Who here makes a conscious effort to avoid running on concrete/paved roads?

I do almost all my mileage on the roads.

I literally have no other choice but to run on concrete or asphalt. You are very fortunate.

Yes. Even better if you can find hilly dirt o gravel roads for training. It's more forgiving than asphalt and the footing is better than you'll find on a trail. Check out gravelmap.com to see if there are any roads in your area.

Kennekuk Jack wrote:

Yes. Even better if you can find hilly dirt o gravel roads for training. It's more forgiving than asphalt and the footing is better than you'll find on a trail. Check out gravelmap.com to see if there are any roads in your area.

Great website - thank you for sharing

Simple advice, kid: keep it on the 'crete.

RunningDude1 wrote:

I started doing most of my mileage on dirt paths/trails to avoid the unforgiving hard surfaces. i.e. in a recent 100 mile week, I did 15-20 miles total on roads

So far I've observed some great benefits. I am able to bounce back much quicker on long runs and I no longer have the aches/pains I dealt with when I mostly ran on the roads.

I did my highest mileage totals ever 80,90,100,110,80 for this recent buildup and I feel 100% healthy with no aches/pains whatsoever.

It seems like the Kenyans take this philosophy by doing the majority of their training on dirt roads.. I think they're onto something here.

With a bit of osteoarthritis in one knee I do everything I can to avoid pavement. I do run on sections here and there but 85% probably is dirt. Yes, I am glad I live in a place where that is possible without having to go far out of my way.

i find as a master's runner, i need more cushioning in my shoes, and as long as i do, i can handle the harder surfaces okay.

I just ran 21 miles on the asphalt. I was fortunate my Hoka Bondi only have 1,750 miles on them so they were still a little cushiony.

seattle prattle wrote:

i find as a master's runner, i need more cushioning in my shoes, and as long as i do, i can handle the harder surfaces okay.

agree-I find though each year after 32 years of racing--the "crete" feels a bit harder--I definitely avoid sidewalks if I can-asphalt bike paths are ok, but still I like the gravel trails since i can't turn the odometer backwards!

RunningDude1 wrote:

I started doing most of my mileage on dirt paths/trails to avoid the unforgiving hard surfaces. i.e. in a recent 100 mile week, I did 15-20 miles total on roads

So far I've observed some great benefits. I am able to bounce back much quicker on long runs and I no longer have the aches/pains I dealt with when I mostly ran on the roads.

I did my highest mileage totals ever 80,90,100,110,80 for this recent buildup and I feel 100% healthy with no aches/pains whatsoever.

It seems like the Kenyans take this philosophy by doing the majority of their training on dirt roads.. I think they're onto something here.

WAY past my prime former D1 guy here (just like everyone else) - probably the only reason I can still run is the ease at which I can avoid pavement in Colorado. Although I do try to hit it once/twice a week, I can't go more than an hour before everything falls apart.

I don't mind asphalt, but I make an effort to stay off concrete. At 57, my legs are appreciating softer trails-to-trails and cross country courses.

Nice to meet you RunningCamelDick I am WetMooseFart. Nice to meet you.

I do 95 % of my running on concrete. I really don't think it makes a difference.

I have arthritis in my knee and I've found that, while soft surfaces are nice, level surfaces are a necessity. My knee buckles on uneven surfaces. Even, level pavement beats uneven trails.

Return of Concrete Runner wrote:

Simple advice, kid: keep it on the 'crete.

Dead wrong.

Best: golf course, grass sports fields, wood chip trails, dirt paths...

Helps Avoid shin splints, compartment syndrome, knee and hip problems...

old man shuffle wrote:

Luv2Run wrote:

With a bit of osteoarthritis in one knee I do everything I can to avoid pavement. I do run on sections here and there but 85% probably is dirt. Yes, I am glad I live in a place where that is possible without having to go far out of my way.

I have arthritis in my knee and I've found that, while soft surfaces are nice, level surfaces are a necessity. My knee buckles on uneven surfaces. Even, level pavement beats uneven trails.

Agreed. It is about leveled surfaces. However, I avoid concrete whenever I run. But the surfaces must be leveled or there will be a lot of shifting going on, and the landings will be quite jarring. A choppy trail or grass surface could cause all kinds of physical issues.

DrHuxtable wrote:

Return of Concrete Runner wrote:

Simple advice, kid: keep it on the 'crete.

Dead wrong.

Best: golf course, grass sports fields, wood chip trails, dirt paths...

Helps Avoid shin splints, compartment syndrome, knee and hip problems...

You must be new here.

old man shuffle wrote:

Luv2Run wrote:

With a bit of osteoarthritis in one knee I do everything I can to avoid pavement. I do run on sections here and there but 85% probably is dirt. Yes, I am glad I live in a place where that is possible without having to go far out of my way.

I have arthritis in my knee and I've found that, while soft surfaces are nice, level surfaces are a necessity. My knee buckles on uneven surfaces. Even, level pavement beats uneven trails.

Even/level hard surfaces are best in one way: Predictability.

But better is dirt trails that are level. I've got a few around, and I go out of my way to run on them, when I can run any more. A little bit of concrete is necessary, though, or you end up making your bones softer, which makes your problems worse.

I would run on more trails except i don't enjoy all the rapid twists and turn and ups and downs that they have. I prefer a road (not exactly flat I enjoy some ups and downs just nothing rapid) in the general sense though because there are no flat dirt trails near me.