Runners... running on the beach?

SunnyDuckz

I'm fairly new to running, still working through the C25K. I wanted a change of scenery and since we are close to the beach, thought it would be nice! ...any runners here that run regularly on the beach? What do you do for your feet (barefoot, regular running shoes etc.)? I love walking on the sand, it feels like a good workout as the ground moves beneath you.
How is it to run on?

I'll try next week. Just want to get thoughts from those that have done it

jillybeanruns

I've only recently started running on the beach, but have been running for quite some time. I just treat it like a regular run, same sneakers and all. I try to run as close to (and often in) the water so I get the hard-packed sand. I have a bad ankle, so the loose sand only makes it harder for me.

You could run barefoot (I'm not a fan of the minimalist movement) but be careful with jellyfish and crabs. You can still get stung and that's not something I would want to deal with.

barbiex3

running on sand is TOUGH. but it's a super good workout. I think it is an amazing idea. I wish I lived somewhere where I could do that!! enjoy it =] !!

WeCallThemDayWalkers

I just read a link on Runner's World website today about this very topic! I am living in Panama City for a couple weeks and was thinking about trying beach running too. A couple of people on that forum commented that they damaged their achilles tendon while beach running. One person actually ruptured hers, the other just sprained it. The other commenters were saying you should treat a beach run like a "special run" (speed work, hill work, etc.) and seriously reduce the mileage and pace from your "normal" mileage and pace to avoid injury. Also, to work up to running on sand with baby steps. The consensus seemed to be that it's a nice change of scenery but to be cautious.

I'm pretty excited to at least do a little jog on the beach, though

Good luck!

jillybeanruns

Ahhh thanks for that info Koppy. My pace just dropped down about :30 seconds/mile because of the terrain/people dodging/wind. Good to know though. I've only been doing 3 milers on the beach right now, but planned on slowly increasing my beach distance just as I've done to my overall weekly mileage.

FL_Nettie

I haven't been for a run on the beach yet. I've always been kind of afraid to do it because I've heard that it's actually worse than running on asphalt. After reading Koppy's post, maybe it's worse because people don't take the necessary precautions (proper shoes, warm-ups, etc) that there are more injuries. But I may try a slow jog soon for a change of scenery.