Trail Running vs. Road Running

If you’re a runner then you might know about the age old battle of trail vs road. It’s a feisty one. We each claim to have the best parts of running.

So let’s break it down with some pros and cons of each…

We will start with trail because that is where my allegiance is… on the dark side 😈

Trail Pros
– in nature
– adventure!
– softer surface = lower impact
– varied surfaces = stress transmitted throughout the body
– builds stabilizing muscles
– embrace the power hike

Trail Cons
– higher ankle injury risk
– uneven / technical surface
– you have to pay attention so you don’t eat dirt (hello rocks and roots) but you will fall it’s part of it
– it’s harder overall
– you will go slower (I don’t know if that’s really a con)

Road Pros
– consistent surface
– sturdy surface
– can zone out and go
– good for faster workouts
– better lighting
– easily accessible

Road Cons
– overuse injuries are easier to obtain do to consistent repetitive strikes
– traffic (cars/bikes/people)
– hard surface = increased impact
– city vibes (unless that’s your jam)

At the end of the day you need to pick what works best for you.

I would love to run every mile on the trails but it’s not convenient for where I live. So during the week it use the road to get my miles and on the weekend I bask in the glory of nature on the trails.

PS remember I started running on the road but I found my happy place on the trail. The trail is where my heart shines bright. It’s also where I’m getting ultra crazy by doing distances I would have never dreamt of doing and I would never in a million years do I the road. That just sounds like pure torture.

So I hope you find your happy place. I just ask all you rod runners to give trail running a try.

Trail running friends drop a 🌳
Road running friends drop a 🚦
My combo friends drop a 🍌

Checkout the reel I create on Instagram CLICK HERE

Be Trail Strong – Be Trail Fab

Coach RJ

PS: Make sure you are following me on Instagram @fabandfitwithrj

PHOTO: Photo by Idriss Meliani on Pexels: Paved Pathway Surrounded By Trees