Running on Sand
427
Member
440 days
Sully800 posted 46 weeks ago.
When running on the packed wet sand near the water (not sand with water flowing over just recently wet) it is hard enough that its not much different than running on the grass or even pavement. If however you are away from the water and in the loose dry sand it will tax your calves much more and be exhausting! If you find out the run takes place in the dry sand I would practice that as much as possible during your training.
727
Member
537 days
theShiba posted 46 weeks ago.
Just keep in mind that it's going to be weird that the beach will be angled pretty severely to one side if you are running along the shore.
Also, be advised that Runners World actually rated sand WORSE for you than running on cement in terms of impact and joint damage. I wouldn't recommend training on sand, because it will probably just beat you up... Just be prepared to suck it up on race day, and you'll be fine. Maybe take a short run in training to see what the beach run will be like.
2455
Member
1332 days
Triguy98 posted 46 weeks ago.
Depends on the beach. The beaches here are pretty flat, with some nice sand that, when ya run at water's edge, still abosrbs impact (you can see you foot impressions.) Sugar sand sucks. Running in sugart sand requires a high turn over. Look into Evolution running- the style is perfect for a beach run.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
872
Member
884 days
tsilcyc posted 46 weeks ago.
This just reminds me of the Big Kahuna. The last half mile to the finish is in the soft sand. Maybe it's less than a half mile, I can't remember the exact distance but it feels like forever.|
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57
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324 days
TonisFirstTri posted 46 weeks ago.
Thanks! I will keep all that in mind as I train and will look into Evolution training. The beach on the tri route is at the NJ shore, so my hope is it will be tightly packed in May. Also, this is the first year for this event. Should I expect it to be well organized? Or should I expect a little chaos?
1127
Member
986 days
UFTriGator posted 46 weeks ago.
^It depends on the race director. I've been to new races that were great and established races that were awful. Find out who organizes the race and see what other races they do. That'll give you the best idea of what to expect.
______________________________________________
-Matt
Not fast enough.
545
Member
557 days
Socket posted 46 weeks ago.
GRRR!! Why do there have to be localish races while I'm on vacation in Florida!! I would totally be there if only it was Sunday the 25th.
Looking at where it is between AC and Wildwood, I'd say its fairly safe to assume its not angled all that much but unless the course is right next to the water you're looking at pretty loose sand and a tough run.
2455
Member
1332 days
Triguy98 posted 46 weeks ago.
So fight back and do some local races here. There's always plenty fo em in pretty much every city.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
57
Member
324 days
TonisFirstTri posted 46 weeks ago.
Thanks Socket. Ironically, I am a Florida girl living in NJ, so I don't know much about the beaches here. I dread running on loose sand. Ugh! Have a great vacation.
545
Member
557 days
Socket posted 46 weeks ago.
Not a bad idea, but the only 2 in May near where I'll be (Captiva) aren't while I'll be down there. Guess I'll just have to do my own race ;-)
TonisFirstTri - it'll be loose, but not as bad as if it were north more, like Sandy Hook: hot yellow sand full of rocks, shells, and industrial waste. Good times :-)
57
Member
324 days
TonisFirstTri posted 46 weeks ago.
hot yellow sand full of rocks, shells, and industrial waste. Good times :-)
Gosh, I miss Florida ; )
2455
Member
1332 days
Triguy98 posted 46 weeks ago.
Captiva is nice. Kayaking around Tarpon Bay through the mangroves is a must!
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
195
Member
477 days
Nutty posted 45 weeks ago.
Advice for running a 5k on sand? Find a different race.
Nah, go for it. Just try it out a couple times before raceday so you know what to expect. I was surprised at my first tri by turning into the last half mile and seeing loose sand. I was not pleased, so be ready for it. I'd bet itll be on the wet packed sand though, i dont think any race organizers would be that mean..
Best of luck with your first race. Train hard, and have fun!
-Alan
My fancy new blogitty blog.
http://therunningfridge.blogspot.com/
Hi Everyone, I just signed up for my first sprint tri in May. I am really excited and a little scared. I have been training hard for the last few weeks and I feel great so far. I just found out the 5k portion of my event is running on the beach. Is there anything special I need to know? I think this will make the 5k harder and I am going to try to log some hours running on a beach between now and May if possible. Thoughts?