Anyone else run on sand?

[Beach_runner]

Does anyone else run on sand?

I am new to running. Like many I started C25K because of lockdown and not being able to enjoy my usual sports. Can't face evenings inside watching tv!

First run I did on pavement and I ached a little. Since then I have run on the beach as find it much more pleasant and no pain at all. Now on run 2 of week 3, so got a fair way to go but really enjoying it.

Would be interested to hear of other people's experience of running on different surfaces.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Stretching immediately after every run, while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan.

This allows you to run places other than the beach.......

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Hi

I always found it harder to run on sand, I prefer solid ground.

If you enjoy it then keep at it.

[Beach_runner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'l see how I get on once I start getting into the longer runs. Low tide and hard sand are definitely preferable.

[Newbie59 Graduate]

I live 25 miles from the coast but last summer I managed a few runs on a beach, which I absolutely loved, first thing in the morning with hardly a soul around. I only ran the beach when the tide was right out so that I could run on the very firm sand. The soft stuff would make it far too difficult

[Beach_runner Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Yes, low tide is always best. I was lucky enough to run with moonlight over sea the other evening, though with the weather forecast for weekend I may be struggling to run on beach with strong north east wind and snow!

[Darkicon Graduate]

I started my Couch25k journey last year running on the beach close to my home. I completed the programme at the end of November and did every run on the sand with my dog. I have to check tide times before l run as l was nearly caught out once when the tide started coming in and l had to alter my route to get off the beach quickly. I have never run on a pavement/hard surface and probably won't as the beach is so long. My dog loves it too as she gets to meet other dogs on the way, although most of the time she 's right by my side keeping me company. 🐕😀