Skyathon Beach Run 2011

Running is without a doubt one of the best cardiovascular and calorie burning exercises around. If you're tired of running on a stationary treadmill and want to experience the sun and sweet smell of the ocean, why not take your running to the shoreline?  Besides being pleasant, beach running offers the advantage of burning more calories due to the uneven terrain of the sand which also helps to tone leg and calf muscles.

These are what I and my friends discovered and learned in the country's first eco-friendly race: the Boracay Skyathon Beach Run 2011:)

Early to Bed, Early to RISE.
Very self-explanatory. Haha. The problem with holding events very early in the morning (especially in Boracay) is that most tourists have very limited time, which they usually spend partying until sunrise. We didn’t really start on time, but who minded? What's important is that we finished and had a blast:)

this is the day..

Start Slowly.
If you're new to running in sand, start slowly and cut your workout distance by at least thirty percent for the first week. Soft sand gives your leg and calf muscles a tougher workout and can result in considerable muscle soreness. Gradually work up to your usual speed and distance. You'll discover that jogging in soft sand can be hard work!

slowly but surely

enjoying the view

 



ALWAYS Protect Your Skin.
When running on the beach, you'll be exposed to direct sunlight and light reflected off the water. This increases the potential for sunburns, sun damage, and, potentially, skin cancers. Before running apply generous amounts of sunscreen to all exposed body parts. Look for a waterproof or sports strength sunblock since you'll be sweating and can lose your layer of protection quickly. (Highly recommended: sunplay SPF 130 lotion)

Sunplay is a brand of sunscreen or sunblock lotion which contains a Japan "Watery Liquid" formulation that is light, mild, non-greasy and smooth on the skin. It is also non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). Sunplay sunscreen lotion protects against harmful UVA & UVB rays.

Run When the Tide is Low Along the Shoreline.
It's more difficult to run on soft sand. You can alleviate this problem by running on the beach when the tide is low along the shoreline and the sand is wet and more firmly packed. This can help to reduce soreness as well as reduce your risk of injury.

Running in the Morning (by the Beach) is truly "da BEST".
You'll have a more pleasant experience if you run in the early morning hours before the temperature rises. The solitude of an early morning run in the cool, salty air can be an excellent stress reliever. Not only is an early morning run therapeutic to the body, it also helps to soothe the mind.

 

Squammy's review:

• Route:  The main difficulty of the course was the unevenness of the shoreline. Except in places where the tide had packed sand flat, we would be slipping on soft sand, or running on a canted surface angling down toward the water. Lalo na sa Elizalde part. Ang hirap pero masaya :)
• Package and Freebies: Love the singlet! Love the finisher's medal! Our loot bags were given after the run and nobody went home empty-handed. The packed breakfast (a choice between longsilog and tocilog) was a delicious ending to our race. 

Kudos Organizers! Congrats finishers! :)