Running

[AirborneLEO]

Hi all,
I've been browsing this forum since it opened and decided to go ahead and register today. It is very informative; more so than the old CHP forum.
I have a question regarding running on the beach. I've been told running on the beach is much more difficult than typical surfaces and is a better workout. I am curious if I should run on the beach with, or without, shoes. I wouldn't think no shoes would be better for strengthening the smaller, stabilizing muscles, but there is always the chance of stepping on something sharp.
Any running advice would be appreciated. By the way, I had my BI initial interview last week and am expecting to get into the Feb/Mar academy. Take care.

[SB 405]

I run on the beach every once in a while and wear these things called "Squids" I've also seen them called "Aqua Socks" Not as heavy as a shoe and they have a rubber sole to protect your feet. They fit tight on your foot so you don't get 3 pounds of sand in them as you would in a sport shoe. You can purchase them at most surf shops or places that sell watercraft.

[nate]

I've always been told to stay in shoes if your use to shoes. Also running in sand is not something you should over use. You use parts of your body that don't get used during normal running and can end up very sore or hurt. Start with very short distances incorporated into a regular run. Use sand running as a way to mix up your workout. Some more advice is to run in the semi-hard sand. I heard Marines run for miles in sand with a pack and boots. If your going to the Nov. academy, stick to what you know. I don't think they'll be making us run on sand. Good luck!

[25/31]

(The running was not the best part of the Academy for me)..... the PT staff will be on you less if you can run well. So just keep running. Beach, road, treadmill whatever - just run and be in good shape when you report.

[dw]

Wherever you run, be sure to get a good pair of running shoes. By good, I mean a good fit. Peoples ankles and feet are all different and it is critical to get a pair of shoes that fit your feet. You need to be fitted by someone who knows what they're doing. Any running store should be able to help you. The only chain store I am aware of is Fleet Feet (http://www.fleetfeet.com/); they will have you try on a pair of shoes and run up and down the block to analyze the fit.

A proper fitting pair of running shoes can make all the difference in the world.

[Mac]

I'd echo what DW said about running shoes. Running barefoot or in aqua sox could lead to injuries to your feet/arches (especially if you have high arches), and/or shin splints....something you definitely don't need before going to the academy! :shock: Personally, I wouldn't make things any more complicated than they have to be - you won't be running in sand at the academy, so just do your road work and establish a good training base before you go up there. Too much of a good thing isn't always a good thing.

[Your Mentor]

Point of fact, I actually sprained my ankle running on the beach in Eureka the week before I reported to the Academy. I was worried beyond belief. I wore an elastic ankle brace under my sock for several weeks of the Academy but I still managed to make it into the back row (fourth in PT). If I hadn't just separated from the military I'd have really been freaked out. Whatever you do, take every precaution when you PT before reporting. It just added to the stress.

Mac, great story regarding the japanese game show winner. I'd never heard that story before. Did you know we had several Russian police cadets go through our Academy several years ago? They went through from start to finish and were held to the same standard. Are there any members of the forum who attended that class?

[Mac]

Did you know we had several Russian police cadets go through our Academy several years ago? They went through from start to finish and were held to the same standard.
Nope, wasn't aware of that. I'm sure that was a very cool experience for them AND our cadets.