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Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk)
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 2009-06-28 2:43 AM |
Expert 658   |  Subject: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk)Concrete has been proven (thanks google search) to be very hard on your knees and ankles. It has the benefits of the fact that it's generally safer, better lighting and no cars. Asphalt has less damage on your knees and ankles and has more give because it's softer. However, you are on the roads and cars can come close at times. Which do you run on, or would you prefer to run on? |
| 2009-06-28 3:36 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Not a Coach 11473   Media, PA | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) There actually aren't many sidewalks around me, so I always run on the road. Sidewalks have their own issues, though--usually more unevenness, heaves, etc. I still run on the road in most situations (depends on the road I suppose). |
| 2009-06-28 3:43 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Extreme Veteran 357 Ft. Myers, Florida | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I will normally take a TM over either one of these. First option is always a trail. I'm fortunate that I have a wonderful park close to me that easily allows you to get a 20 mile run in on nice soft groomed trails. I definately feel the difference if I run on the roads which I will do occasionally when I join a group run. I will not run sidewalks. It makes my knees hurt just watching people do it. |
| 2009-06-28 7:59 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Master 1810 Morse Lake, Noblesville, Indiana | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) Alot of sidewalks and multi-use trails around central Indiana are asphalt. |
| 2009-06-28 8:08 AM in reply to: #2248074 |
Lethbridge, Alberta Bronze member | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) tjtryon - 2009-06-28 6:59 AM Alot of sidewalks and multi-use trails around central Indiana are asphalt. We have a number of good asphalt pathways around here too, and I like them for running. Roadway asphalt is often cambered and I would usually prefer a level sidewalk to that. |
| 2009-06-28 8:34 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Pro 4828 The Land of Ice and Snow | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I always run on the road......a non-slanted road.....facing traffic. I feel it in my knees if i try the sidewalk so I avoid it. I much prefer the gravel path by the river..........but unless i have company I don't run there. Not safe. |
| 2009-06-28 8:35 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Regular 58 Durango, Colorado | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I typically prefer to run on asphalt roads over sidewalks, but one thing I notice is that if the road crowns in the middle drastically, running on a slant for long periods of time can really bother knees/shins. Luckily where I live we have flat asphalt bike paths in the park away from cars etc. |
| 2009-06-28 8:40 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
| Veteran 288 | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I like the levelness of concrete sidewalks, I don't notice any difference as far as hardness goes. For asphalt I prefer paved park trails as the camber on roads is very annoying. |
| 2009-06-28 8:55 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I normally run on concrete since I live in the city and it's dangerous to run on the road. I know it's not ideal but it is what it is ! For long runs I drive to a trail - crushed gravel. |
| 2009-06-28 9:11 AM in reply to: #2248095 |
| Champion 6539 South Jersey | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I find the pitch on a road bothers me more than the hardness of concrete. I do most of my running on a track or an asphalt (non-pitched) path. |
| 2009-06-28 10:28 AM in reply to: #2248001 |
Expert 2555 Colorado Springs, Colorado | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) I run on all of it. Part of my regular route is on a concrete sidewalk, another part is asphalt. If I extend my route it's on a dirt/gravel trail. I only find asphalt better if it's new. Old asphalt seems every bit as hard as concrete. I don't avoid any surface. Once the body adapts none of the surfaces wear me down any more than any other. |
| 2009-06-28 12:55 PM in reply to: #2248188 |
Pro 6582 Melbourne FL Gold member | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) Donskiman - 2009-06-28 11:28 AM I run on all of it. Part of my regular route is on a concrete sidewalk, another part is asphalt. If I extend my route it's on a dirt/gravel trail. I only find asphalt better if it's new. Old asphalt seems every bit as hard as concrete. I don't avoid any surface. Once the body adapts none of the surfaces wear me down any more than any other. ^ X2 Sidewalks along the main roads here are a mix of both. In the neighborhoods I will run on the crown of the roads, a lot of them are very pitched for drainage here in FL. I'll also run along the canals and park trails around here and can easily find the total opposite in trail conditions, sugar sand like at the beaches. |
| 2009-06-28 12:55 PM in reply to: #2248188 |
Pro 4612 MA | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) Donskiman - 2009-06-28 11:28 AM I run on all of it. Part of my regular route is on a concrete sidewalk, another part is asphalt. If I extend my route it's on a dirt/gravel trail. I only find asphalt better if it's new. Old asphalt seems every bit as hard as concrete. I don't avoid any surface. Once the body adapts none of the surfaces wear me down any more than any other. So true. Especially when you fall. Fell on the road while running some months ago and messed up my knee.  |
| 2009-06-28 2:27 PM in reply to: #2248115 |
Extreme Veteran 418 Pittsburgh | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) trishie - 2009-06-28 9:55 AM I normally run on concrete since I live in the city and it's dangerous to run on the road. I know it's not ideal but it is what it is ! For long runs I drive to a trail - crushed gravel. ^x2. Plus a lot of the roads here are either weirdly banked, crowned, or washboarded :p |
| 2009-06-28 3:00 PM in reply to: #2248001 |
Champion 11989 Philly 'burbs | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) Two questions were asked but only one poll, so I didn't vote. I prefer asphalt but will run on concrete when I have to. I do not choose routes based on surface. |
| 2009-06-28 3:20 PM in reply to: #2248001 |
| New user 30 | Subject: RE: Asphalt (road) vs Concrete (sidewalk) Like others I prefer to run on the road (against the direction of traffic so I can see and be seen, and can get out of the way in a hurry). However, most of the shared pathways/tracks around here are concrete so I go with the flow. |
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