Which Running Surface Do You Prefer?

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Which Running Surface Do You Prefer?

November 26, 2008

When it comes to walking or running, dirt trails are top on my list. I love that the surface is more forgiving on my joints, but I also love conquering the hills, and dodging rocks, sticks, and holes — it makes my workout feel like one huge obstacle course. I also prefer running in the woods because nothing compares to the tranquility of the trees. What about you?

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27 Comments

alexask 4 years 23 weeks

wow i'm surprised so many people like treadmills the most. so do i!

xtinabeena 4 years 24 weeks

grass!

ilanac13 4 years 24 weeks

i used to NEVER run on a treadmill but ever since i broke my knee - it's my preferred surface since i have the ability to take some of the weight off my knee while i'm working out IF and only if i have to.

AlexE70 4 years 24 weeks

I love running down by the pier, even in the winter time. Nothing quite like getting in a good 10-15 miles and soaking up that fresh NY air! ;-)

ElectroPopTart 4 years 25 weeks

Treadmill because the ones at the gym have shock absorbers, so the impact doesn't feel as bad. Also, I'm afraid of the sun, lol.

Chandler 4 years 25 weeks

Running on the road works best for the Canadian winter, the sidewalks do not often see much plowing.

crayolasky 4 years 25 weeks

Pavement or sidewalk... don't prefer machines, but stick to them because I haven't really found anywhere safe to run. (Live in a safe neighborhood but you never know...)

Spectra 4 years 25 weeks

I like running on pavement or a track. I don't like sidewalks because our city's sidewalks are crappy and full of holes and it's really easy to trip.

runningesq 4 years 25 weeks

I cannot believe how many people CHOOSE the treddy! I'll rather run through snow in 20* or wake up at 5:00 am to beat the summer heat than run on the treddy. UGH. I perfer pavement but get stuck on sidewalk, which blows for the joints, but... it beats the treddy ;)

julea 4 years 25 weeks

to those who do'n't know how far they have run outside-- check out mapmyrun.com! it's awesome. In warm weather i usually run outside on the road, but in cold i always go to the gym. I am an utter cold wuss. haha.

mondaymoos 4 years 25 weeks

I miss running.... I used to be a pavement pounder, and the treadmill for speed work or nasty days.

Leila07 4 years 25 weeks

I run on the grass next to the sidewalk if I can. Now that I am in the city I don't happen upon grass too often but I do my best! I just dont push myself hard enough on the treadmill to make it worthwile. I'm an outside person. To each her own!

ElanaRobinson 4 years 25 weeks

I feel like the treadmill pushes me to workout a little harder, a little longer. I use to prefer to run tracks, but after running a treadmill for the last few months, it's become my new favorite.

arihm 4 years 25 weeks

I like dirt trail for the ease on my joints, but also because they usually have the nicest scenery!

socktree 4 years 25 weeks

That is, if i could run. Which I can't thanks to my leg problems. Elliptical, take me away!

neonbible 4 years 25 weeks

I'm Canadian and Canadian weather is unpredictable (sunny one day, snow/hail the next or a combo of both)...well at least in Toronto-so the treadmill is my best surface.

syako 4 years 25 weeks

I like running on dirt trails too. Not only is it more forgiving and you have the added "stabilizing effect" you also get to be away from busy streets and leering strangers. :D

AllyofNewYork 4 years 25 weeks

treadmill! I love watching All My children at the gym while on it and laughing

ponyluv 4 years 25 weeks

anything except sidewalk or pavement. my knees hurt! i'm an old lady! :)

Halie 4 years 25 weeks

I like them all

susanec 4 years 25 weeks

Dirt, not because it feels better (which it does) but because it's more interesting and engaging to be on the trails. I hate, hate, hate the treadmill, hard on knees and deadly boring.

Westopher 4 years 25 weeks

I'm lucky enough to live in beautiful Southern California, where it's warm most of the time. Since I live in the hills, it makes for a great and very challenging run! It just makes sense to go for a run outside for me...I also find it distracts from the time and distance and like laellavita I go much further.

mlh400 4 years 25 weeks

I like to run on the treadmill so I can track both my pace and distance. When I run outside I feel like I never know how far I have ran.

brownsuga928 4 years 25 weeks

I live here in Arizona, its great! The dirt trails and beautiful landscape all in one workout. Dirt trails are for me and my knees!

laellavita 4 years 25 weeks

i actually run a lot farther when i run outside - i belong to a gym, but ever since i started running in central park, it bores me to tears to run on the treadmill. i do it when the weather is bad or if i want to work on my speed, but the endurance of running all the hills on the road in the park keeps it interesting for me.

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27 Comments

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