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Road Runners vs. Trail Runners |
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Written by Felix Wong - View Profile
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Sunday, 05 August 2007 |
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The other day a fellow running enthusiast asked me an intriguing question: do I consider myself a road runner or a trail runner?
Immediately I quipped, "Well, just a few years ago, I never considered myself a runner at all. I was just a cyclist who was 'faking it' whenever I had to run!" But after that comment, I became a bit more pensive. What do I prefer more: roads or trails?
In the past, I would have picked roads. For one thing, I am certainly faster on hard ground, where foot-striking energy is more readily translated into forward propulsion in contrast to the energy-sucking properties of mud. Secondly, roads lack the rocks, ruts, and uneven terrain of trails that result in altered biomechanics, or worse, sprained ankles and knees.
Recently, however, I have been enjoying running on fire roads or single track more than I used to. Running on roads just cannot emulate the experience of jogging through, say, a pine forest, well away from cars and at one with nature.
Then there is the difference in attitudes. Road runners -- so the stereotypes go -- are more concerned about speed and times. Trail runners tend to have a less competitive mindset and enjoy "just being out there."
Personally, there are times when I do enjoy trying to achieve a personal record in a race, and other times when I just want to get some exercise, breath some fresh air and take in some splendid scenery.
So I'm still not decided whether I consider myself a road runner or a trail runner. Maybe that's not so important, though. At least now I consider myself a bona fide runner instead of just a mere cyclist "faking it," which was already something of a revelation to me. | Only registered users can write comments.
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A Breath of Fresh Air (60)
writen by: felix
Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. |
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| | Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. | |
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