Correlation between trail and flatlander running...

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

9 years ago 09/01/2014 6:56pm EDT

So, my approach to marathon training has been a little irregular. I do my shorter runs (mileage 5-7) during the week and then hit some mountain bike trails (11.5 miles/2.5 hours) on the weekend. I like to think that all that up and down, etc. is worth more than a flat run for the same distance.

Any of you running-educated folks care to give some feedback on just how much more I am getting by doing my long runs on trails? Is there a correlation (positive) between trail running and distance running?

9 years ago 09/01/2014 7:51pm EDT

re: Sub135

Since no one has replied yet, I'll give you my opinion.

Trail running is good for strength building and endurance, but it shouldn't replace your long runs. The pace on trails is slower. You tend to be working hard up hills and then coasting on the downhills because they're often too steep or too technical to run at race pace.

You're running slower and using your muscles differently than you will during the marathon, unless it's a trail marathon.

If you want to run a fast marathon, your long runs (or at least most of your long runs) should be on pavement and on terrain similar to your goal race.

That said, trail runs are great for taking the pounding off your legs and getting in long (time-wise) runs, but you'll still need your 16-22 milers on the road.

9 years ago 09/02/2014 10:50pm EDT

re: fisky

I guess I have three weeks to train before tapering and I need to get some long runs in.

Back to the grind.

9 years ago 09/03/2014 4:09am EDT

re: fisky

fisky wrote:
trail runs are great for taking the pounding off your legs

Not your knees, they're terrible for that.

9 years ago 09/03/2014 6:14am EDT

re: Bad Wigins

Bad Wigins wrote:
fisky wrote:
trail runs are great for taking the pounding off your legs
Not your knees, they're terrible for that.

You're probably right on that. The only trails around here are pretty technical, so I tape my plantar fascia and ankle. That prevents a lot of the roll that causes knee problems.

Since he's doing his training on trails and didn't complain about knees, I'm guessing he's not prone to that type of injury.

I find that my feet, calves, hamstrings, quads, and hips all feel better after a 2 hour trail run than the same time spent on the road.

My original point was that hilly trails (like the OP run on) aren't the same as the roads he'll be on in a marathon. There's a lot more lateral motion on trails and less of a constant stress because the pace is changing frequently.

Some of his long runs should be on the road. Trails are great for his other runs.

9 years ago 09/03/2014 8:20am EDT

re: Sub135

They are highly correlated, with an r of about 0.83.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Correlation between trail and flatlander running...

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Correlation between trail and flatlander running...

Follow Sub135

Block Sub135

Follow fisky

Block fisky

Follow Sub135

Block Sub135

Follow Bad Wigins

Block Bad Wigins

Follow fisky

Block fisky

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.