Do's and don'ts for running on the beach.
Summer is almost here and the beaches are calling. We’re all for building castles and taking romantic sunset walks on the beach, but is it healthy to run on the beach? Here are some do’s and don’ts when you want to do your running by the seashore this summer.
- Do run on the beach once in a while. It's a great workout for building strength in your feet and lower legs and running barefoot on the shore feels great.
- Don't run too much distance to start with, and adjust your pace. Running on the beach is much harder than on paved surfaces. Avoid doing all your running on the beach as it's very tough on your Achilles tendons and ankle joints.
- Do keep to the wet, hard-packed sand near the shoreline. It makes running much easier than on the soft, deep sand, and it's more flat and even too. There is a lot more hard-packed sand during low tide.
- Don't run in the midday and early afternoon heat. Morning and evening are the most comfortable times, and usually less crowded too. Even then, as long as the sun is out, don't forget to put on sunscreen.
- Do consider wearing your running shoes to make sure you don't get any cuts or grazes from trash hidden in the sand. You don't need special shoes for running on the beach, but if you have more than one pair you may want to devote one for the beach.
- Do top off a gentle run with a dip in the sea!
