Trail vs Pavement vs Dreadmill

[TsPoet]

(indigoiis - sorry for stealing the dreadmill designation, but I love it!)

Amanda asked about going from road to trail running and I didn't want to steal (steel, I hate those two) her thread, but I am wondering about differences, warnings, suggestions and impressions.
All of my running thus far has been trail running. I wear VFFs.
What do those of you who do them all do differently between surfaces?

[limewave]

Interesting thread.

My personal preference is trail running. I enjoy the scenery and varying terrain, I like the challenge. I naturally have a shorter, quicker stride when trail running. I'll also end up walking more. The trails by us go straight up and and down a series of sand dunes. I like to wear a shoe with a stiffer sole, good ankle support, and less ventilation (help keep sand out of the shoes). I know VFF's are popular, but I have screws in both my feet so I am hesitant about the barefoot running.

I'm a lot faster running on the road. But I am constantly correcting my running form. I want to have a longer stride. I like to do my interval and speed work on the road. I will run on the road in any type of weather except for a thunderstorm.

The dreadmill is appropriately named. Running on it feels unnatural to me. But I do enjoy doing a good, hard, uphill walk on the treadmill while catching up on my favorite TV shows.

[Jolt]

I am much more of a trail runner though I do some road running too. I avoid the dreadmill like the plague; any indoor running is done on an indoor track which also isn't the best but will do for the occasional run. My form tends to be better when I have to dodge rocks and roots (as long as it isn't so rocky that I keep kicking things...) as opposed to smooth flat surfaces. Plus the scenery is just better on the trails and it's quieter.

ETA: I wear VFFs too (and sometimes go barefoot).

[rocknrollgirl]

I am 99% trail. I did run the roads this winter when we were under 2 feet of snow, but I do not do it unless forced. I NEVER run on the treadmill. I will get up at 4:30 am, I will wear spikes and run in the snow, the rain, the mist, the hail....well you get it. No treadmill for me.

This is what I said to Amanda....

Aside from proper footwear, keep in mind that trail miles and road miles are not the same. You will use a lot more of your lateral stabilizing muscles because of the uneven terrain. It is very easy to get injured if you jump in with both feet. Pun intended.

I would suggest that you start with short runs, regardless of your current road mileage to give your muscles, tendons and ligaments a chance to adjust to the demands of trail running.

Also remember that you will be slower, so fuel and water will become an issue sooner than on the road.

[SadieKate]

Also remember that you will be slower, so fuel and water will become an issue sooner than on the road.[/I]

Why? What is the difference between 30 mins on the pavement as opposed to 30 mins on the trail? Do you mean you need food and water at different distances?

[rocknrollgirl]

Yes. I meant that 4 miles on the trail may take significantly longer than on the road. So you could unknowingly be out for a much longer time.

Case in point, I did a 10 last year as part of an off road tri. I can run a 10k on the road in 50 or 52 mins. It took 90 mins. 90 mins to run a 10k. The course was so difficult and so technical.

So I was out a lot longer than I anticipated, even for a trail run. My fueling needs were different.

But hey, I survived the 300 foot long, thigh deep swamp!

[SadieKate]

What do those of you who do them all do differently between surfaces?

When having to use a dreadmill, I make an extra effort not to pack a (non-existent) gun. My trainer doesn't like having to replace her dreadmills.

Otherwise, I could just say ditto to what Limewave said. I wear Rx orthotics and have a screwy right foot plus screwy genetic and post-multi-surgery knees. I need those orthotics.

Hey, have I mentioned how much I hate running on pavement? Bet you'd never guess it is only exceeded by the dreadmill. I hurt even worse after a session on it.