If you have a sneaky beach breakaway scheduled for all the up-coming long weekends and holidays, why not take to the sand for a session or two.
Here are some do’s and don’ts when you want to do your jogging on the sand.
- Begin with a short distance. Don't run too far to start with, and adjust your pace. Running on the beach is much harder than running on paved surfaces. Avoid doing all your running on the beach as it's very tough on your Achilles Tendons and ankle joints.
- Consider wearing shoes. Running barefoot on the shore feels great, no doubt, but shoes will help to protect you from any cuts or grazes from sharp objects hidden in the sand. You don't need special running shoes for beach days, but if you have more than one pair you may want to devote one for the beach.
- Keep to the wet, hard-packed sand near the shoreline. It makes running much easier than on the soft, deep sand. There is a lot more hard-packed sand during low tide.
- Add running on the beach into one of your weekly runs. It's great for building strength in your feet and lower legs.
- Run in the morning. Morning and evening provide the most comfortable temps, and are usually less crowded, too. But even if the sun is just rising or sinking, it’s important to put on sunscreen.
