Running on the Beach?

[NeverlandClub23]

I live 2 blocks off of the ocean. I've been going down there to run in the mornings for the past month (I had a running hiatus after my last half marathon in February [just burned out, no injury]). However, I wear my regular running shoes and moisture wicking socks and it never fails a wave comes in stronger than most and completely soaks my socks and shoes. I've thought about running barefoot, but there's often broken glass or sharp shells. That got me thinking about those Vibram FiveFinger shoes. Any other suggestions for running on the beach? TIA!

 

[slp1650]

I don't know if you can go during low tide? Usually with low tide you'll have a nice area of pact sand where you can wear your shoes without getting them too wet. I would just check your tide charts and see if you can't try something like that.

I usually only run on my local beach if it's low tide because high tide means you're swimming part of the way back probably.

 

[FireDancer]

I have only run on the beach a couple of times and ran barefoot a little higher in the deep sand instead of the packed sand down by the water line. It was the best calf workout I have ever done. I would look at trail shoes that are made for creek crossings which would allow water to wash right out. If you like the 5-finger shoes they would probably work well but I find them uncomfortable.

 

[cewait]

The 5-finger shoes will work well assuming you are not a sever over pronator. Even if you are, by the end of the season you may over come a pronation issue if you work on forward looking feet while on the sand. The only issue I would have with the Vibrams on snad would be sand in the shoes. Mine fit just a little loose thanks to me being exactly between two sizes and I have had to stop to empty sand from mine while golf course running.

I usually run in shoes and socks on the beach. Like Frank says, the packed sand is a great leg workout. I find that you can hear those for reaching/surging waves if you observe and listen. Then have a little different sound (or maybe it is just me). Note that I train in tri specific shoes that are designed to drain water. Look for shoes made of That may help with those rogue waves that you do not catch before rolling in.

 

[Ms. Toad Esq.]

I also live close to a beach and go running in the sand about 3-4 times per week, barefoot. My tips are ...

Make sure you spend equal amounts of time going up and back, because if you run on the packed sand, you will be on an incline.

I usually walk to the beach in a pair of cheap flip flops, and leave them at a life guard tower, and then run up and back to retrieve them before I go. Carrying around a pair of flip flops while running is annoying, and if someone steals them, it's no big loss.

As for glass or shells - I just take the risk and keep an eye out on the sand. Usually there isn't much in the sand near the water because the waves have washed it out. My boyfriend worries about it though, and always gives me a hard time about my foot getting cut. I tell him it's ok, I have health insurance!

 

[ludari]

I prefer my Asics Tennis Shoes for pavement running but when I run on the beach I wear my Vibram Five Fingers. I have run a few time barefoot but like you mentioned sometime glass and other things washing up on the beach prevent me from doing that again.

 

[awesome6]

I usually prefer nike sports shoes which are used in soccer, they are the best source for jog.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! When I go in the morning there's only about a 3-4 foot span of packed sand and it's usually covered in shells, glass, and anything else that washes up. The loose sand is a killer and my bad knees can't handle much running on that.

Thanks for the tip about running up and back, Ms. Toad! I really noticed the incline this morning and it saved my ankles and knees not staying in one straight line. The cheap flip flop idea is a great one too! There's an occasional bum or two so I was always afraid of leaving my running shoes behind. I doubt anyone will steal the cheap flip flops and, like you said, if they do at least I'm only out a couple bucks instead of over a $100! And I have crappy health insurance, maybe it's time to up that!

Thanks again everyone! I really appreciate it!