Running on sand?

[Maddee_6333]

Late last year (or maybe just earlier this year) someone gave me some tips about running on sand. Of course, now the weather's warm enough for me to actually be considering going down to the beach for an early low tide, I can't find where!Anyone got any advice for running on sand?

[misswobble Graduate10]

It could have been Juicy Ju.

In the search box type Running on sand. It brings up some posts JJ. I would post a link if I knew how 😃

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, I'll give that a try later.

[Squarewheels66 Graduate10]

I'd be very cautious about this unless you are doing very short sessions or have bulletproofed your legs with lots of off road (properly uneven - not easy trails)

My physio warned me not to do it when I was recovering from an ankle injury last year. He told me he saw quite a few people who came back from holiday with knee problems

Even if you run on the firmer sand parallel to the sea the slight lateral incline is quite stressful for the knees.

I'd also guess if you are a heel striker - and most C5Kers will be, then the extra sink will put a bit more strain on the achilles.

If you're thinking barefoot and you haven't done it before then check your shoes' offset. If you don't already run well in flat shoes (most of us will be in cushioned shoes with 6-12mm rise between forefoot and heel) you will be straining the achilles further. Road shoes will also be a bit of a liability for grip. My Salomon speed cross (very knobbly) are good in the firm sand but nothing really gives you traction in the dry stuff.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to Squarewheels66]

Lots of useful tips there. Thanks ☺

I am a trail runner rather than a pavement runner so do run a lot of uneven ground- rutted paths on chalk downland, muddy tracks in woodland with plenty of tree roots.

I was thinking maybe just a few short sessions - last year I joined some friends on the beach for a run and had to turn back because my knees were killing me.

I'll take my Fellraisers with me and give it a whirl with them .

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

Firm wet sand can be fine but if it is drying then it really is energy sapping.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Good to know, thanks.

[MrNiceGuy in reply to Maddee_6333]

It may have been me, Maddee, as I'm a regular barefoot beach runner during summer months.

If you like, I'll have a look back through my previous replies, as someone did ask me about it, and re-post the reply.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to MrNiceGuy]

Very kind of you, thanks ever so!

[MrNiceGuy in reply to Maddee_6333]

As promised, Maddee, I provide the link where you'd asked about how best to run bare foot on sand: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...