Best surface to run on: asphalt vs grass vs sand
jxspxr
Posts: 150
Is this true: Running on grass is better for your joints then running on asphalt. Running on soft sand (that you sink 5-10 cm in each step) is better then running on grass.
Or: the softer the ground, the less you wear your body by running (but also the more effort it takes to run on it).
Just want to check my assumptions here. I don't mind putting more effort in running, but I do mind if I damage my body. I try to avoid running on asphalt/concrete as much as possible. Let me know what you think and what surface you prefer! Thanks!
Or: the softer the ground, the less you wear your body by running (but also the more effort it takes to run on it).
Just want to check my assumptions here. I don't mind putting more effort in running, but I do mind if I damage my body. I try to avoid running on asphalt/concrete as much as possible. Let me know what you think and what surface you prefer! Thanks!
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Replies
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bump ...kinda curious what everyone says.
I run on asphalt as much as i can sand and dirt hurt my knees.0 -
I think if youre healthy & run with proper form it doesnt matter much what surface you run on. I jump from the sidewalk to the road and back depending which is cleaner and has the best surface.0
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I've known many people that say softer surfaces like treadmills or trails are easier on your joints than pavement. I've never seen anything scientifically done that proves this.0
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No scientific reasoning here but running in sand always kicks my butt. It's a lot harder for me and I don't enjoy it. I prefer a solid ground where I have a less likely chance of twisting something. I've never really noticed a difference on certain surfaces. My shoes are what make the most difference.0
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I know that sand is much more difficult to run on, since you have to expend a lot of energy just dealing with the sand itself (you sink, have to pull feet out, etc).
As far as grass vs asphalt, I think the grass may be slightly less impact, and so in theory better for your joints, but it is also a lot less even. You are at much greater risk for a twisted ankle (or knee), a fall, etc, from running on uneven grass. I generally run on the road (I live in a low traffic neighborhood, run against traffic, but stay on the shoulder) or a paved trail.
Running shoes are much more important. The proper pair of shoes will reduce wear and tear on your joints, as well as your feet. Get fitted properly at a running store - I wear size 6 in everyday wear, but my running shoes are an 8. They are more expensive (I spent about $100 - more than on any pair of shoes, even my fancy ones!) but it's worth it!0 -
Soft wet sand is the best.... Because it would be on the beach next to the ocean.
Let me illustrate
Beach, you can run barefoot and in a bikini. Roads, you have to deal with snow, shoes, etc.
So to sum up, I'd rather be running on a beach.
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Is this true: Running on grass is better for your joints then running on asphalt. Running on soft sand (that you sink 5-10 cm in each step) is better then running on grass.
Or: the softer the ground, the less you wear your body by running (but also the more effort it takes to run on it).
Just want to check my assumptions here. I don't mind putting more effort in running, but I do mind if I damage my body. I try to avoid running on asphalt/concrete as much as possible. Let me know what you think and what surface you prefer! Thanks!
Grass and sand are excellent to run on for people who get shinsplints, whereas running on asphalt or concrete will exasperate the problem.
I however, run on concrete/asphalt because it is convenient for me to do so. Grass in the UK is great but in winter, most of it ends up like a bog due to the rain.0 -
Water.0
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I run on asphalt because that's what's around here LOL however I prefer to run on sand or gravel. I don't know why -- and this could be completely psychological -- but I feel like I run faster on that type of surface and it seems easier on my feet.0
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Water.
I figured this was already implied.0 -
Is this true: Running on grass is better for your joints then running on asphalt. Running on soft sand (that you sink 5-10 cm in each step) is better then running on grass.
Or: the softer the ground, the less you wear your body by running (but also the more effort it takes to run on it).
Just want to check my assumptions here. I don't mind putting more effort in running, but I do mind if I damage my body. I try to avoid running on asphalt/concrete as much as possible. Let me know what you think and what surface you prefer! Thanks!
