
Running on the beach sounds so romantic, doesn’t it? The sun glints off the water, the sea spray from crashing waves… Sure, running on the beach is idyllic, but it isn’t all movie-montage stuff. Here are some beach running benefits, tips and hazards to know before you wave bye-bye to solid ground.
5 Things You Should Know About Running on the BeachInefficiency can be awesome!
In a study titled, Mechanics and Energetics of Human Locomotion on Sand, experts found human body mechanics and the physical properties of sand require the average runner to expend 1.6 times more energy when running on sand when compared with running an equal distance on a hard surface. Is spending more energy a bad thing? Not here. This is why sand makes for a fabulous workout. If you’re a beginner, rethink the sand option or reduce your total run distance to start. On the flip side, if you’re an avid runner, taking your run to the beach will allow you to get a more intense workout. Running on sand is especially good for those training for marathons or other competitive events. It’s sort of like a different version of high-altitude training.Running on sand has multiple benefits over pavement.
Some of our favorites include:- The atmosphere rocks. Seriously, the sound of the waves and seabirds, the smell of the ocean, the beautiful vistas – does it get any better than that?
- If weight-loss is a goal, the aforementioned energetic requirements of running on sand means you’ll burn more calories, faster, and that means you’ll lose weight faster too.
- Running on sand is like running on a slightly padded surface – much healthier for feet and joints in the long-term. This is especially true if you’re a fan of barefoot running. Choose a running shoe that fits the surface you’re running on. If you do wear shoes, add socks to prevent errant sand from rubbing you raw.