Like many people, I started out as a road runner and completed , 10ks and half marathons, but then I discovered the joys of and I've never looked back. In fact, I avoid road running whenever I can and always take the option of a trail run. Here are 11 reasons why I think trail running is better than road running.
A lot of road running – especially on tarmac – is a repetitive motion that utilizes the same muscles over and over. This means I end up with too many aches and pains in joints, muscles and ligaments. Even when I follow the , my body doesn't cope well with little variance in terrain and cadence.
This is especially true as I have got older and . I know that the repetitive action of road running does suit some people but after years of pounding the streets, I discovered that trail running is much more forgiving on my body. Switching to the trails helped to spread the load of the running motion and I find I use more muscles due to the variance of types of terrain, running up and down less uniform slopes and because I often incorporate uphill hiking in my trail runs.
There is a greater potential for injuries due to falls when trail running, but overall I have much fewer aches and pains. Trail running takes me into the countryside, through forests, up hills, over mountains, via glens and valleys and beside rivers, lakes and the sea. There is plenty of evidence to show that and I can vouch for this.
Running always makes me feel happier but running on trails brings great.
