Running is the most useful cardio that needs a few requirements. If you’re mentally set, you can run or jog anywhere. The big question that arises here is, Is It Okay to Run on Asphalt?
Yes, it is okay to run on asphalt. But, that with the right shoes and proper time because the surface has contributing factors to the effectiveness.
You can get the maximum health benefit only when you choose the proper ground for running.
Now, asphalt is the core material used for building modern streets, sidewalks, and roads. Rather than running on a bumpy road or harder surface, the asphalt surface is always useful for runners.
Let’s go through some further information to understand what you’re going to be aware of, to stay safe.
Is It Okay to Run On Asphalt?
It is okay to run on asphalt. To avoid traffic, choosing a sidewalk is always helpful. Asphalt is harder than most natural surfaces. But it is softer than the concrete ground.
However, when you are planning to run on asphalt, be sure to choose the proper pair of Running Shoes for Asphalt. Or you might end up damaging your shoes or hurting yourself.
Tar or asphalt happens to have a little amount of elasticity and softness. The elasticity resemblance directly to the synthetic running ground. If you are going to jog or run on the synthetic track, you don’t have to worry about pace or anything. It works for asphalt surfaces too. The surface is well enough to support you for getting any pace you wish.
Asphalt gives less strain
There is a major benefit of running on asphalt. You will not get much strain on your Achilles tendon while your track is made of asphalt. Every runner or health enthusiast wants to avoid injuries, right? A large amount of strain on the Achilles tendon can hamper the running experience.
A torn ligament or muscle pain is the result of running on an inelastic surface. If you have issues like metatarsal stress fracture, concrete isn’t what you want to run on. Asphalt running surfaces or sidewalks or roads will save you from the pain.
Easier to keep a solid track
Runners want to get track of the running schedule, right? As asphalt surface is only found in streets and sideways, you’ll not have to worry a little about getting the map of your last run. The map will show ways and corners of running.
If you are out of options for a grassy surface or treadmill, choose the nearby sidewalk made of asphalt to run. This will satisfy you as much as a synthetic running track. Asphalt is completely okay for safe running. Choose a broad sidewalk to jog or run to avoid collision with people coming from another side of the street.
However, you need to look out for potholes, garbage, cans, or similar things during the run. Otherwise, the asphalt may not hurt your feet, these will.
Is Running On Concrete Worse Than Asphalt?
Concrete is hard, inelastic, and the least safe option to run. On the other hand, asphalt is slightly elastic, soft, and has quite an impression on joggers and runners. The statement summarises that you can run on a clean asphalt sidewalk or road, but not on concrete. It will hurt your feet and some muscles.
When an exercise brings a bad experience rather than a good outcome, it’s best to avoid it. Running on concrete should be avoided as much as possible. And, this implies concrete is a worse surface to run than asphalt.
However, if you are out of the option to run, take a walk on the concrete surface. Walking is way safer than running on the surface. The hard and harsh surface does not provide any support to your Achilles tendon. Again, it hampers the internal running mechanism. On the contrary, you’ll get the Achilles tendon support from the asphalt sidewalks and roads.
Though some runners debate on the choice of concrete versus asphalt because of traffic and cans. You can avoid traffic if the time is right to run on an asphalt road. It will be safer for your health. But, the concrete affects every muscle and ligament during the run.
Thereby, choose asphalt for running and avoid concrete to run as much as possible. You’ll get a good result from the advice.
Does Running On Asphalt Hurt Your Knees?
Absolutely not, in fact, Asphalt is the most convenient surface to run on. Researchers found out no relation between hurting your knees by running on asphalt. Interestingly, runners and cardio experts suggest running on asphalt and treadmills rather than running on uneven terrains like grassy or sandy ground or dirt trails to avoid knee pain or risk of injury.
When you are putting the step during the run, you are actually putting some pressure on the ground. The opposite and equal reaction is the key to set out for running at a greater speed. Synthetic grounds are recommended because of the fact of getting less injured during running.
As we have already discussed earlier, asphalt is more similar to synthetic grounds. This implies that you’ll not have to worry about getting tendinopathy or any other knee problems if you run on asphalt.
Final Verdict
An ideal soft surface is difficult to find for runners. If you already have Asphalt roads at your disposal and wondering if is it okay to run on asphalt, you’re good to go.
As we’ve discussed, asphalt can be a good option based on the research outcomes and expert opinions. The right ground enhances the running experience.
If you are running to get good health, run on a comfortable surface that suits your feet, like Asphalt. But take the right shoes, do proper timing, and mind your style as it will be the major factor influencing the outcome of running. Good luck!
