I spent this past weekend out in Fire Island and had an amazing time. The casual island, free of cars and high heels is a perfect getaway from the craziness of Manhattan. One of the highlights was a beautiful beach run that I did on Saturday morning with Genniva. Since I’m normally running on a treadmill or through the streets of NYC, it’s a treat to hit the sand at 9am and coast along the water. Not only is it pretty, but it also provides a different workout than your typical run. Running barefoot through the sand works out your legs like a sidewalk never could.
Next time you head out for a beach weekend, give it a try. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- If you’re far from the beach, jog there in socks/sneakers and then drop them off and run barefoot on the beach
- Start out on the wet sand near the water, it’s firmer and easier to run on
- Stick to flat ground, avoid the sand dune area where you might slide down the slope of soft sand
- Slow your pace: don’t expect to go your normal speed, the sand slows you down
- Watch for rocks and shells
- Focus and be careful! At one point point my foot landed in some softer sand and sunk down while the rest of my body kept moving forward. I landed face first in the ocean, pretty funny but luckily no injuries!
I’m heading back to Fire Island this coming weekend and can’t wait for Beach Run Part II!
