Competitor - August 2017

24

IN THE

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

here’s a reason when you’re

running slowly you joke that

it’s like running through sand.

Because running through sand is

always tough and always slow.

The beach may look soft and

inviting, but don’t let that fool you.

According to one study, running on

sand requires 1.6 times more energy

expenditure than running on a hard

surface. Part of it is the extra mechan-

ical work you have to do stabilizing

yourself in the sand. But you’re

also not getting as much forward

momentum from your push-off,

because your foot sinks and doesn’t

propel you forward as easily.

“On the road you can run faster, but

it’s harder on the legs,” says John

Honerkamp, a coach, consultant for

running companies and former pro-

fessional runner.

Soft sand might be easier on your

legs, he says, but you’ll run slower—

and your body is under extra stress

from the uneven surface. All those

little muscles in your feet and calves

work overtime on the beach.

Why you

should run

on the beach

and how to

get started

BY KELLY O’MARA

here’s a reason when you’re

running slowly you joke that

it’s like running through sand.

CM0817_FEAT_BEACHRUNNING.indd 24 7/12/17 2:33 PM