Step by step, mile by mile

Big Pavement in shambles. You're ruining the economy!

considering dedicating my life to creating a time machine to take me back to the days when all roads were made of dirt and gravel. i wouldn't get the ego boost from splitting 5-minute miles since i doubt my GPS watch would connect, though. it's a dilemma.

With as much cushioning there is in running shoes, I don't understand the problem with running on pavement....or are you one of those runners that uses minimalist running shoes...or maybe worse....are you a barefoot runner? :)

For me I will take the hard pavement (or even better.. hard concrete) over grass or gravel any day.

I have really poor balance and even the smallest rock or uneven surface can cause me to lose my balance and take a big tumble.

when i ran my 200-mile week, literally every step was either on turf, grass, or dirt. i have no doubt in my mind that sticking to soft surfaces are the only reason my legs let me run a crazy amount like that.

it doesn't matter how good of a shoe you wear, your legs take more impact running on pavement or concrete because the actual surface you're running on isn't absorbing the impact as much as it is returning it to you. it's better for running faster, but less forgiving

i'll say that i am a bit hypocritical considering prior to my year or so away from running in 2017-2018 i ran almost all my miles on the roads, but, eh, i do what i feel is best for me.

Psst . . . Gene . . . the dirt and gravel roads are there. You just have to know where to look ;-). I have dirt roads 1 mile from our house. It's not all dirt, but they do get fairly extensive when you get farther north. I'll sometimes ride for 60-80 miles and it is 75-90% dirt.

It should be noted that we lucked out with out location, which has a linear dirt trail of 17 miles (which extends beyond that but it is less well maintained). It also links to a number of dirt roads.

Check out the following for when you are in Utah and when you are back in Alabama (or wherever): gravelmap.com

oh, i'm very familiar. if i had a dollar for every time i've checked it for trails in alabama, my hair probably wouldn't be turning gray by the time i'm 30 due to financial stress :)