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?
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Maddee_6333
Graduate10
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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.
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 .
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