Running Surfaces and How They Affect your Body

The greatest thing about running is it’s ultimate flexibility.  That (and wanting to lose some weight) was the reason that I took up running.  I love the fact that you can practically run anywhere – on the road, in a park around a track, in a gym on the treadmill and wherever you may be at home or on vacation.  With all these choices, it’s really hard to think of an excuse not to run.

If you have a choice in the running surface you run on, opt for the softer surfaces. Softer surfaces will reduce the sress and strain on bone, ligaments, tendons and muscles and make your run more enjoyable all around.  Asphalt is preferable to concrete and dirt or bark mulch even better. With softer surfaces the impact is absorbed in the ground and not on your body. 

A word of warning though, with softer surfaces, there is usually a bit more uncertainty as to how level ground is.  Running on trails in the park can usually have some big tree roots sticking out or equally as dangerous would be a grass surface, which can mask holes in the ground.  Just be aware and don’t drag your heels.

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