TRAIL RUNNING

PROS AND CONS OF TRAIL RUNNING AND ROAD RUNNING

Road running

Pros

Roads give easier performance tracking as most roads, especially in a town or city, are graded and contain mile markers that inform the far you have gone. You also focus on running without worrying about choosing the routes to use or avoid. The movement is also faster, more so on a flat road.

Cons

Running on harder surfaces easily injures muscles and could worsen with long distances. If there is traffic, road running can be hectic and dangerous. Furthermore, frequent running can increase repetitive or overuse injuries because every landing occurs with nearly a similar foot strike.

Trail running

 Pros

I love trail running as it reduces the running impact, thus favoring my muscles and joints. Trails are good for strength training and stamina because the uneven terrain challenges you to give it more effort. It also gives peace of mind due to lack of traffic and cars. Moreover, you get less frequent injuries due to overuse because your foot strike is not similar.

Cons

Trails need carefully calculated steps because you do not know where your foot will land. The softer trail surface can also absorb your foot landing, giving less bouncing. As a result, you spend more time and cover less distance.

Anastasia Filipenko
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Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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