I was just wondering what the general consensus was for running roads vs trails for effectiveness. When running on the flats on a road I like to maintain around a 7 min mile, but I have found road running to be mind numbing and tedious lately. I enjoy trail running much more for normal miles (not tempo or speedwork) but was wondering if I could get the same benefit as running on roads. The reason I raise this question is because I cannot go as quickly in the trails (up and down hills, over roots, through mud pits) as the roads but my heart rate is about the same. I'm probably hitting 7:30-7:45 in the trails. So in essence would I be getting the same benefit if I switched to doing more trails runs if my pace is slower but heart rate is the same?