Running in the Sand

Look at all that beautiful, fresh sand just waiting for someone to run on it! This is where I did my run today. A nice, short 15 minute run. I wanted to give it a try and see how it went.
I decided to just take it nice and easy and do intervals. I ran for 90 seconds and walked for 60 seconds. I'm going to change it up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds on Thursday then just keep increasing time and distance from there. I'll take my Garmin on Thursday too so I can get an idea on distance. It hasn't been lasting for very long lately, but I'm not planning on running long periods of time on the sand right now anyway, so the battery should last for these sand runs.
A before selfie...

 And my footprints in the sand.

It was actually a very beautiful run. I found it tricky at spots - areas that looked wet/firm I actually sank in. It made the run fun and challenging all at the same time. I'm looking forward to getting out there and running again.
Of course the whole reason I'm torturing myself this way is because I signed up to do a 50 Mile Relay in the sand over Valentine's Day Weekend. There are 4 of us (all girls!) and our distance is about a half marathon each. In March there is another beach run that is offering a 5k and half distance. I just might go ahead and sign up to do the half there too; especially since I'm training for a sand race anyway, why not, right?!? It doesn't hurt that both races support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

I was told it would be a good idea to try trail shoes and to buy a pair of gaiters. This is what gaiters look like:

They are supposed to help keep the sand off your ankles. Cost is around $27, so not too expensive and if it'll help with chaffing from sand, then it's a worthy investment. I'm excited for my next run in the sand!