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Hit the Beach to Ramp Up Your Runs

By Jenny Hadfield
From Health magazine

If you find yourself beach-bound this summer, spice up your running routine with some jogs on the sand. It burns twice as many calories as road running and is less taxing on your joints than pounding the pavement. You can’t beat the scenery, either! Before you get going, slather on some sunscreen and consider these tips.

Choose your shoes
You don’t need a specific type for beach running, but try to dedicate one pair of running shoes for beach runs so you don’t have to attempt the nearly impossible task of removing all the sand after your workout.

Start on wet sand
Do your first beach run on the wet, firm sand near the water. Gradually progress to running on the softer sand for 1- to 2-minute intervals, then walking on the hard, wet sand for 3 to 5 minutes to recover. Stick with short runs totaling 15 or 20 minutes until you adapt to the soft sand.

Finish barefoot
Postrun, take off your shoes and cool down by walking barefoot on the beach for a few minutes to strengthen your feet and ankles. Sand is a great exfoliator, too, so it’s like you’re getting a natural pedicure.


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Last Updated: February 20, 2009
Filed Under: Workouts
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Comments (5)

The following content represents the opinions of Health.com users. It is not editorially reviewed for medical or factual accuracy. It does not constitute medical advice. See your doctor for medical advice.
  • Lisa Talerico

    I have tried to find people in my area to run with and cannot find a soul. How could that be?

  • melody Tabman

    I don’t know where Lisa lives, but i run on the beach all the time in Treasure Island, Florida.
    it’s my favorite place to run. i run after work and everyone there is happy, unusually on vacation. their are lovers, families, kids and jsut happy people. it’s so beautiful and a great work out. i feel it makes my legs stronger and it helps me to clear my mind.
    Lisa, if you live any where near me please e-mail me, i’d love the company.

  • JerseyGirl

    I am a beginner and would like to start walking and lead up to jogging. Anyone out there that would be my partner? I would be happy to motivate you, too.

    Lonely in Jersey City, NJ

  • NewMom, 4 everRunner

    I’m in Destin, FL looking for someone who wants to run 3-5 miles at 10 min/mile pace on the sand, on the path along the beach.

  • Mary

    I run on the beach as much as I can in Wildwood, NJ and would love to have company. The boardwalk is also a great alternative.

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