Do you ever wonder why you see runners in the street when there is a perfectly good sidewalk to run on? I get that look all the time, especially from the UPS delivery man who seems determined to run me down every time he sees me!
The reason that runners prefer the street over the sidewalk is because of the amount of shock absorption of the running surface and the impact it has on our bodies. Just as not all shoes are created equal, neither are the running surfaces that our Asics hit upon.
Here is an overview of the different surfaces we can choose from:
Concrete: usually the most accessible, however it has very little “give” to it. Your bones and joints are going to absorb most of the shock as your feet literally pound on this pavement. Avoid if possible!
Asphalt: Although a better choice than concrete, there is still a lot of force on impact. Most roads also tend to slope inward, so you end up running at an angle, which over time could lead to injuries. Make sure that you frequently change the side of the road you run on and always run against traffic so that drivers can easily see you.
Dirt trails: Provide a lot of cushioning from impact with great scenery. The only downside is that you need to pay close attention to your feet so you do not trip over rocks or fallen branches. A great choice if readily available!
Grass: A very soft surface with minimal shock. Be careful for holes, rocks, and a slippery surface. Another good choice if you have access to a large grassy area.
Treadmills: Convenient and provide great shock absorption. The downside is that it is tough to simulate outdoor conditions and can be very boring, especially for longer runs. Good for the short term, but try to do most of your running outside.
So the next time you lace up and head out the door, save the sidewalk for hopscotch, and run somewhere else. Your bones and joints will thank you later.
Have you been active today?
{ 9 comments }
I love running in the street, but I’m always afraid some car is going to side swipe me from behind. I used to run on tracks at the nearby schools and colleges because they have nice shock absorbancy too.
Stephanie Quilao’s last blog post..An unexpected reality of your career: Bitch, Slut, or Secretary
Oopsie, just noticed you have a link to my last blog post on BISJ. I’m using some naughty words so not sure how clean you like to keep your blog. If you want to delete it, no problemo.
I definitely prefer good ole asphalt…I too am guilty of running in the middle of the street!
So sorry to disappoint you… I changed the rules of the contest to allow guesses until Friday! Definitely check back then and any time you feel like it
Britni’s last blog post..Women Throughout the Years
I prefer to run a cross country route. The benefits of this are numerous, plenty of hills, tree roots that make you change your stride pattern, undulating dirt tracks are good for strengthening the leg muscles, and the scenery.
When I do run in town I too use the road. I find the pavements to hard like you mention. One problem with the road though is the camber, not good for long distances.
Daniel’s last blog post..EntreCard 125 Design Winner
What about if you run on brick sidewalks?
Zandria’s last blog post..Brotherly Love
Is it terrible that I hate running on grass? Too many middle school memories, perhaps. But there is nothing I love more than a good trail run. I don’t even mind having to slow down for the rocks & sticks because I’m getting such great scenery. Plus it feels like I’m actually getting somewhere as opposed to the hamster wheel that is treadmill running.
Thanks Lisa!
charlotte’s last blog post..Everybody’s An Expert
I’ll run where ever! I prefer the asphalt and dirt, however, it’s not always easily accessible.
Rachel’s last blog post..Grab your skirt and GO RACE!
I’m not a big fan of natural trails either. I like looking up and at all the things around me. I always find myself looking at my feet to avoid branches, holes and stuff.
I much prefer to leave hiking to hiking and walk the trails and enjoy the scenery. I think of running as a focus of moving faster and looking up at houses and not worrying about my feet. It’s a great way to get landscaping ideas. I love this home on my one mile loop around the house. She has a rose garden. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter, I always envision the beautiful roses that I’ll see when the spring and summer come along.
One of these days, I hope to have a yard that will welcome runners as they run the neighborhoods. Oh, wait this isn’t the gardening blog. Workout, run, yes. Run, plus it’s just convenient to run in the neighborhood when we have so little time as moms.
Comments on this entry are closed.