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…
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…
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 fractures, 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, regardless of your chosen surface. You might even change it up and do both!
(My credentials are that i am an ultramarathoner and have run half a dozen races between 26.2 and 50 miles, on pavement and trail, and i have been coached by a professional ultra runner for several seasons.)
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.
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 comfy pair, you probably chose well.
This guy exerts