Unintended barefoot beach run: Still in... - Bridge to 10K

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Unintended barefoot beach run

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10
17 Replies

Still in Northern Portugal, I went for a barefoot walk on the beach, to the north this time. It was sunny but not too hot, and I kept mostly to the firmer sand just at the edge of the waves, enjoying the coolness of the water. I quickly left the more populated area behind and after that hardly saw anyone! The beach seems to go on forever, and after 1.5 miles I decided I'd better turn back. I hadn't put sunscreen cream on and I felt my feet and lower legs - which rarely see sunshine - starting to burn, so thought I'd try jogging back to get back quicker.

I thought it would be too much like hard work in the sun and sand, and hadn't worn my running bra either, so intended to try alternating jogging and walking. To my surprise though, I was able to keep running the whole 1.5 miles back. My first barefoot run since I was about 6! Happily my feet and knees didn't complain. My left calf muscle was a little tight next day, so I did plenty of stretching, and there have been no ill effects :)

Next time I've got access to an enormously long and beautiful beach on my doorstep I might try it again. It was a lovely change from cobbles and tarmac :) :)

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APScotland profile image
APScotland
Graduate10
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17 Replies
Abaggs profile image
AbaggsGraduate10

Sounds lovely! Not sure anyone should see me running without a sports bra!!☺

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to Abaggs

Lol! I've lost a bit of weight recently, otherwise it would have been unthinkable to run in my usual "no-support" bra. ;) x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

How lovely APS. It will be hard to find a deserted beach here at the moment. People are turning up at 8.00 in the morning to get some sea breeze. You must do it again before you leave 🏃‍♀️🏖☀️

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

Where are you Dexy5? I was amazed at how quiet most if the beaches were in Portugal, even down in the Algarve! I think it's just that they have sooo many miles of gorgeous beaches along the whole coastline, there's plenty of space for relatively few tourists even in July :)

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to APScotland

I’m in Southsea on south coast of England . Not a sandy beach like ripcurl has, but we have been swimming in the sea this year to cool down - I haven’t done that for about 10 years. Even the jellyfish are coming in with the warm water.

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

Ooh - not sure I'd fancy swimming with jellyfish!! But I am starting to think we should get the diggers in and make a swimming pool on the farm at home if this hot summer is a sign of things to come ;) x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to APScotland

Fortunately the jellyfish have gone again , only here for a day or too and not the ones with tails. We are still waiting for the promised storms .....

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

Sounds just perfect that does😃👍

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to misswobble

It was rather lovely :) xx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

Sounds lovely 💕

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat

Indeed! Tempting to run in for a swim at the end, except the water looked quite fierce, and there were quite a lot of rocks at the start/end point. I nipped into the tame wave/current/rock-free pool at the condo instead. ;) x

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10

That beach looks amazing! 😊🏃‍♀️❤️

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to mountaindreamer

Just one of many amazing beaches in Portugal! Well worth a visit :) x

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

What a beautiful place to run, well done 😎

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to ju-ju-

It was gorgeous! :) x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

I’ve been once and loved it. Love to go again 🏖

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10 in reply to misswobble

I particularly enjoyed swimming in the sea off Tavira Island in the Algarve ... and visiting the amazing castles at Monsanto and nearby ... and the relative coolness of the north ... Lots of lovely memories ;) x

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