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Re: [at-l] Trail Running, Another Guess

At 11:57 PM 3/24/98 -0600, Pooh wrote:
>Exsqueeze me if this has already been covered, but does anybody know what
>the environmental impact is of trail running?  My hunch is that it would
>harm the trail atleast slightly more than just plain ol' hikin', but is does
>it add significant impact?
>
I doubt if anyone's conducted a scientific study but you would have to
include all aspects of the hike/run impact. While the runner would hit the
ground harder with each footstep, those attempting speed records are
'supported' meaning they aren't camping most of the time so that
environmental impact would have to be subtracted from the equation. Given
the variance of the hiking styles of those who just hike the trail it would
be necessary to determine an average between LNT types and the uneducated
folks who decide on the spur of the moment to 'just do it'. Only then could
you draw some fair comparisons.

I've been a runner (don't run anymore because my knees complained after 7
years) and I can sympathize with those who'd rather run on the AT than the
highway to get from GA to ME. I've had many close calls with inconsiderate
and downright stupid drivers. The woods (even with rocks and roots) are a
whole lot nicer and safer. I wouldn't run the trail (even if my knees would
let me) and I too feel that anyone who is focused on breaking a record,
however unofficial it is, can't be fully appreciating what the trail has to
offer. On the other hand, they'll blaze past me in matter of moments and
the encounter will disturb the rest of my hike only if I let it.

Saunterer
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