The question is propositioned on the idea that running is hard on your joints........it's not if you use good form and do not suffer from a condition that contraindicates running.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1948208,00.html
http://www.runnersworld.com/health/how-bad-running-your-knees
Notwithstanding the fact that running is not bad for your joints I prefer to run on asphalt rather than concrete. Running on grass or sand are different in that you don't have the same traction you do with a firmer surface - it changes your mechanics and energy expenditure and makes for a nice change occasionally. Personally I find running on the beach (in bare feet) when I'm on vacation is very tiring but it's great that a slight change in direction puts you in the water!0 -
What I want to know is where people find enough grass to run on. I understand the sand thing since in some areas you can find miles of beach but I've never seen miles of grass. Maybe it is because I live in a desert, only pavement and cement to run on around here.0
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I have two questions related to what you've said here. What's the difference between running on concrete vs. asphalt? Is asphalt softer? I run on the concrete sidewalk here (we have a lot of sidewalks so it's easy to run for miles on them). I'm just wondering why you prefer asphalt, how it's different.Notwithstanding the fact that running is not bad for your joints I prefer to run on asphalt rather than concrete. Running on grass or sand are different in that you don't have the same traction you do with a firmer surface - it changes your mechanics and energy expenditure and makes for a nice change occasionally. Personally I find running on the beach (in bare feet) when I'm on vacation is very tiring but it's great that a slight change in direction puts you in the water!
The other question is about running on the beach. I was going to post my own question about it but figured it made sense in here. I'm going to the beach tomorrow. If I want to go for a run, would I do that barefoot? I certainly don't want to run on the wet sand in my $100 running shoes. But will I mess up my legs/joints or anything if I run barefoot? Is that what people do when they run on the beach?0 -
Soft wet sand is the best.... Because it would be on the beach next to the ocean.
Let me illustrate
Beach, you can run barefoot and in a bikini. Roads, you have to deal with snow, shoes, etc.
So to sum up, I'd rather be running on a beach.
^ This, but you have to remember to dodge the sand castles and occasional deep hole.0 -
The trail I run on has a grass shoulder. But since I am liable to trip and fall on anything but a smooth surface, I stick to asphalt or concrete... I'm just that uncoordinated. :blushing:What I want to know is where people find enough grass to run on.0 -
What I want to know is where people find enough grass to run on. I understand the sand thing since in some areas you can find miles of beach but I've never seen miles of grass. Maybe it is because I live in a desert, only pavement and cement to run on around here.
Not sure about the US. In the UK we have large areas of parkland with lots of grass.0 -
I have two questions related to what you've said here. What's the difference between running on concrete vs. asphalt? Is asphalt softer? I run on the concrete sidewalk here (we have a lot of sidewalks so it's easy to run for miles on them). I'm just wondering why you prefer asphalt, how it's different.Notwithstanding the fact that running is not bad for your joints I prefer to run on asphalt rather than concrete. Running on grass or sand are different in that you don't have the same traction you do with a firmer surface - it changes your mechanics and energy expenditure and makes for a nice change occasionally. Personally I find running on the beach (in bare feet) when I'm on vacation is very tiring but it's great that a slight change in direction puts you in the water!
The other question is about running on the beach. I was going to post my own question about it but figured it made sense in here. I'm going to the beach tomorrow. If I want to go for a run, would I do that barefoot? I certainly don't want to run on the wet sand in my $100 running shoes. But will I mess up my legs/joints or anything if I run barefoot? Is that what people do when they run on the beach?
Yes, concrete is a harder, less forgiving surface that asphalt. I can feel it in my quads and feet more than anywhere else.
You won't ruin your shoes if you get them wet. Stuff them with newspaper to dry them out. If you choose to run barefoot and you don't do it on a regular basis, you will have very, VERY sore calves after you run, especially running on sand, even the wet sand closest to shore.0 -
I have two questions related to what you've said here. What's the difference between running on concrete vs. asphalt? Is asphalt softer? I run on the concrete sidewalk here (we have a lot of sidewalks so it's easy to run for miles on them). I'm just wondering why you prefer asphalt, how it's different.Notwithstanding the fact that running is not bad for your joints I prefer to run on asphalt rather than concrete. Running on grass or sand are different in that you don't have the same traction you do with a firmer surface - it changes your mechanics and energy expenditure and makes for a nice change occasionally. Personally I find running on the beach (in bare feet) when I'm on vacation is very tiring but it's great that a slight change in direction puts you in the water!
The other question is about running on the beach. I was going to post my own question about it but figured it made sense in here. I'm going to the beach tomorrow. If I want to go for a run, would I do that barefoot? I certainly don't want to run on the wet sand in my $100 running shoes. But will I mess up my legs/joints or anything if I run barefoot? Is that what people do when they run on the beach?
Yes, concrete is a harder, less forgiving surface that asphalt. I can feel it in my quads and feet more than anywhere else.
