This question always comes to mind whenever I see people jogging along sidewalks, and wonder. Sidewalks are generally concrete or cement or something, which is definitely harder than dirt, so…
Yes it’s absolute shit for your body. There is good reason why dedicated running tracks use a rubber like substance. Running in the woods is also a good alternative. Just not the rock hard surface of urban infrastructure.
girltwink@lemmy.world 11 months ago
All the people saying “yes” are incorrect. Running on pavement and running on trails exert different strains on the body, but not less. The tendency in road runners is to end up with tibial stress fractions, and in trail runners it is metatarsal stress fractures, but the injury rates are similar. Trail running requires stronger stabilizer muscles (primarily gluteus medius) to maintain knee health in the long term, but this is a problem for both as well.
Use good shoes, strength train your gluteus medius and calves, do most of your miles at an easy pace, and you’ll be running for decades.
(My credentials are that i am an ultramarathoner and have run half a dozen races between 26.2 and 50 miles, in pavement and trail, and i have been coached by a professional ultra runner for several seasons.)
ALostInquirer@lemm.ee 11 months ago
Thanks for the insight!
This is such a tricky part of it all, given different gaits/fits/feet though, isn’t it? That’s been my experience anyway.
girltwink@lemmy.world 11 months ago
The strongest indicator that shoes will work for you, according to the research is… Do they feel good? I’d suggest going to a running store and trying on different brands and jogging around the store. Once you find a confy pair, you probably chose well.
lipilee@feddit.nl 11 months ago
This guy exerts