Running Terrain
Jogging, where to begin? Do you go running on the street or the track? And what about running on grass? Is that better or worse for your joints?
Gazing out the window at that (annoying, full of it, flipping brash) guy who jogs in miniature shorts (in the freezing cold of winter, too!) and runs fifteen miles every day on concrete, without breaking sweat, can be more than a little disheartening. It can be downright depressing…especially when you can’t even jog out the drive without collapsing! So here is the low down on running on different surfaces and how to work up to it so that you don’t damage those old knobbly knees:
Grass
Yes, grass saps your energy, makes you feel like you’re plodding through solid gravity, but it’s the best place to start by a mile; it’s forgiving on your joints, has a spring to it, and is perfect for starting out and building up conscience (not to mention there generally aren’t too many people lurking in fields waiting to judge you and put you off). You’ll find that if it’s a bit damp it’ll be even more forgiving. The best thing about grass is that even in the summer it puts a spring in your step!
Dirt
Dirt tracks are probably where you want to go if you’re sick of dodging dog muck in the local park. Which will happen, yes. But avoid gravel tracks at all cost: the last thing you want is to trip or skid on gravel and rocks!
Concrete
Happy with how you’re progression? Good, then give jogging on concrete a shot. Just take it easy—build up gradually and it’ll be much less impact on your knees.
So I have finally been paid for that last photography job that I did, you all know what that means, it’s about time to hit the mall and pick up that new pair of asics running shoes that I have been waiting to get. Lynne, are you up for a treck into London this weekend?
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