Different performance on gravel than on normal road

Training Advice/Discussion 5k/10k

2 years ago 01/10/2022 9:24am EST

* I train in San Francisco but do some 5K Parkruns in Palo Alto (45 miles away from SF).

* In SF I run on normal roads but the Parkrun has gravel trail.

* In SF I consistently improve my 5K time trial with last solo time trial with 17:35.

* However, my Parkrun time remains around 18:20

* I use Nike Alphafly on both surfaces.

My question, does shoe matter on different surfaces as far as performance goes.

The only other difference is AQI. Both the courses are flat.

Would you be able to explain why I am slow in Parkruns?

2 years ago 01/10/2022 9:28am EST

re: jainyg.tymeit.5k

With gas being so expensive in SF, I can not travel to PaloAlto everyday to train.

However, I am doing a solo time trial on road in PaloAlto tomorrow. Same Shoe.

Then a solo time trial in PaloAlto on Parkrun course but Hoka mach 4 shoe.

2 years ago 01/10/2022 9:28am EST

re: jainyg.tymeit.5k

In this thread some idiot asks if running on gravel is slower than running on pavement.

2 years ago 01/10/2022 9:38am EST

re: varicela

If you mean running on gravel is slower than pavement, then would you know how much slower?

Anyways my question was about shoe. Would changing the shoe will make any difference?

Some guys in Parkrun have done the course in 15:10 and 16:15 etc.

2 years ago 01/10/2022 12:30pm EST

re: jainyg.tymeit.5k

Think about how the Alphafly works.

Then ponder the difference in surfaces and traction.

Voila! You have your answer.

2 years ago 01/10/2022 1:09pm EST

re: jainyg.tymeit.5k

jainyg.tymeit.5k wrote:
* I train in San Francisco but do some 5K Parkruns in Palo Alto (45 miles away from SF).
* In SF I run on normal roads but the Parkrun has gravel trail.
* In SF I consistently improve my 5K time trial with last solo time trial with 17:35.
* However, my Parkrun time remains around 18:20
* I use Nike Alphafly on both surfaces.
My question, does shoe matter on different surfaces as far as performance goes.
The only other difference is AQI. Both the courses are flat.
Would you be able to explain why I am slow in Parkruns?

depending on how firm the gravel is, 5-10s per km can happen. Also depends on how you run. A great and powerful stride for road and track can be less "optimal" for gravel conditions. I would not change any stride for a parkrun though. Just run :-)

2 years ago 01/10/2022 1:28pm EST

re: varicela

varicela wrote:
In this thread some idiot asks if running on gravel is slower than running on pavement.

It really depends on the gravel. On gravel roads with really thick rocks and not really patted down it's going slow you down a lot. But on a gravel path that is very refined and smooth, nicely patted down. I don't notice much of a difference.

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