Trail Running vs. Road Running
In the running world it seems many times there is a hard line when it comes to a runner’s preference of terrain- road vs. trail. At J&A Racing that distinction is no different. Keith prefers trail running while Jason prefers the pavement. Below the guys discuss the advantages of each environment and why they prefer one versus the other.
Keith shares why he prefers trail running:
Pace
I personally prefer trail running over road running because your pace generally changes with the landscape as opposed to road running you have to control it more on your own. Trail running allows your mind to stay occupied with your steps and what’s in front of you. With road running I feel that your pace can occupy your thoughts much more. Which I find much harder.
Landscape
Trail running has taken me to some of the most beautiful scenic places I’ve ever seen. You really have the opportunity to see some amazing things such as beautiful views or even wildlife you wouldn’t see otherwise. With road running more often than not you are in an urban environment. You have to worry about cars and traffic. It can often be a bit more dangerous due to those factors.
Workout
With trail running I feel that you get a much better, well-rounded workout. You’re often running very steep technical terrain up or down hills. You have the opportunity to work more muscle groups when doing so. With road running you generally are only working your legs. It’s much more consistent and flat terrain. Theres not much opportunity to work other muscles in your body. For example, running two miles uphill on a trail as
opposed to running two miles on a somewhat flat road generally requires you to engage way more muscle groups. You’re not only getting a better leg workout with trail running but are often engaging your arms and core a lot more.
Jason shares why he prefers road running:
Convenience
A big advantage to road running is the convenience of walking out of your front door and starting your run. I have been fortunate to live very close to some nice running trails, but even still, the extra time and effort to drive to those locations wasn’t always something I had or preferred. The easier it was for me to start my run the more likely I was to get out and do it, and because of that I do 95% of my runs on the roads.
Familiarity
Another thing I enjoy about road running is having familiar routes that I can easily adjust depending on my distance needs for that day. Usually, trails are less flexible in this regard without having to double back or going to a completely different trail which takes time and planning. I also like having familiarity with the roads that the races I run take place on, so if I am training for a road race, I will plan to run the course either in sections or in its entirety so I know what to expect and can visualize how race day might go.
Appreciation for where I live
This might be one that is more subjective, but as an early morning runner, I’ve always enjoyed running roads in the city that I live in and experiencing that city in a different way. Getting out on the roads at 5AM and running through your neighborhood or typically busier parts of the city while its quiet and calm give me a greater appreciation for those areas. Those that prefer trail running often mention being away from the hustle
and bustle of the city as a reason they run there, but I’ve found at the right time of day the roads can have a very similar feel.
-Jason Todd, Events Director of J&A Racing
& Keith Jaffee, Warehouse Manager of J&A Racing
