Running in the beach
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Great Greyhound posted 1 year ago.
I've been traveling on business to Aiken,SC where there are extensive Horse Trails that are all sand (unpacked, loose, and deep). You will definitely use a different set of muscles than running on pavement,grass,etc. And your time won't be near as fast as on other surfaces. :)
I feel it in my ankles and hip flexors the most. Be aware that running on a beach will introduce a slope, that could cause problems if you are sensitive to this.
Darrell "Legs 'n Lungs" Lenkner
in West Chester, Oh.
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kylie posted 1 year ago.
There is a section in about 3 of my weekly runs that is looser sand/gravel. It helps my little stabilizer muscles (in particular for me in ankles) get stronger. However, I do find that there are days I should go around that part since I'm already feeling bits of tendinitis in a foot.
Also just be careful as you get used to the different footing. Like trail running, I find it's easier to roll an ankle or trip on the looser ground.
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Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.
As has been mentioned, loose sand can be a heck of a workout or your hips, ankles, and possibly knees. Packed sand is fantastic to run on. Its fast and more forgiving than asphalt.
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CGroth posted 1 year ago.
i enjoy how the subject of this thread is "running IN the beach" because every time i am at the beach and decide to go for a run it feels like i am in the beach running as opposed to on the beach.
anyway, beach running always gets me at the calves.
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watrbg2 posted 1 year ago.
Be careful running on the packed sand near the water - that's where the biggest slope will be. You will feel it in your hip flexors.
But I love to run on the beach, just love to listen to the waves. Whenever we are on vacation near a beach, a run on the beach is the first thing I do.
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nayo posted 1 year ago.
Sorry, I meant "On" instead of "In."
Ok, so, if the sand is packed enough, should I try running with tennis shoes on, or just barefoot?
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Milesofsmiles15 posted 1 year ago.
it definitely uses a different set of muscles.
depending on what kind of stride you have it may effect you differently. i run heel to toe on every stride, and i keep my feet relatively low off of the ground, so it effects me more to run on the beach. On the other hand my friends who are up on their toes more have a much easier time than me on the beach.
Beware about running on an incline though, because that can lead to IT band problems among other things.
To answer the question about wearing shoes you will use more of the stabilizer muscles if you run without shoes.
Personally if i am at a beach i make an effort to run on the roads still, so it doesn't mess up my running. You can try starting out on the roads, then moving onto a packed sand area with your shoes, and if it feels good there keep going, and if it doesn't go back to the roads.
I know that running on the beach is definetly romantic, but what about useful/dangerous? Are there any benefits to running on sand? Are there any risks related to running on sand? Is there any big difference between normal pavement/dirt/grass running and running on sand?
I appreciate your help.
-Nayo