.

If you do run alot you should check out something like Magnificent Mobility DVD by: Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson.

it can help protect against muscle strain from the inpact fo running

 

[gxinfinity]

Thanks for the advisings - I'm going to try doing the grass/field runs three days a week and the campus course the other two. I'll post how it turns out.

You may want to take one of those workouts and do it on a bike.

If I only had a bike