Running Routes

Every runner has their favourite route, whether it's up a mountain trail or a run by a road, but very few people seem to know that the surface they're running on can actually affect their running style, ability and even whether or not you get injured.

When you run your muscles create a spring, pushing off the ground below you. Different surfaces change the power at which your muscles react.

Concrete is a hard surface, therefore it provides a firm footing for your feet to spring off. If you are looking for speed a hard surface is best, however it will wear down runners very quickly and the continuous impact could cause injuries such as knee and hip problems.

Grass is a much softer surface, therefore putting less pressure on your joints and muscles. However grass can be affected by weather conditions such as rain or snow, making it muddy or slippy which means that your foot contact with the ground will be prolonged meaning that grass is a lot slower to run on in comparison to concrete etc.

Sand is another surface that people tend to run on and is one of the most unstable underfoot. This means that although it is soft and therefore a lot less likely to cause you knee problems, you will be more prone to ankle injuries. Your feet will find it hard to find stable ground to push of and you run the risk of twisting your ankle or worse.

Photo credit:http://www.desedentarioamaratonista.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/barefoot-running-sand.jpg