Training on Pavement

CristiLW

I am very excited that the weather here in IL is getting better and I was able to run outside this weekend instead of inside on the track or the dreaded treadmill!  Gosh, I hate the treadmill! A runner friend of mine trained and ran Chicago in the fall and made a comment that in previous marathons he had trained on a trail near our house but felt that was a disadvantage because the marathon was all on pavement.  So, when he trained for the marathon in the fall he only ran on pavement. Personally, I love running on the trail near our homes as it stretches far for wonderful long runs and is covered in places for great shady runs on hot days.  Does any one have any thoughts on just running on pavement if that what the race is?  Do you think that is an advantage?  Personally, I feel that if I get some pavement runs in I will be aok but why not run on the trail ... nice scenery, shade, and a few water fountains too!

thekidduxc

Kind of sounds like your friend is overthinking it.... Just run. Soft surface is great. If you can get some pavement runs in - great. If you can't no worries.

Stephanie Hartmann

I try to do as much running as possible in the grass. I wish I had a nice trail to run on! If it's good enough for the Kenyans, it's probably good enough. Training on the surface you'll run on has no benefit. If you can do what's easier on your body, that's great.

robin sarner

Yes.   whatever allows you to get to the start uninjured with some accumulated miles.         Hokas.       trail runs.       etc.

you can beat your legs up on race day.           I am not familiar with any studies saying training on asphalt, for an asphalt race, is a good thing.

Al Truscott

Doing (and training for) an Ironman is hard enough. It's better to look for ways to have fun, or at least minimize the agony, while you're doing it. Running outside on a dirt path along a clear running stream underneath a canopy of shady trees - that's what I prefer doing over slogging away on city streets.

Gordon Cherwoniak

If I can get a soft surface that's what I train on especially when coming back from a lay off.  The challenge with a trail run is how rough it is, possibly leading to rolled ankles.  I've never had an issue with this but talk with Coach Rich about an ankle he's messed up more than once.

Bottom line, if that's what you like hit the trail and enjoy your run.

Coach Patrick

Bottom line -- your legs hurt after 20 miles no matter what you are running on (for the race) or what you ran on (in training). Ask any trail marathoner...I call your friend's feedback the "grass is greener" thought approach.

Make training fun, diverse, and soft (trails, etc) whenever possible to keep you safe, having fun, and running happy.

CristiLW

Thanks all, that is what I thought you would all say! My friend must be just nuts and if he wants to run on pavement and in the blistering sun all summer, he can have fun with it! I will be on a soft trail in the shade!!