Here are some beach-running pointers for vacationers and coastal runners. It doesn’t take science to figure out that running on sand is more challenging than running on pavement. Just ask anyone who’s ever been on sand. But science can tell us just how much more challenging it truly is. In 1998, three researchers in Belgium published “Mechanics and energetics of human locomotion on sand,” and their conclusions on beach-related exercise was intriguing: running on the sand takes 1.6 times more energy than running on a hard surface, mainly because: — The mechanical work required to get through the sand. — The inefficiency of the work done by tendons and muscles due to the sand’s unpredictable surface. Of course, the researchers in Belgium did this testing in soft, dry sand. Thanks to the ocean and its dynamic tides, soft sand is often not the only option for beach running. If you live near the beach, or you’re heading out for a vacation this summer, you may be interested in taking your love of running to the shoreline.
Many runners in coastal areas do this to get a change-of-pace workout in one of the most serene places on the planet. “I kind of put it in the same category as hill running. It’s resistance work,” says Brian Clarke, a running coach and author in Honolulu. “I think it’s also going to help people develop more resilience, especially in the calf and Achilles.” With a little preparation and a little bit of an idea of what’s in store, beach running can be an enjoyable workout. Before you head to the sand, here are some pointers to get you ready. 1. The Right Beach For runners, not all beaches are created equal. In fact, there are a few big factors that could make certain spots a complete dud for running on.A jetty, a cliff, a river mouth...so many things can shorten the length of a beach-- and turn your anticipated run into a big disappointment. Try to find a beach that has at least a mile of uninterrupted shoreline.Some beaches are unsuitable because they are cambered, or crowned.
Depending on how cambered the beach is, this could cause you to run on a slanted surface for a long period, which can lead to injury. The flatter, the better.For the barefoot crowd, some beaches are littered with rocks and broken seashells that can be painful to run on. Take your shoes with you just in case. Depending on the tide cycle, you may have multiple surfaces to choose from. And they are night and day in terms of difficulty. The soft sand is the surface that’s completely dry. It has a lot of give, which makes running on it difficult (hence, why it takes 1.6 times more energy than pavement.) The wet sand, or packed sand, is what’s left behind as the tide recedes. It’s much more firm than soft sand. If you’re new to beach running, go to the wet sand. If you want to do a soft-sand run, get ready for a great workout. “If it’s true resistance work, soft sand is better,” Clarke says. “But if you just want to go out and go on an enjoyable run, you’d rather have a nice, level, sturdy surface.”
3. Check the Chart To get the most wet sand to run on (or the most area to run on, if your beach is narrow), make sure to go at low tide, or at least when the tide is receding. Tide charts are easy to find on the Internet. If you head out during high tide or when the tide is rising, you won’t have any wet sand to run on—or at some spots, you may not have any beach at all. 4. Barefoot or Shoes? The wet sand is sturdy enough that you can run with shoes and not worry about sinking in. But of course, the sand is a soft enough surface to make barefoot running possible, if not preferable. If you choose to go without shoes, do so with caution. Your feet are used to the support, and at the end of even a short beach run, you might notice that your ankles, achilles, calf muscles or the top of your feet are fatigued or hurting. “You’re going to have to deal with the issue of running without an elevated heel,” Clarke says. “That’s a very relevant issue.
Some people have to learn how to do it and then get used to doing it.” It’s important to know that beach running is a workout that will “shock” your lower legs if they’re used to pavement—particularly if you go barefooted. Don’t push the intensity your first time on the sand. Make it an enjoyable workout. Stay in the wet sand, keep the mileage low, and slow down a little bit. Going out hard could lead to injury. “Find an entry level workout that basically minimizes the shock,” Clarke says. “No more than a mile or two or three at the most, at a slow pace.” That big body of water you’re running next to can act as quite a reflector. You’ll also notice many beaches lack trees. This can cause the sun to really beat down on you.Wear a hat and sunglasses. There’s no better place to burn than at a beach. Once last piece of advice—if you can’t leave home without your mp3 player, just try to this one time. The crashing ocean waves trump any playlist you put together.
Put the earbuds away and enjoy it. Rawlings Glove Break-in Kit *NEW* Bownet - Big Mouth X All-Star Catcher Helmet MVP2510 Louisville Slugger PRIME 917 33/30 -3 BBCOR CRB - Gift Card 2017 Louisville Slugger Omaha 517 New Balance Turf - T3000 *NEW* Webgem Flare (PGBB5004) Baum Bat AAA Standard Knob 32" SST Prospect Performance (Youth) Bownet Utilitee Hitting Tee SKLZ Hit-A-Way Batting Trainer Mizuno Organizer Coaches Bucket G2 Easton Team Hang Helmet Easton Coach's Bucket Cover Wilson A1K Pedroia Fit 11.5" Baseball Glove Charlie Rose Baseball (Baden) Champro High School Ball Spalding Little League Regular Season Baseballs CRB 11 Position Scorebook ATEC T3 Professional Tee All-Star Catcher Mask FM4000MAGHubby'S LunchSchool Lunch BoxLunch BoxesSchool SnacksValentines StuffValentine TreatsValentine PartyValentines Day BananasValentine MessagesForwardFRUITS with cute messages... fun to make with kids or surprise them by putting these adorable fruits in their school lunch boxes or even hubby's lunch box :)