Road v Trails
The last couple of days I have been running with my dad and the topic of fast road races has come up. I was actually (embarrassingly so) shocked to learn that 20years ago, when he first started running he did a 1:29 and change half marathon...thats sub 4:14pace for those playing along at home. He was around 45 at the time yet still, that is moving. We were running on trails at the time, talking about road running so.....
This got me thinking...road v trails. Lets dissect.
ROAD - Consistant, reliable, dependable and pretty much as close as you can get to direct feed back as to your fitness and speed at any given time. Variables are often un-changeable and a given distance is more often than not, easily repeatable to assess the current state of being. Speed work is usually easier to perform, consciousness is not as readily required as on trails and they are good for catching up with friends. You kind of have to be cleaner, have less hair (head, face, legs etc) and shower more often too. Stereotypically of course!
However, they are also incredibly hard on the body, not usually protected to the elements and can get a little mind-numbingly boring. Yet, running is still running so if you enjoy it, you enjoy it. There is traffic, scenery can be ordinary at times and loops/out and backs sometimes far too predictable. If your into it though, road shoes do look pretty cool!
TRAILS - Requires a much greater amount of proprioception and strength in small foot, ankle, lower leg and general muscles up to the hips (all good things). It is a much more forgiving surface, nature you come across is BEAUTIFUL and you never quite know where you might end up or what you might see on a new trails. For some reason one usually never gets board on trails, you can take a dump where you want, hike if the hills are too big and its pretty rad being a dirt bag! No flash or show, just hard work, grit and nature. Every excuse under the sun to be a filthy dirtbag! Not really a stereotype if its true!
The opposite of all this is probably accurate too though. You can roll an ankle, get crap in your shoes (figuratively and literally), it can be super hard in a different way to road running. You might see wildlife (nope ropes are common), get lost, run out of water and not have access to a tap or waterfall! Sometimes you might need to carry more gear and be a little more prepared. For someone new getting into trails it can all seem a little overwhelming.
So, my opinion. In all honesty, I love both. I 100% identify as a dirty trail runner and love the 'homeless sheike' look (thanks for the accurate definition of my style Jess) that comes along with it. Time spent on the trails, in nature is not only good for the body but completly rejuvenating for the soul. Something about fresh air, trees, birds, being away from humans and civilisation resets the spirit and anything can be achieved. I also love the road though! Particulary in the VERY early hours I train. I generally carry no light, its consistent, the surface is usually as reliable as an old lover and I treasure just being able to 'run'. Forget about everything, let your mind wander and just let the legs turn over as they may. There is something refreshing about just flowing and being at one with the black top.
I guess it is personal preference though. But, as I mentioned above, I feel that if you love running you love running and can probably enjoy any surface. We may lean toward one and identify with the subculture more than the other but we are all out there, moving our bodies, doing our best to be better and change the world through our self propelled movement.
Whats your choice? If you haven't tried one for a while, give it a go. Be open to the possibilities and see where you may be led. Running is a beautiful thing regardless of the product underfoot. Much love friends. Run on, run long, plant strong.
PS - Day 56 or 100 half marathons in a row done.