never go running on the beach...

Any of yall ever gone running on the beach?

I'm in Florida right now and thought I'd be cool and run 5 miles on the beach with no shoes on. That was Monday, and my calves are still ridiculously sore.

I'm going back to the beach in a week, and I'd like to try it again. Any suggestions or helpful hints?

Ah, this I know a lot about! If you're new to beach running, start out on wet, firm sand -- it's much easier to run on than the soft, dry sand. You can slowly add 2 or 3-minute intervals on the softer sand, with longer recoveries on the wet sand. As you get used to the dry sand, you can start running on it for longer stretches. Avoid running along a beach that's sloped because it can lead to injuries in your knees and ankles. Again, running on the beach is harder than running on the pavement or on a treadmill, so you'll need to slow down. Don't overdo it.   As for running barefoot, [which is how I run on the beach]...this is a good way to build up strength in your feet. But because we're used to wearing shoes all the time, our feet are not nearly as strong as they could be. If you start running barefoot on the beach too fast or too frequently, you could injure yourself. Start out with short runs -- just 15 minutes or so -- to build up some strength in your feet. And, of course, be on the lookout for broken glass and sea shells.   I live on the beach...and hardly ever run in shoes but when I do I make sure I wear my beach running shoes...Now,  there aren't specific shoes made for beach running, but you're better off dedicating a pair of your running shoes for beach runs. That way, you don't have to bother trying to get all the sand out of your shoes after your runs. And, of course, stay hydrated and protect your skin to avoid a nasty sunburn!! 

Original Post by jcl76:

Any of yall ever gone running on the beach?

I'm in Florida right now and thought I'd be cool and run 5 miles on the beach with no shoes on. That was Monday, and my calves are still ridiculously sore.

I'm going back to the beach in a week, and I'd like to try it again. Any suggestions or helpful hints?

 

 bare feet?  that's seriously dangerous.  don't do that anymore.

Original Post by fitnessgirll:

Ah, this I know a lot about! If you're new to beach running, start out on wet, firm sand -- it's much easier to run on than the soft, dry sand. You can slowly add 2 or 3-minute intervals on the softer sand, with longer recoveries on the wet sand. As you get used to the dry sand, you can start running on it for longer stretches. Avoid running along a beach that's sloped because it can lead to injuries in your knees and ankles. Again, running on the beach is harder than running on the pavement or on a treadmill, so you'll need to slow down. Don't overdo it.   As for running barefoot, [which is how I run on the beach]...this is a good way to build up strength in your feet. But because we're used to wearing shoes all the time, our feet are not nearly as strong as they could be. If you start running barefoot on the beach too fast or too frequently, you could injure yourself. Start out with short runs -- just 15 minutes or so -- to build up some strength in your feet. And, of course, be on the lookout for broken glass and sea shells.   I live on the beach...and hardly ever run in shoes but when I do I make sure I wear my beach running shoes...Now,  there aren't specific shoes made for beach running, but you're better off dedicating a pair of your running shoes for beach runs. That way, you don't have to bother trying to get all the sand out of your shoes after your runs. And, of course, stay hydrated and protect your skin to avoid a nasty sunburn!! 

Oh my gosh you live on the beach?? I am SOO SOO jealous of you!!! I'm determined to live on the beach one day. It's my favorite place in the world to be. My skin always looks so good when I get back from the beach...the saltwater clears up my face and the sand exfoliates my skin!

Thanks for all the great tips! I'm gonna try it again today. The only thing about taking walk breaks is that once I stop, it's so hard for me to get going again. I did try running on the hard part, but that's also difficult bc the waves come in at different lengths so I can't run in a straight line. THanks again :)

This answers my question too. We're going to N. Carolina in 2 weeks and I was considering doing my sprints on the beach. I'll have to bring my old sneakers for this.

** and I'm jealous too. I just love the beach and wish I could live there full-time.

 

All the above is correct.  I would add check the tide schedules.  Go at low tide or when the tide is going out.  This will give you the firmest sand and less problem with waves lapping at your feet.  I live on the east coast and love it when the low tide corresponds with the sunrise and running at night with a full moon.  It is absolutely the best part of the day.  Good luck!

Hi jcl

I think that if you are training for a marathon, running in the beach might cause a lesion, Last week I was in Acapulco and there is a wonderful beach for running, I usually go there but this time I did not because of the marathon, just being cautious.

because the beach is not firm like a trail or the road, you will be using muscles in new ways, and they will need time to adapt.  It will be quite like, but not the same as, learning to run all over again.

Nothing wrong with running barefoot either, but I would take that extra slow to give your feet time to adapt.