Will Running on Cement Injure Me?
Many runners run in urban settings for years, logging mile after mile on cement and other hard surfaces without any apparent problems. Other runners swear by the trail and believe it has prolonged a running career and mitigated many risks of injury. Still others do the exact same thing, and still fight injury after injury. Who is right?
Force = mass x acceleration
Conventional wisdom would indicate that the hard surfaces found in cement (your average city sidewalk), or asphalt (black top road surface) would increase the risk of injury for runners. After all, the body creates 2-3x its actual weight in force just during the heel off phase while walking. This increases to 5-8x body weight during running due to the increase speed and the fact you are (for some of us, very briefly!) completely airborne before each foot lands. Cement is about 10x harder than asphalt so it seems reasonable that cement would be an absolutely horrible surface on which to run.
If all your concerns related to problems that occurred due to force alone, then perhaps abstinence from cement would be a wise idea, and indeed, many runners opt for the street instead of the sidewalk, or go long ways out to find trails and grass surfaces. However, many of the injuries runners suffer have a more complicated genesis. Are your shoes appropriate for you? Does your foot strike the ground efficiently? Are you hips in alignment or do you have muscle imbalances and weaknesses that have left your joints and ligaments vulnerable to forces that your body has not been able to dissipate? All of these factors come into play, and have been much more easily researched as injury culprits than the surface itself.
What is good for the bones might be tough on the ligaments
Likewise, the even, but forgiving surface of a golf fairway (when rarely available) might provide a luxuriously feeling run, as does a well- manicured forest trail. But when does that desired effect dwindle when the trail become rocky and uneven, or muddy and slippery? When the grass is long and mushy, or the bark trail too soft, such that you sink perceptibly on each step, or the blacktop road so cambered that you are running on a slant instead of a flat sidewalk next to you, do you receive the same benefit?
While these surfaces might provide relief from the abrupt forces of cement, they often demand a great deal more from stabilizing muscles and ligaments and present their own challenges to your goal of staying injury-free. If tendonitis, muscle strains, or other soft tissue ailments are your kryptonite, you might risk more by continuing to run on these surfaces all the time and may benefit from a steadier ride on a hard surface.
Running is healthy for the spirit as well as the body
One of the reasons pavement and cement may get the blame for many maladies is the correlation with the environment where these surfaces are typically found. Not many runners would prefer the start and stop of a sidewalk interrupted every hundred yards with a stoplight, complete with honking, speeding cars and loud noises, crowds, and the like. The peaceful environment of a trail deep in the forest, around a lush and green grass field, or along the ridge of a slowly descending dirt path sounds much more reparative to the soul. Studies show that the body is best prepared to run hard late in the afternoon, or early in the evening. Potentially a study might show that those who run along peaceful dirt paths can extend their running careers later into middle age and beyond. But just as not everyone has the luxury to knock off work or family obligations for a 60 minute run in the hills at 4pm, not everyone can get to an idyllic nature setting for their daily run, whenever it occurs. For them, running along a busy street or the best bike path available most definitely is better than not running at all, and that may mean running on cement or non-ideal surfaces.
Look at the whole picture
Rather than automatically assume the risk of the surface one way or the other, a more thoughtful approach is in order. Consider your problem areas, where injury trouble tends to start or flourish, and then work through each of the other variables: shoes, foot striking pattern, known muscle weaknesses or misalignment issues, sleep, stress, nutrition, hydration, etc. It may be that a change to soft surfaces may be in order, but the investigation may uncover other areas where change may eliminate the risk or problem, even if the ground under your feet remains the same.
Adam and Micheline Kemist own On Your Mark, a running specialty and performance store. A certified Pedorthist and Kinesio tape practitioner, Adam provides personalized biomechanical feedback and orthotic services along with retail services. In this edition of Ask the Practitioner, we talk to Adam about an often over-looked element of our everyday running - socks.
In this edition of Ask the Practitioner, we again connect with Mark Fadil, Clinic Director at the Sports Medicine Institute (SMI) of Palo Alto. SMI is one of Northern California's leading orthopedic and deep tissue massage resources, assisting both world class and recreational athletes since 1996.
RC: Tight and/or sore calves are one of the most common ailments for new and experienced runners alike. What exactly is happening when one feels like his or her calves are tight and they have become sore to run on?
MF: Sore/tight calves are a very common problem with runners. Generally someone may experience sore calves when running for the first time, coming back from time off, during a period of increased speed work or during a period of increased mileage. In each one of these circumstances the calf muscles are adapting to the stress from the increase in activity.
RC: When treating runners with sore calves, what are the most commonly reported practices that have potentially led to the problem?
MF: There is normally some sort of change that precedes sore/tight calves. In addition to the changes I already mentioned it can come from a change in running shoes (usually a shoe with a lower heel such as a racing flat will put more stress on the calf), a change in running surface or increased hill running.
