Am I Jogging and Walking in the Best Place for Me?

Route Surface and Other Considerations
Where you run depends upon your personal preference, as well as geographic characteristics such as, physical appearance, surface, and degree of difficulty. The surface you select to jog or walk on is important because your technique will be suited to one area more than another. For example, you may prefer to jog on pavement because it is smooth and fast, or you may prefer grass because it is soft, and helps prevent injury. The following list of surfaces will assist you in the selection of the most appropriate route for you.

1. Beach
run on firm sand
wear running shoes!
an adequate surface, but not ideal

2. Gravel or Dirt Road
avoid loose debris
avoid potholes
not an ideal surface, because of high risk of leg and ankle injury and stone bruises.

3. Snow
not adequate, except for hard-packed snow
slushy or new fallen snow is very dangerous
also, ice patches are a hazard in causing slips and falls.

4. Pavement
ideal surface however could cause shin problems (the surface may be too hard for your jogging or walking style)
fast surface
easier to run on a harder surface

5. Grass
level grass results in much less pressure on the legs and feet
more difficult to run quickly and as far
nice change from pavement (variety!)
soft surface aids in injury prevention and recovery

6. Track
fast surface
easy to run on
caution on small indoor tracks that are highly banked, because knee and ankle injuries are possible.

Route Selection
In designing and selecting the route to suite your needs, some of the following questions and considerations may further assist in creating the route most appropriate for you.

1. Degree of Difficulty
The number of twists and turns, the number of hills, and the height of hills, each contribute to route difficulty. Decide how difficult your route must be.

2. Route Popularity
Often, walkers, joggers and bicyclists tend to exercise on the same route and sometimes serve to motivate you, however, certain individuals will consider populated areas as hazardous, and uncomfortable.

3. Aesthetics
If time and circumstances allow for walking and jogging outdoors, the route may be better for you (fresh air), and more enjoyable. Indoor tracks tend to make running a chore.

4. Surface
In selecting grassy areas, or a trail, be aware of natural obstacles such as rocks, potholes and branches. Roadways are not as safe, but are easier and faster.

5. Automobile Traffic
Calculate the number of cars that frequent your proposed route. An absence of cars presents a very safe area, as opposed to downtown traffic which may be hazardous.

6. Canine Problems
Do the presence of dogs make you uncomfortable? If so, avoid open fields or residential areas that have some or many unleashed dogs.

7. Distance
Calculate the potential distance of your route with the odometer of a car. Although not completely accurate in measuring all turns and corners where you may be walking or jogging, the distance will be fairly close.
8. Neighbourhood Ambience
Consider the general appearance of the area. Do you appreciate the location, smell, buildings, and people characteristic of the location of your potential route?

Night Running
If you prefer to run in the evening, there are many precautions to think about.
Try to run with a partner, on the left side of the road, in well-lit areas. Choose bright clothing with reflective tape or stripes. Stay away from dark roads or trails in order to avoid unseen attackers, or potholes that may sprain or break an ankle. Carry some identification and a whistle just in case you encounter difficulties.