Running Tip #9: Run More on Natural Surfaces

Through experience and in reading a variety of literature, I have found that by running more on NATURAL surfaces, such as dirt, grass and trails, you will decrease your chances of overuse injuries or stress fractures and, with time, become a more efficient runner than before.  No human being or animal was designed to run on hard surfaces such as road or concrete.  However the body can tolerate this in small amounts and can, if done correctly with the right amount of recovery time, make your bones and muscles stronger and thicker and therefore more resistant to injury.

Most of my athletes do nearly all their training on more natural surfaces and have since doubled and even tripled their total running week mileage while reducing and even eliminated continual injuries they previously suffered from.  Once again a well-planned program under the guidance of a specialist running coach will incorporate different running surfaces to work to your benefit.