Trails are great for a number of reasons, including how they affect your body. The surfaces tend to be smooth and the views are generally spectacular, whether you can see for miles or walk through an intimate forest-like setting. However, you still need to watch your position in these situations, as the chance of spraining your ankle is higher on the trails.
Grass has to be the best option because it offers a good balance between a soft surface that is gentle on bones and joints and a surface that also gives you more exercise because you don’t bounce immediately like you do. it would when running on harder surfaces. But again, you have to be careful as the grassy surfaces can be uneven at times.
Low impact
First of all, grass is low impact (unlike concrete and asphalt), which helps prevent injuries. Walking on grass puts 9-16% less pressure on your feet than walking on asphalt.
If you suffer from impact related injuries like knee pain, IT band syndrome or hip bursitis, running on grass will make your runs much more comfortable. Also, walking on grass can reduce the risk of stress fractures or shin splints.
Running on grass to keep your balance
Also, running on a more uneven surface improves your balance and because you tend to be more aware of your form. Instead, you’re running on grass, and this will help you develop good form and make your run easier, even when you’re back on the sidewalk, treadmill, or track.
These benefits are why many runners also choose to run on grass early in their training cycle. It’s a great way to build strength and mileage before racing season begins.
The Basics
When it comes to injuries, researchers now believe that no surface is better than another. Concrete, for example, is hard but generally cohesive. Asphalt roads often have cambers for drainage, while the unpredictability of many grass and dirt surfaces can cause instant injury. (Mickey Mantle injured his right knee in the 1951 World Series while running across a baseball field and caught his shoe on a sprinkler.) Your best bet to avoid injury, experts say: Shuffle. Incorporate a variety of surfaces into your workout, including grass, dirt, asphalt, concrete, and tracks.
Advantages
The grass is a softer surface, so you will put more pressure on your leg muscles with each step. This means you’ll train harder, which is great if you like a challenge.
As all road runners know, asphalt is one of the fastest roads you can find, it is easy to measure distances on it, and it is easy to maintain a steady rhythm. Although it is fairly strong, it is a predictable, flat surface that puts less pressure on the Achilles tendon compared to softer or uneven terrain.
In addition, it does not put as much pressure on the joints as with concrete, which helps prevent future injuries.
Disadvantages
You face camber, potholes, traffic, and very unforgiving surfaces, which can really put pressure on your body.
Is It Harder to Run on Grass or Road
Although grass is soft and prone to impact on the legs, it actually makes your muscles work harder. This increases strength and means that you will notice the difference when you return to the road. When it is flat, it provides an excellent working surface for speed (spikes may be required in wet conditions), and unlike a race track, it can provide you with space to complete the entire repetition without having to make sharp turns. Most grass is uneven and can be dangerous for runners with unstable ankles. It can also be slippery when wet, and allergic runners may experience more symptoms when running on it, and its softness can quickly fatigue the legs. Finally, of course, although the most suitable grass for running often appears in bowling alleys and golf courses, owners are not always happy to spot runners on their sacred lawn.
Asphalt is a mixture of gravel, tar and crushed stone, which accounts for 95% of the roads in the US. It is not the softest surface around, but it is difficult to avoid, and it is better than concrete.
Conclusion
Although it is a hard surface, asphalt is also a surface that is difficult to stay away from. If you plan to compete on it, some training is recommended (but not too much).
