There’s something about beach workouts that get your energy up and your blood pumping. Maybe it’s the crisp sea breeze curling in your lungs, or the soothing crash of the waves on the shore. Maybe it’s that extra burn in your calves, reminding you that all your hard work will be worth it. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment you get from rising with the sun, watching it reflect pink and gold across the pre-dawn water. Whatever gets you going, local events like the Alys Beach Fun Run, Santa Rosa Beach races, and the 30A Half Marathon are sure to keep you motivated.
New to beach running? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How to Run on the Beach
Choose a shoe. Many runners like supportive shoes when running on hard surfaces, but for beach running, a lightweight shoe will give you the best range of motion. Be cautious if you decide to run barefoot. Don’t forget to stretch well and look out for sharp shells.- Be prepared. Protect your skin with sunscreen, even if you’re running at dawn. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses to protect your eyes from those early morning rays.
- Start small. Running on the beach is a great workout, but pushing too far, too fast may result in an injury. Remember that running on the beach is harder than running on a track or road. If you’re new to running, train on community streets around 30A before hitting the beach.
- Get your feet wet. The looser the sand, the harder your calves have to work to propel you forward. Start your runs on damp sand to give your legs time to adjust. As your calves get stronger, you can move to packed or loose sand to make your workouts harder.
- Follow the tides. The best time to run on the beach is at low tide, when the sand is hard packed and you don’t have to step lightly to avoid soggy sneakers.
- Cool down. Let your body cool after a good workout with stretches by the water and a leisurely walk home.
Want to learn more about what life on east 30A has to offer? Contact Magnolia Cottages by the Sea.