Fit not Fat for 50: The pros and cons of beach running.

[Tapira]

I'm on holiday on the west coast of Scotland and keeping up with Week 4 by having to run (read: wobble-jog) outside. So I have done runs 2 and 3 on a remote beautiful beach- if you want to see it in all its glory you can find it here:

steading.co.uk/about-our-ar...

So what the pros and cons of running on the beach?

Pro 1: It's so beautiful - I'm sure the endorphins kick in early...

Con 1: You are so busy trying to concentrate on running you can't get to drink in the view.

Pro 2: The sound of the waves crashing onto the beach is very relaxing

Con 2: ER... you need to check tides before you head off. Run 2 had very little beach available, but that did mean some dune running to link two different parts of the beach.

Pro 3: What a fantastic surface to run on. The sand was forgiving for the old knees , but the dunes - that was like running on the bouncy stuff they use in children's play parks...

Con 3: When Laura said I was half way I thought I'd turn around and re-trace my footprints in the sand (and mine were the only footprints on the beach at 8am this morning!) Yikes what along way I'd run (well for me anyway) so thinking I'd got all that way to go again was almost demoralising!

Pro 4: The solitary splendour of it all. Just me and the oyster catchers and a couple of seagulls

Con 4: I think it has spoiled me, I can't take it with me and running on a treadmill will never feel the same again

[blueboots Graduate]

I am so envious, think I must head back up there this year, haven't been up there in too long. It just looks so beautiful. Yep, I do wonder how you will manage on that dull treadmill.

[Tapira Graduate in reply to blueboots]

I love this place so much I'll be back in the summer. I'm sitting here tonight in glorious sunshine - hillwalking tomorrow.

[Minuette Graduate]

I know what you mean about concentrating on running and not enjoying the view! Sounds absolutely fantastic where you are!

[Tapira Graduate in reply to Minuette]

Well I think it is great to be outdoors and I think the view 'comes in' from my peripheral vision,

[sfb350 Graduate]

Sounds wonderful - we've been running up the dunes on Holy Island today so my legs will be nice and sore for tomorrow's run

[Tapira Graduate in reply to sfb350]

All the best for your next run! thanks for your support.

[AliB1 Graduate]

Am so jealous! What an amazing place to run :)...all I get is boring high street / side streets

Enjoy the rest of your holiday

[Tapira Graduate]

I normally do treadmill which means looking at the same bit of wall. but I am determined when I return home to run in the local park. Hope your new running gadget is going well - mine is arriving soon!