RC: What techniques do you and your staff employ to address this problem and what can runners to do maintain the work at home?
MF: I usually focus on three things: massage, stretching and functional strengthening. Massage can be done by a professional therapist or at home using a foam roller or "the stick." This can be done on a daily basis for 5 - 10 minutes. Stretching should focus on both the upper calf (gastrocnemius) using a straight knee calf stretch and the lower calf (soleus and Achilles) using a bent knee calf stretch. I recommend stretching after massage as well as an additional 2-3 times a day. Each stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds. Functional strengthening is one of the most important pieces in preventing sore/tight calves from occuring in the first place. A great way to incorporate functional strengthening is doing heel drops off the edge of a stair. These should initially be done on a daily basis and eventually shifted to two to three times per week for maintenance.
Rikke Johansen, D.C., is the founder of Health Logic and has 18 years of experience in practice as a doctor of chiropractic medicine.
Dr. Johansen is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and has completed the educational requirements to qualify her as a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP) and as a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiologists (DACBR). She is also a USA Triathlon Level I certified triathlon coach and a USA Cycling Level II certified cycling coach.
rc: What are the types of physical complaints Graston technique is effective in addressing?
Few life changes will have a greater impact than the arrival of a newborn. Both the physical challenges for mom, as well as the stark changes in family schedule and breadth of responsibility for both parents can justifiably upend priorities. This can wreak havoc with the comfortable patterns of habitual runners.
Chances are, unless you have had a very quickly moving adoption, you have been well aware that changes in your running routine await the arrival of the new bundle of joy. Very likely, transitions have already occurred for mom with the ups and downs of pregnancy. Whether a quick return to work or flexibility for extended parental leave is on the horizon, here are a few tips and ideas for runners in the throes of new parenthood:
Consider how baby gear purchases, such as a stroller, can assist you in the eventual pursuit of a return to running. Yes, that sounds crass – you are about to enjoy one of life’s greatest blessings, and running should come to mind? Well, if there is anything that you intend to continue doing on a regular basis after your baby comes, it probably saves time and money to anticipate how you can manage that practice within the context of your baby’s first few years at home.
For example, many running families use a jogging stroller (or a stroller with that capability) for their primary stroller. Initially, it can be used for regular stroller duty, particularly now that many jogging strollers can attach baby carriers and inserts allow for extra padding with newborn babies. When eventually jogging becomes appropriate with the little one, everyone is used to the new gear, how it fits in the car, the baby finds it to be a smooth transition, and more enjoyable / contented baby running might result.
Moms: set a completion goal, but no sooner than 6-12 months after giving birth. Dads: choose flexible goals in the first year.
While the experience of every mother is different, having a goal to shoot for can often inspire (to lose weight, to re-grasp a feeling of independent personhood, etc) when life seems completely turned on its head. Set a goal too soon, and it may become a needless stressor, both logistically, and physically, when the body is out of shape and sleep is minimal. Set a time goal too soon after giving birth, and the unpredictable physical aftermath of motherhood can create frustration. By a year, many moms are beginning to recognize their bodies again, and having a date to look forward to (as a return to the experience of being an athlete) can be a very motivational tool. Just enjoy your first goal race after baby to celebrate how far you have come. Use subsequent goal races to return to previous fitness and pace levels.
New dads are also saddled/ delighted with the many transitions of fatherhood, but many times must navigate a tricky landscape of an initially supporting role in the physical sense. Without the obvious setbacks of pregnancy and giving birth, it may be enticing to set a big goal, almost in celebration of the new family member. However, in this particular instance, it is worth considering flexible goals. Neither of you quite know how you will feel physically or rest-wise as these dates get closer, and the last thing needed is more stress. One option to keep dad on track could be to pick a distance goal with three or four options in 60 day range.
Have patience with your body after baby (yes, dads too!)
For many first time parents, the adrenaline of new parenthood eventually wears off, but many nights of limited sleep remain. Schedules change and keep changing. Things like foam rolling, stretching, strength routines, and other ancillary activities may be cut out to preserve what little time remains to run. Unsurprisingly, aches and pains might crop up, and the legs might not recover as fast. Control what you can control. Consider occasionally modifying your running routes and other patterns to avoid a fruitless comparison contest with your well-rested self.
For moms in particular, resist the urge to return to serious training until you are cleared to run by your doctor. Be sure to progress incrementally. Just like a marathon recovery that is too short, a postpartum running injury may not crop up immediately. Rather it often surfaces after the premature progression has been established over several weeks or months.
Shop and prepare for running with body after baby.
