With the fresh sea breeze and gorgeous sceneries, running on the beach is a wonderful way to make any running exercise routine fun. South Africa has many beaches where you can start your running journey by the sea.
Unsplash/Lisha Riabinina
Need help figuring out how to start your journey into seaside running? Take a look at a few tips and tricks to ensure you jog on the sand like a pro.
Start your journey slowly & surely
The best thing you can do as a beach run beginner is to get a feel for the new environment. While you might be an experienced runner on land, beach running is a landscape you’ll need to get a feel for and adjust your stride accordingly.
As the surface is much softer and denser, your pacing will be slower than running on pavement or outdoor trails. Be sure to take it slow and bask in the stunning scenery by the sea on your first few trips to appreciate your surroundings fully.
Have the correct footwear
While it might be tempting to feel the sand between your toes when you run, it’s best to consider sneakers that will provide protection and make your running experience hassle-free.
If the tides decide to make an unexpected visit, be sure to consider wearing water-resistant, quick-drying fabrics and materials on shoes. As sand can be regarded as an unstable surface to run on, you’ll need to look at shoes that provide sufficient ankle support. Runners generally also feel like they feel heavier on the sand as their feet tend to sink into the surface more, so you’ll need to consider lightweight materials to combat this.
Take a water bottle & sunscreen
Beaches in South Africa rarely have shadowed sandy havens, so you’ll likely spend your beach running experience predominantly in the sun. You’ll need to lather yourself in sunscreen before you head off, and depending on your distance, you’ll also need to reapply a couple of times.
Be sure to pack a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated on your outdoor journey. Public beach facilities usually have taps handy, so keep your bottle filled throughout your run.
Try to run on wet sand
Wet sand provides a sturdier surface to run on than soft sand. To access wet sand and avoid injuries from jogging on unstable surfaces, keep your running route closer to ocean water. As you’re running closer to the sea, you’ll also need to research the tides before heading off to the beach.
ALSO READ: Top destinations to rent a houseboat in SA
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