You won't ruin your shoes if you get them wet. Stuff them with newspaper to dry them out. If you choose to run barefoot and you don't do it on a regular basis, you will have very, VERY sore calves after you run, especially running on sand, even the wet sand closest to shore.
^ I'd add that you will also find that sand acts just like sandpaper after a few kilometers and if the bottoms of you're feet aren't conditioned to barefoot running then you better tape them first.0 -
I used to run (I don't anymore cause I don't want to take a chance). I had arthroscopic hip surgery from a tear and my doctor said I could technically still run, but not to do it on asphalt. I'm worried about twisting my ankle on grass and I'd rather walk on the beach. I do miss running though. :-(0
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I have two questions related to what you've said here. What's the difference between running on concrete vs. asphalt? Is asphalt softer? I run on the concrete sidewalk here (we have a lot of sidewalks so it's easy to run for miles on them). I'm just wondering why you prefer asphalt, how it's different.Notwithstanding the fact that running is not bad for your joints I prefer to run on asphalt rather than concrete. Running on grass or sand are different in that you don't have the same traction you do with a firmer surface - it changes your mechanics and energy expenditure and makes for a nice change occasionally. Personally I find running on the beach (in bare feet) when I'm on vacation is very tiring but it's great that a slight change in direction puts you in the water!
The other question is about running on the beach. I was going to post my own question about it but figured it made sense in here. I'm going to the beach tomorrow. If I want to go for a run, would I do that barefoot? I certainly don't want to run on the wet sand in my $100 running shoes. But will I mess up my legs/joints or anything if I run barefoot? Is that what people do when they run on the beach?
Asphalt has a little bit of give to it, concrete doesn't . I feel less beat up after a longer run (for shorter runs I don't really have a preference).
As to the beach.....some people will run in shoes (especially if you're on firmer sand) some barefoot. If you're not accustomed to running barefoot approach the change conservatively because you mechanics are different, keep the run short & slow. My main reason for running barefoot on the beach is that I can just duck into the water without worrying about my shoes.0 -
I hate running on asphalt..... I would prefer to run dirt trails... But you know it's a good day when you're running on a beach in sand!0
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What I want to know is where people find enough grass to run on.
Golf course (before/after hours of course)0 -
If you have good quality shoes and proper form, you can run anywhere and maintain healthy joints. However, if you wear trail shoes on the road or vice versa, you will not benefit from the construction of the shoe and what each is meant to protect and capitalize on. This is coming from a dummy who wore nothing but cross trainers for years until I eventually needed knee surgery in 04 to unf*** my ACL/meniscus/plica. The Air Force paid $20K for a procedure that a $100 pair of proper running shoes could have prevented.0
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i run a dirt trail that is 3.1 miles around (Memorial Park here in Houston)
i work downtown and wouldn't mind running the concrete streets i see a lot of people doing during their lunch hour, but FOR ME, my knees scream for dear mercy when i do
i've run on a beach when i went on vacation and would like to do it more often (when I lived in San Diego I didn't know how good I had it, there isn't much here as far as beaches go)0 -
+1 what you said
soft dirt is my fave
:-)0 -
trails (dirt/grass/rocks) are my fav because I like having to adapt to the changing terrain. I have heard that wet sand is actually harder on your joints than cement (cement is harder than asphalt) and should be avoided. I have no idea if this is true or not. Dry sand, though.....totally soft but so hard to run it! Makes for a great workout.0
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I have just started running and do not have the best running shoes, so I run on the grass along a trail near my house because when I run on the asphalt trail I do get shin splints. I see a fair amount of runners on the grass as well (there is a well-worn trail in the grass now, which makes it really dirt), so I assume there must be a reason? Everything is different for everyone though.0
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Well, all our sidewalks in my city are concrete...so I'm mostly stuck with that, but try to find a few park/forest trails on ashphalt and dirt/grass here and there...or find a high school with a track in the middle of my run and go around it a few times to give my legs a break...0
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Personally, when I go out, my strategy is to run against traffic, and then I pick grass, then asphalt and then concrete as my running terrain, switching off and on between the three as they are available (and clean and runnable!). I like the slight variation of surface on a well maintained grass stretch, and then agree with everyone on the softer asphalt surface against concrete. I also run in the middle of the road when there's a quiet stretch with good visibility, so as to keep the surface more level and avoid any issues associated with road crowning.0
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