Subject: RE: is running on asphalt bad for you? Depends. Asphalt is "softer" than concrete so it's better than running on the sidewalk. However, roads are not flat and dip to the left or right toward the gutter, thus can cause some problems because it's uneven. As you know already, there are softer surfaces like treadmill or trail or grass but if you don't have acecss to them, what can you do.
When I first started running, I only ran on asphalt. I ended up getting shin splints. What happened was, as you cross train like riding your bike or even find a park to run on grass (it will strength your lower legs because of all the dips and holes, etc ), you will get stronger. Now, I can run 6 days a week for an hour a day and have no problems.
I think you should mix it up with the track. Maybe now 1 day on the asphalt, 2-3 days on the track or grass park. Then after a month or so, add in some more runs on the street. Or maybe shorts runs on the street but long runs on the track. |