One of the most common roadblocks to a successful return to pre-baby running fitness can be the first few efforts out the door. For many moms, postpartum bodies feel like complicated new appliances with misplaced instruction manuals, what with the likely weight gain and the new demands and dimensions of various body parts. All of us know better than to establish self-esteem from outside appearances, but without a couple running items that fit, it can be that much harder to get out and get started. Having a high impact / supportive sports bra and shorts that fit your current size can make a difference, and are worth shopping for even in advance when you have more flexibility in your schedule.
When it comes time for stroller jogging, find the bike paths.
Just as parents at their wits’ end will drive a baby around the block, hoping to induce sleep, the stroller experience for your baby / toddler can vary wildly from soothing to disruptive, which in turn may have a direct impact on your ability to reintegrate running positively into your daily life. Bumpy roads, streets with many stop lights, turns or undulations may be your only options, and by yourself, you might barely notice these parts of the route. However, the stroller years might also serve as a chance to get to know the flat, off street routes in your region better than you might have before, and allow the jogging stroller experience to emerge as a positive parenting interactive time rather than a struggle of wills.
Stephanie Lee (pictured) has been practicing yoga for over 12 years in a variety of diverse settings that include Hawaii, Greece, Italy, and Thailand.
Although we earn a small reprieve from the early morning darkness with next month's time change, many runners are just settling in for a long winter of running in the dark. Whether you rise early to beat the rush before the workday begins and the kids wake up, or fit in a run at the end of the day, nighttime running is a fact of life for many athletes. Here are a few tips for staying safe and maximizing these workouts until the sun reappears.
Avoid risk-taking
While running the same route again and again might seem unappealing, or stopping your awesome tempo run briefly to make sure a passing car sees you, it is always worth it. Stick to routes where lighting can help provide safety and mark your path, even if that means doing multiple loops around a few block radius. Head to a local track and run while kids are playing soccer or lacrosse under the lights in the evening. Put off exploration of that new trail until the weekend when you can run in the daylight. Set aside the headphones so that you can be alert to your surroundings (yes, you can do it).
Choose routes for the presence of sidewalks away from the roadway. Consider places of business where early morning activity takes place in a typically safe manner, such as a gas station, bagel shop, or Starbucks and include them on your run. Check for daily sunrise and sunset times so you can safely estimate when you will need to be in spots that are safe for those times of day. In short, give yourself at least one more measure of safety precautions than you would ordinarily take. That may mean boredom and repetition, but is always better than not being able to run at all or risking adverse events
See and be seen
Many running apparel companies and specialty brands have introduced reflective clothing and devices to help runners stay safe in the dark. Sometimes we focus on being visible to cars and others by wearing reflective gear, and other times we focus on keeping our path lit with headlamps and other illuminating devices. In reality, both are important at all times. A hard fall because of an unseen root or sidewalk crack is dangerous, and of course it is crucial to be visible to vehicular traffic. It isn’t always possible to be completely visible in the dark, but taking care to be seen and to seeing where your feet will travel can be a crucial safety precaution.
Keep others in the loop
Whether you live with others in your household or reside independently, leave a note, a text, or other word where you plan to go every time. If you encounter any trouble on an evening run, it may be until daylight before anyone is aware of your extended absence or be able to see you in distress alongside a road. Particularly if doing something strenuous or extended, such as a long run for a marathon training cycle, estimating a time of return can help ease the mind of others who aren’t used to the length of these runs, as well as determine when you are indeed overdue. Whenever possible, try to meet others for nighttime runs. Both as a safety measure and as added encouragement when the winter is at its darkest and coldest point, a partner or group willing to meet you at a nighttime hour can make all the difference.
Be creative
Roads and outdoor tracks may not be the only venues for getting in runs. Enclosed walkways, indoor public spaces, the perimeter of a well-lit parking lot, and even a circuit of long hallways in winter-affected cities might provide occasional safe locations for runs when things are truly awful and dark. Consider a short-term gym membership, even if just to break up the workout by running there, doing some miles on the treadmill, and running home. If winter is really getting the best of you, consider sampling some indoor cross training disciplines you have been waiting to try, or investigate the possibility of all-comers indoor track meets in your community as a way to get in a good hard effort inside.
While nighttime running may not be pleasant for many, runners across the country and around the world have thrived with a schedule comprised primarily of workout times before dawn or after dusk. The good news is that sunlight is likely around the corner as spring returns, and the challenge of darkness is an opportunity to exercise the type of commitment and persistence that will serve you well when faced with a rough patch in your next goal race. Embrace the challenge, stay safe, and keep up the good work.
Chef John Barone is a Michelin-trained private chef who is also in the midst of preparing for his second ING New York City Marathon in November. With career stops at revered restaurants including the French Laundry in Yountville, CA, as well as Jean Georges and Per Se in New York City, Barone's cooking philsophy stems from his love of fresh and locally sourced ingredients and interest in healthy food for active lifestyles. As he ramps up the mileage himself, here are a few of his tips for the rest of us trying to combine training and booked calendar with eating well.
