Running on the beach v pavement

I have to run 9 miles on Saturday. I will be in FL and not sure if I should run on the beach or roads which I'm not comfortable doing especially in an unknown place. I've never run on the beach before and I'm not sure if there is a boardwalk where I'm staying. What's the easiest to run wet sand or dry?

Re: Running on the beach v pavement

in my experience-wet! has more support. the loose dry sand is tough to run on b.c you really have to stabilize. running on the sand is definitely a good workout though b.c it's not easy.

Re: Running on the beach v pavement

For a short run, I might run on the beach, but for a longer run like you are describing, I would definitely run on pavement - you do not want to put yourself at risk for injury. Whenever I run on vacation, I just stick to well traveled roads and it has never been an issue.

Running on the beach v pavement

I love to run on the beach, but it is much harder than running on pavement. If you want to run on the beach, wait for low tide, so you can run on the wet sand, which is much harder and easier to run on.
If you are used to running on trails or grass, I don't think you'll have any problem on the (wet) sand. Plus, it is much prettier.
But, if you aren't used to those types of surfaces, I might stick with the pavement, since you don't want to risk injury before the race (that I assume you are training for).
Have fun!!

Message edited 3/31/2014 11:19:54 AM.

Re: Running on the beach v pavement

Posted by anskiv

I love to run on the beach, but it is much harder than running on pavement. If you want to run on the beach, wait for low tide, so you can run on the wet sand, which is much harder and easier to run on.
If you are used to running on trails or grass, I don't think you'll have any problem on the (wet) sand. Plus, it is much prettier.
But, if you aren't used to those types of surfaces, I might stick with the pavement, since you don't want to risk injury before the race (that I assume you are training for).
Have fun!!

Re: Running on the beach v pavement

Posted by wcs3504

Posted by anskiv

I love to run on the beach, but it is much harder than running on pavement. If you want to run on the beach, wait for low tide, so you can run on the wet sand, which is much harder and easier to run on.
If you are used to running on trails or grass, I don't think you'll have any problem on the (wet) sand. Plus, it is much prettier.
But, if you aren't used to those types of surfaces, I might stick with the pavement, since you don't want to risk injury before the race (that I assume you are training for).
Have fun!!

Thanks Anna. I'm training for the LI Half. I'm not used to running on trails or grass at all. Thanks for the tips. I will map out where to run. I don't want to get lost and I don't want to run on a treadmill for so long because it's insanely boring and also because I will be in a beautiful place I want to enjoy the scenery. Can't wait to get out of NY and our weather...