Trail running vs. street running

[gymrat]

Anybody ever done both? I'm a relatively new runner (training to run a 5K in a few weeks) and I've recently started doing trail running. I am NOT by any means running up mountains but the trails have tiny hills in them and of course, the footing is different. I have noticed a definite difference in exertion. According to my heart rate monitor, I burn about 100 calories more doing the same workout on a trail that I've done on asphalt. I'm assuming the calorie burn is higher because of the footing - it feels like I have to push off harder since the feet sink more.

Any thoughts?

[andyf]

Hi

Running off road in usually harder because of the change in terrain and gradients.

[sooner_ed]

Trail running will strengthen your core because of the unlevel terrain. If you trail run on a regular basis, along with your regular running, you will become a better runner because of a stronger core.

[Klinger]

I do both and I enjoy the trail a lot more. It is harder, technically, but it seems easier to me because my mind is so engaged in tasks like monitoring my next steps for optimal safety and grabbing glimpses of the scenery when I'm not watching my feet. I'd rather run 5 miles on a trail than 3 on a track or the streets.

[Woody]

Yep, trail running is much more fun IMO! And less people are looking at you. Not that anyone should really worry about that, but I do.