Odd question, but I'm curious as to where on the pavement or road do you find yourself drawn to. I ask this because I always find I'm running right on the edge of the pavement close to the road. I really don't know why I do this, but if I'm in the zone running I find myself on that edge. For some reason I think I'm faster close to the curb and find it easier to run there, which is obviously ridiculous. Anyone else do this. It's not a good strategy, as the cars end up flying by quite close and once in a while I veer onto the actual road.
JBBury
given a choice i would run on the road.. it has less tree roots poking through, and less undulating driveway entrances...
i also feel drawn to run on the left side of a road... but i think i should be running on the right
i also feel drawn to run on the left side of a road... but i think i should be running on the right
As near to the middle of the road as possible, but on the right hand side.
Its not to bad where the club runs - I think people are used to it, but if I see a car coming I hop back up onto the curb. At least round the villages - if you are in the middle - you can see round the windy corners... the pavements get too narrow in some places anyway, and if you are running with someone else - I would rather be forced into the road than be the one on the pavement.
Its not to bad where the club runs - I think people are used to it, but if I see a car coming I hop back up onto the curb. At least round the villages - if you are in the middle - you can see round the windy corners... the pavements get too narrow in some places anyway, and if you are running with someone else - I would rather be forced into the road than be the one on the pavement.
No preference for the pavement however on the road I tend to run on the right facing the oncoming traffic; this done so they can see you clearly and you are able to react to them just in case they leave it a little bit to late to steer round you.
If the traffic is behind you you have no idea of what they are doing and even more so if you run whilst listening to music.
Better to see and react than to suffer the unexpected.
If the traffic is behind you you have no idea of what they are doing and even more so if you run whilst listening to music.
Better to see and react than to suffer the unexpected.
Virtually always run on the right hand side of the road, whether that's on the pavement or in the road depends on the road type, traffic etc - ideally in the road but if not somewhere in the middle of the path or slightly closer to the road (so I can hop into the road as need).
I'll cross over to the left hand side of the road where needed to run round blind bends etc...
I'll cross over to the left hand side of the road where needed to run round blind bends etc...
I have yet to encounter a pavement as Im normally running on single lane roads. They are quite twisty so I just position myself on the bit I think makes me visible the soonest when the cars come. I do a section up the A1, much to the alarm of my lass and then I try and run as close to the edge as possible amongst the badger, pheasant and fox carcasses.
I do convince myself of ludicrous notions as well. Yesterdays was that if I run on the centre of the single lane road it will make me more tired because the tyres haven't compressed the tarmac over the years in the middle thereby making it softer and more energy draining than the edges. So I endured the exaggerated camber and a Long John Silver style gait plodding at the edges to avoid this pitfall. Good eh ! At no point did I admit to myself that I was knackered because Im unfit
I do convince myself of ludicrous notions as well. Yesterdays was that if I run on the centre of the single lane road it will make me more tired because the tyres haven't compressed the tarmac over the years in the middle thereby making it softer and more energy draining than the edges. So I endured the exaggerated camber and a Long John Silver style gait plodding at the edges to avoid this pitfall. Good eh ! At no point did I admit to myself that I was knackered because Im unfit
I tend to jump between pavement and road, as they usually have opposite camber, so in an OCD type way, neither leg gets the longer drop, alternativelt I go in the middle of the road if there isn't any traffic for the same paranoid reason
I run on whichever bit of the pavement is least sloping/undulating/broken/crumbling. If it's particularly bad, and the road's quiet, then I'll run on the road next to the pavement. If it's generally OK, then I'll run pretty much down the middle of the pavement, unless passing other pedestrians.
Tend to try and run on the road (right hand side into traffic) whenever possible as the state of the pavements leave a bit to be desired, and also avoids the added gymnastics of trying to avoid overhanging branches, nettles and brambles.
Vaughan, I like your thinking about the tarmac compression so will now try and run in the middle as the springier 'fresh' surface should be kinder on my joints :d
Vaughan, I like your thinking about the tarmac compression so will now try and run in the middle as the springier 'fresh' surface should be kinder on my joints :d
If I am with the club I will run on the left hand side as everyone runs this side and it makes it clear to non runners where we are all going. If I am on my own, actually thinking about it, on my own on a quite path (fife coastal routes) I run on the left as well, never thought about that until now
However, if I am doing a race I will stick as close to the side of the road/path as I can, I guess I do this to allow other, faster runners past me. I tend to think as well that if I come up to a slower runner, if I am already at the edge I can just hop off the path and round them if its safe to do so.
If I am running on the road though that hasnt been closed for a race i.e. general training, I will run on the right hand side so the oncoming traffic can see me and I can see them.
So to answer your question JB, I run all over the place
O.
However, if I am doing a race I will stick as close to the side of the road/path as I can, I guess I do this to allow other, faster runners past me. I tend to think as well that if I come up to a slower runner, if I am already at the edge I can just hop off the path and round them if its safe to do so.
If I am running on the road though that hasnt been closed for a race i.e. general training, I will run on the right hand side so the oncoming traffic can see me and I can see them.
So to answer your question JB, I run all over the place
O.
I often find myself attracted to the kerb....it keeps me alert having to go up and down the drops...have turned my ankle once or twice though...not seriously...yet!
I usually run facing oncoming traffic (where possible). On pavements - I don't tend to run on any particular part - whichever is smoothest and with least camber (or to avoid pedestrians). If I am on the cycle path - I tend to stick to the left, as it allows cyclists to get by - and being a cyclist myself I know it is annoying coming up behind a runner/walker thats either slap bang in the middle or all over the shot - as you have no idea which way they are going to move once they realise you are about to pass them.
I usually run on the left hand side of the pavement. On part of my main running route, there is only pavement on the right hand side of the road, which means I end up running on the curb. Maybe I should move over a bit....
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