Running on pavement vs. running on sand

RYU-316 · 01-11-2009, 03:38 PM

I tried looking for any threads about this bu could'nt find one unless i missed it, whidch one would you prefer and what are the ricks of each one, I tried running on sand today and it felt really good on my legs and knees, do you get a better workout with this coz you work extra hard just to get your balance and footing?

need some feedbacks coz i'm really used to running on concrete

PacmanPacquiao · 01-11-2009, 05:29 PM

I'm not positive but my guess is that it is definitely better for you knees and a harder workout. I guess the only negative would be all the sand going into your shoes and the hot chics demotivating you on the beach.

RJ Green · 01-11-2009, 05:44 PM

Yeah, stop that concrete nonsense. You're gonna kill your joints. Find some nice trails or a cross country course. Pavement sucks.

Sand is good. Sand is very good. Do wind sprints on sand.

Timbaland · 01-11-2009, 09:19 PM

Sand is a hell of a lot easier and better for your joints. I heard there was a reason why some pro boxers run on sand. they run barefoot too. I think something was said about working one muscle that running in shoes on concrete doesn't.

pjmeunyc12 · 01-12-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYU-316

I tried looking for any threads about this bu could'nt find one unless i missed it, whidch one would you prefer and what are the ricks of each one, I tried running on sand today and it felt really good on my legs and knees, do you get a better workout with this coz you work extra hard just to get your balance and footing?

need some feedbacks coz i'm really used to running on concrete

running on the street is horrible for your knees and joints. Running on the beach is harder and easier on the two.

JRT6 · 01-12-2009, 01:28 PM

If your running on the beach be sure and change directions so you don't get any over use injuries from leaning to one side the whole time.

Uncle Bully · 01-12-2009, 09:32 PM

Sand

aichokyu · 01-16-2009, 11:55 AM

pavement is bad for the knees, so sand is definitly better, but try to run on the hardest part of the sand, the wet part.
soft sand can be hard on the ankles, so wet sand is soft enough not to injure your knees and hard enough not to injure your ankles.
and as someone posted above, try to change directions, as you might tend to lean on one side if the beach you run at is too steep...

Rocked · 01-16-2009, 11:24 PM

I think that running surface is really a personal preference. I have ran on grass, concrete, snow, sand, field turf, well maintained tracks, and nasty tracks. I have never had any injuries on any surface other than mud, but that was from excess weight. Soft surfaces are better for a runner but if you can't find a soft surface you just have to train smart. Its really all about stretching before and after a run, that is what keeps you safe.

MM17 · 01-17-2009, 07:38 AM

Sands good and all but if you are running long distances they slant gets annoying on the leg holding most of the weight. As someone already suggested, make sure you split your run - half one way, half the opposite way.

I do find it easier on the joints and barefoot running (to me) has always been more comfortable. If you have sand available why not?

Have fun.