6 Tips for Running on the Beach

Yes, sand between your toes feels amazing, and truly is the novelty of running on the beach, but there are numerous reasons why it might be a much safer idea to wear your normal running sneakers. First and foremost, wearing sneakers will help keep your feet safe from the wide variety of debris you may encounter on the shore, such as sharp seashells, rocks protruding from the sand, broken glass, or other man made debris.  Have you ever stepped on a broken clam shell? Not fun at all. Once I ran 3 miles barefoot on the sand, and blistered and chafed my feet in a way that can only be described as it felt like I scrubbed my soles with sandpaper.  That pain wasn’t worth the barefoot novelty, I assure you.

Second, if you are used to running in sneakers, putting in significant mileage barefoot may cause serious discomfort or even injury to your feet and legs, as your running form naturally changes, and you engage more muscles.  If you choose to run barefoot, start with very short distances, and slowly ease into longer runs as your body adjusts to the change in foot strike that occurs when running barefoot.

Lastly, that beautiful, soft, sandy beach might not be as long as you thought..and in order to get in substantial mileage, you may have to cross rocks or berms that might be uncomfortable if you are barefoot.

2014 BoldRDash on the Beach

Wear High Socks

Avoid miserable chafing by not only wearing socks, but wearing high socks (crew length or higher). Sure they aren’t as cute or trendy as the no-show socks, but neither are blisters.   The higher the sock comes up on your ankle, the less likely you are to get sand in the socks.

Sunscreen!

This is an obvious one to people who spend a lot of time on the coast, but maybe not so much to vacationers: check the tide.  Running in the deep, dry sand is significantly more difficult than running on the wet, hard packed sand closer to the shore. If you are new to running on the beach, you will want to start out in the wet sand. If you want an insane leg and ankle workout, run in the deep, dry sand.    Checking the tide charts before planning a beach run will allow you to plan your run around low tide, when the beach typically has more surface area available for running, much of which is the hard packed, wet sand.

Also, if at all possible, try to run on the flattest areas of the beach. Running on shoreline that is significantly sloped may cause unnecessary strain on your lower body. If you cannot find level ground, be sure to do an out and back run, which may even out the wear on your body.

2009 Sun Fun Run, North Myrtle Beach

Have you noticed a theme with all of my advice articles?  DRINK UP.  Dehydration is so common among athletes, and yet so easily preventable.   In addition to the lack of shade available on the beach, lack of freshwater sources may also be a concern. Be sure to properly hydrate prior to your run, as well as carry a water source with you if at all possible.

So there you have it, 6 simple tips that will hopefully make your beach running adventures more safe and enjoyable.   Have any tips to add?  Please comment below!