Experienced Runners - Please help! - Do you run with shoes on the beach?

[aldisneygrl]

Hello all experienced runners out there. I am new to this. I just started my 4th week of C25k training tonight. I am going on vacation to the beach. I want to run on the beach while I am there. Is it better to run with my shoes on or to run barefoot? Please excuse my ignorance, but I am a newbie at this.

 

[Peg In The Pound]

While I am certainly not experienced at all (just starting Cto5k week 2)... my husband is a lifeguard in Waikiki and trains there all the time.
I would consider how deep the sand is.
I don't think you want to run in very soft, deep sand.
You will feel like you are working a trillions time harder to do times/distances that usually feel like a breeze... so it might feel like a psychological setback. And if you aren't used to the unstable surface, you might be a little more prone to injury.
If the sand is nice and hard, you'll probably feel better running in your shoes, but you can certainly run barefoot if you like.
Have a great vacation! Hope this helps.

 

[aldisneygrl]

I am thinking that I will plan to run close to the edge of the water, where it is wet and not so deep. I know traipsing from the hotel out to the edge of the water with all of our "stuff" is a workout every year. I can't even imagine running in that deep sand.

Thanks for the input!

 

[princessrunner]

If you run on hard pack or loose sand, make sure you stretch those calves and Achilles or you will probably be sorry. Sometimes, even when you plan to run on hard pack, you end up in the loose stuff for one reason or another. Unless you are someone who is barefoot all the time (like me!!) running without shoes is usually just asking for plantar fasciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome...at the very least calf strain due to your muscles not being used to stretching flat like that. Have a great vaca and enjoy the run on the beach...it is awesome!

 

[aldisneygrl]

Thanks so much for the tips. Looks like I will be running with my shoes. I sure don't want to hurt myself. I think it will be an inspiring run because the scenery will be so beautiful.

 

[princessrunner]

Personally, I love running on the beach. The sound of the water is very peaceful. I hope you enjoy it to it's fullest!!

 

[aldisneygrl]

Well the beach ended up being very lopsided. So, I ended up running on the sidewalk in front of the condo. It actually ended up still being beautiful! Thanks for everyone's input. Also, everyone else who was running was on the sidewalk too.