Beachrunning wrote:
I live in Florida and I don’t have any hills nearby where I can train for cross country. I am going to do some beach running instead and some bridge running. For beach running do I just go out there and run 4-5 miles or is it something I need to build up to over time due to the resistance sand gives.
Honestly, running on a treadmill with a decent incline (5-8%) would be better for you than running on the beach. Running on the sand will only benefit you if you’re racing on the sand. You would be running on an slanted surface constantly, which is bad for your IT band and hips. The softer sand also increases your risk of developing Achilles injuries. I imagine that you will be running on the beach in the sun on a hot day. You would run the risk of not only sunburn but also dehydration which affects your recovery and immune system. I would recommend using the treadmill for hills only if you’re racing on hills in the fall. Generally, as a high school runner, if you can’t find hills to train on, then you won’t have to race on hills. Good luck.