Is running on natural trails, with all their inherently irregular surfaces, better for our bodies?
I've been barefoot running now for about 18 months. Most of my running is on asphalt and concrete. Lately, I've been doing more trail running. I've come across something interesting. My body, particularly my calves and feet, feel better after a trail run. I believe that this is related to repetitive stress. On the relatively uniform asphalt and concrete surface my feet, legs, and entire body do not have to work as much as when running on a trail. I do not have to adjust my entire body to handle the terrain. My stabilizers do not have to fire up like they do on trails. Our bodies have evolved to handle irregular surfaces.
So, my questions are this ...
Is running primarily on man made surfaces setting us up for an increased chance of injury?
Will trail running make me a better runner?
I've been barefoot running now for about 18 months. Most of my running is on asphalt and concrete. Lately, I've been doing more trail running. I've come across something interesting. My body, particularly my calves and feet, feel better after a trail run. I believe that this is related to repetitive stress. On the relatively uniform asphalt and concrete surface my feet, legs, and entire body do not have to work as much as when running on a trail. I do not have to adjust my entire body to handle the terrain. My stabilizers do not have to fire up like they do on trails. Our bodies have evolved to handle irregular surfaces.
So, my questions are this ...
Is running primarily on man made surfaces setting us up for an increased chance of injury?
Will trail running make me a better runner?