Running - better on grass or pavements?

[mosaic91]

I'm in the process of taking up running - starting with the NHS couch to 5K podcasts and am on week 2. I wanted to ask for some advice on what sort of terrain is best to run on?

 

I've been running around a playing field on grass (some is a little bumpy) and I wanted to ask is it better to run on a paved surface or on grass?

 

Which do you find easier? Is one better/worse for your joints?

 

Thanks

[rudds1]

Would running on grass absorb some of impact on your knees better than Tarmac unless you get some decent running trainers

[plantas_Vzla]

I've heard sand is also very good, but you need to be gentle at first to get used to it

[Cyclone]

Soft ground is better for your knees, but make sure you have appropriate running trainers as it's no fun falling over on a damp day.

[Waldo]

Which do you find easier? Is one better/worse for your joints?

 

I've been running on road and hard surfaces for years; only just starting to get some slight discomfort in my knees. For me personally, I prefer road to grass, because it's generally more stable. Grass can by lumpy, so each time your foot goes down, it's at a slightly different angle (that's bad for me, because I have an issue with a weak ankle; may not be an issue for other people).

 

Think the recommendation is also, new trainers every 500 miles.

[Janus]

Grass is less likely to injure knee/hip joints than a hard surface is. As mentioned, appropraite running shoes also.

[biotechpete]

I think grass lessens the impact so I prefer that as long as it's cut quite short and not bumpy. Actually the ideal would be a track as it's both flat and slightly cushioned.

[Adam Taylor]

You'll have a longer running career if you stick to off road running, less impact on your joints as already mentioned. Try trail running for some variety.

[tbutton01]

Definitely running on grass will help your joints.

[laura16]

I did couch to 5k and did it on the pavement I found there were too many things to trip over on the park. I think you have to decide what you like best but make sure you have the right shoes as that really helped me