Beach Running

SuperSmudger
SuperSmudger Posts: 292
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

Anyone in to Beach Running or Dune Running? I'd love to get away from the gym one day a week and do something different, running on the road is too harsh on my weak right knee.

So I thought I might go for a quick 5km run on the beach tomorrow to see what the impact is like. Does anyone find it a better workout than gym/road running?

Cheers

Replies

  • icreate
    icreate Posts: 60
    Just run on a nearly leveled path to avoid strain on the ankle :smile:
  • SuperSmudger
    SuperSmudger Posts: 292
    Thanks for the tip
  • CaseRat
    CaseRat Posts: 377 Member
    I find I have a more strenuous workout when I run on the beach and find it easier to run longer because I get distracted from the waves...but it's easy to twist your ankle the wrong way and make things worse. Give it a go; if it makes it worse then stick to the road or a track.
  • basillowe66
    basillowe66 Posts: 432 Member
    I ran on the beach in Daytona, Fl. and it was good. Daytona beach is flatter and firm. Some beaches are slanted which I found uncomfortable. If the sand isn't firm thats another problem. I would think you shouldn't go the whole 5k until you see how your knee will hold out.
  • hkclaire
    hkclaire Posts: 17
    I do some beach running & walking. I actually find I get sore knees after, so might be worthwhile taking it easy your first time. Good luck.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    You might want to start off easy and work your way into it. Running on uneven/soft surfaces will tax muscles in your feet/ankles/legs that you don't use as much when running on something smooth and firm like a road because you have to work harder to stabilize yourself. You'll definitely feel it in your ankles and calves the next day!
  • MrsBioChem
    MrsBioChem Posts: 80 Member
    Beach running is great if you are careful. I actually lived at the beach for a few years, and it is so peaceful to run in the mornings.

    Speeds that would usually get you into the 60-70% HRM will get you into 70-80% because of the resistance. But as a previous comment said it is easy to hurt yourself. If you have ever been barefoot running, then you would be used to most of the possible injuries. Just watch where your feet are landing, and keep an even stride. If you tend to under/over roll your foot, maybe try just running on softer dirt trails instead.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Woah, it's a much harder workout (if it's soft uneven sand) - but I think its very good for all those little muscles in your feet and ankles.
    I'd agree that you should build up slowly though, no point in risking a injury that is going to keep you out of your sneakers.
  • Arrabindi
    Arrabindi Posts: 169 Member
    I love running on the beach! Like other people have said it puts a bit of a strain on the ancles and knees, but in a good way! It's not high impact, so it's a great way to build up joint strength - especially if you do it barefoot. Just take it easy the first few times and let the body adjust.
  • SuperSmudger
    SuperSmudger Posts: 292
    Thanks everyone, I won't do 5 km just yet. Will try a short run/walk first.

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