Running preference? Road/trail/ track/ tread/naked/hills

Sherylmarlee
Sherylmarlee Posts: 224 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
As a somewhat new runner....always hated it in the past since I had only ever tried it at the track or pavement, but I have fallen in love with trail running. Curious as to what everyone else prefers..... Do you go for distance or time?

Replies

  • JackShow70
    JackShow70 Posts: 49
    I have never been a runner either. My dogs have to be walked every morning, so I decided to incorporate some running/sprints. I guess I am still not a runner, because I prefer going hard for short intervals and getting it done :)
    I get out around my neighborhood. We went hiking last fall in the mountains (going again this Oct.) and I love that environment. Treadmill is a last resort when I'm at a hotel or the weather is not cooperating.
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    Right now I run in the road. Never tried trail running...mostly because I don't know of any around here and I have hardware in my ankle (from a past break) and I worry about the uneven footing of a trail.
  • BootCampC
    BootCampC Posts: 689 Member
    I love running in the park, the shade and trees and trails are a welcome change of scenery
  • Netterz0087
    Netterz0087 Posts: 91 Member
    I used to hate running as well, but I took it up during lunch a couple years ago to get out of my office. I've gone for both. I used to casually run...(3 miles at lunch in like 40 minutes). Then I did some 5Ks for time then I did some distance for a half marathon and marathon. I can't do a treadmill though. I've always trained on roads (no running in circles for me on tracks though!).

    How do you like the trail running? I'm not anywhere near areas where I could trail run and I almost tried it out on the Appalachian Trail when I went to visit family but other things took precedence :(

    Have you had any knee problems, sprains or anything?
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I do a combination of road and multi-use trail running. I used to do primarily single track trail and I really enjoy it, but it's not conducive to doing specific workouts. I wanted to incorporate more single track for easy days until I got Lyme disease a couple months ago. Now I'm leery of going back out into the woods.
  • LaurySch
    LaurySch Posts: 277 Member
    I started a few years back on a treadmill at the gym, then a friend got me to start running on our lunch break (bike paths downtown - almost trails!) and I have never liked the treadmill since. I have a hard time running on grass, I prefer paved paths or tracks and I'm sure if I lived somewhere near some actual trails I would probably enjoy that more because I love the change of scenery and terrain. And if you could tell me where I wouldn't get arrested for trail running naked I'd try that too!
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    Road/Trail. I started by walking on a treadmill but could NOT run on it. Then I liked the track across from my house at the Jr. High school, but I really would rather just GO. There is a trail I hop on for a while otherwise it's road for me.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Where I live there's a few dirt trails and a bicycle trail that's paved. What i pick pretty much depends on the weather and distance i am going for. - If it's hot i pick the dirt trail under the trees. If it's wet, i pick the paved multi use path, if it's not too scorching hot and i want long distance, i run on a dirt trail along a small creek. There is a hiking trail nearby, but it's both long distance and very steep hills, so i am not running that one just yet.
    Since I will be running in the dark in winter, i think i will stick to sidewalks with street lights.
  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    Road and maintained trails (not a fan of rocks and roots). I don't have a real preference unless I am out later in the morning and there is alot of traffic on the roads. I go for distance or time on feet unless it a run specific for speed, honestly, they day I learned to not care about speed on every run was the day I really started to enjoy running (and got alot faster.)
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    ... they [sic] day I learned to not care about speed on every run was the day I really started to enjoy running (and got alot faster.)
    Truth!
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    I am old school. I started running before there were nice, cheap, running watches. So I have always run for distance -- generally always a little farther each time, or each week, until I change the route.
    Plus, I get bored on really long runs. I like hills. Kills your legs. Kills your lungs. You get a good workout fast, and it is easier to get faster and stronger by training on hills.
    When I was a kid we always heard about the legends of Agony Hill in Kenya, where that country's elite runners trained (and then punished the rest of the world), and Heartbreak Hill, the half-mile rise that comes at about mile 19 in the Boston Marathon -- just when you are least able to handle it. So, when I started running, I sought out the inclines, the steeper the better.
    I like trails too. The joy of running is in being outside with nature. I once ran on a trail that passed under the big arching branch of an oak tree, and as I went under that branch, I caught something that moved in the corner of my eye. I turned around about ten yards later and saw a mountain lion jump down from that branch and run away.
    A few days ago, I was on a trial and I saw a flock of about six turkeys flying across the path. They fly pretty well, just not very far.
  • crystalslight
    crystalslight Posts: 322 Member
    All the above! Except naked :grumble:
    Don't know where I could get away with running naked. LOL!
    I LOVE to run.. Road is nice just to feel the pounding of the pavement. Trail is fun because it is never the same run. I love pushing myself to the top of hills. I also love it when I can feel the burn in my rear end. Treadmill running is probably my least favorite but I enjoy seeing my speed and bumping it up. Plus I'm super competitive so if someone is keeping a fast pace I like to match them.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    Road, but going to start doing more trails. Not sure the naked thing will happen though.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Trail is my favorite, except when I run through spider webs.

    And running in the rain is a close second, but not necessarily trails in the rain because then my shoes and socks get soaked.

    HATE the treadmill and have vowed that I will not run on a treadmill again unless it's some kind of medical stress test.
  • Skinny_Jeans_Soon
    Skinny_Jeans_Soon Posts: 326 Member
    Trail running by far. We hit the trails 3x per week and run 2 - 5 miles depending on the day/heat. I did 4 miles on treadmill last night and was bored to tears. I love the nature and can't imagine having to run inside or around circles on a track everyday.
  • jamszy
    jamszy Posts: 123 Member
    Treadmill....I know, I'm crazy but I don't run for fun. Yet.
  • avir8
    avir8 Posts: 671 Member
    Haha naked, if everything was supported and not jiggling but I like trail runs, it makes me feel as if I'm isolated from the dirty roads, and exhaust. I hate hills- can't get away from them here but they're good for endurance training
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
    I love trails. They've changed my entire outlook on running and I'm pretty lucky that I accidentally moved to a place that has such great access to multiple trails. One thing I like about trails, even though it's a little dangerous, is that they make me push myself. If I run six miles out on a trail... well, I've gotta get back somehow, right?

    Roads are okay, though I noticed today that, after running mostly on trails for the past month, I really didn't like having to deal with cars. I have to pay more attention to what's going on and it's hard to just zone out. I felt like I'd run for an hour at least and it was only 45 minutes.

    I'll do the treadmill if I have to, which happens on occasion, but it gets miserable after about four miles. My record is nine, but I probably won't do that again.
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