Summer is here and that means more time for beach running. There’s nothing as invigorating as a run in the sand along the ocean.
Here are some beach running pointers for vacationers and coastal runners.
It does not require science to figure out that running on sand is more demanding than running on pavement. Just ask anyone who’s ever been on sand.
Two things are very important to consider about the effectiveness and challenge of running in the sand:
- The mechanical work required to get through the sand.
- The inefficiency of the work done by tendons and muscles because of the sand’s unpredictable surface.
Because of the ocean and its dynamic tides, soft sand is frequently not the only alternative for beach running and race training.
You’re heading out for a holiday this summer, or in case you live close to the beach, you may be interested in taking your love of running to the coastline. Many runners in coastal areas do this to get a change of pace work out in one of the very most tranquil spots on earth.
For everyone, not all beaches are made equal. In fact, there are a few big factors that could make certain spots for running on, a whole dud.
Run on the Correct Seashore
- Length. A jetty, a cliff, a river mouth…so many things can shorten the length of a shore– and turn your anticipated run into a big disappointment. Look for a shore that’s at least a mile of uninterrupted coastline.
- Slant. Some shores are unsuitable because they’re cambered, or crowned. Depending on cambered the beach is, this could cause you to run on a slanted surface for a very long period, which can result in harm. The better, the more level.
- Surface. For the bunch that was barefoot, some shores are littered with stone and broken seashells which can be painful to run on. Take your shoes with you just in case.
Pick the Right Type of Sand
Depending on the tide cycle, you may have multiple surfaces to select from. And they’re night and day in terms of issue.
The soft sand is the surface that’s not fully wet. It has plenty of give, which makes running on it difficult (thus, why it takes 1.6 times more energy than pavement.)
Sand that is packed, or the wet sand, is what is left behind as the tide recedes. It’s much more solid than soft sand. If you’re new to beach running, visit the wet sand. In case you like to do a soft-sand run, get ready for an excellent work out.
View the Tide
To get the most wet sand to run on (or the most area to run on, if your shore is narrow), make sure to go at low tide, or at least when the tide is receding. Tide graphs are easy to find online.
You will not have any wet sand to run on, in case you head out during high tide or when the tide is rising –or at some areas, you may not have any beach at all.
Choose to Run With or Without Shoes
The wet sand is durable enough you could run with shoes and not be worried about sinking in. But of course, the sand is a soft enough surface to make barefoot running potential, maybe preferable.
Do so with caution, should you choose to really go without shoes. Your feet are used to the support, and at the end of a short shore run, you might notice your ankles, achilles, calf muscles or the very top of your feet are hurting or fatigued.
Check Your Knees
Some beaches have more slanted surfaces than others, but even the most level seashores, at the best tides, have some slant to them. And generally speaking, the more complex the tide angled the sand. Running on an angled surface can wreak havoc on your own knees and hips. Make sure you run out and back. The unevenness is not good for either leg, but it’s better to put both legs through the paces than just one (for instance, running down a beach in one direction, then back on the road). But in case you feel hip or knee pain, stick to degree trails or the roads.
Deep Sand Work Outs
Even when you can not get down to the beach at low tide for the hard-packed sand , running in deep sand once in a while is a great kick in the butt. Sand, like soft snow, gives with every step, which means that your leg muscles (hello, burning calves) will feel the burn. This is really suitable, though, should you not have much time for a run. Doing a quick work out in deep sand will seldom leave you wishing you had more time for a longer run.
Gear Up
Sunscreen is essential, as running next to the water will give you the rays that are reflective in addition to from directly overhead. A hat or visor along with Sunglasses are also helpful in keeping you comfortable and focused on your own run, instead of that fireball in the sky blinding you. And in case you do a lot of shore running, look for shoes that have tight mesh over open mesh. When you’re running on the soft stuff a mesh that is closed can keep your shoes from filling up with sand. And since it’s sometimes unavoidable to get a little sand in, wear socks that ward off blisters. Thin, artificial options function nicely. And if your sock and shoe combo still is not abating the rub, consider a lubricant like BodyGlide or Sportslick for long runs, particularly long runs where your feet might get wet and sandy.
Take Advantage of Where you Are
Nothing caps off an excellent beach run much better than a jump in the ocean (and thank goodness for quick drying run clothing). A soak in the sea will not give you the same recovery gains as an ice bath –unless you’re running on a beach in Maine in the winter–but it will undoubtedly leave you refreshed. And to take advantage of more setting, hop over piles of seaweed or alternative obstacles for agility training, and race the sun as it sets into the water for speed work.