If i run 1mile in the sand, that is equivalent to how many miles on concrete?

Question

obviously it takes a lot more energy to run on the sand than a surface with a definite shape so you can get friciton. The energy instead of pushing me forward is kicking up the sand. So my question is how much more energy are you putting into running into the sand? What will 1 mile of running of the sand be to running on a concrete pavement road? If you have any articles please attach

Answer 1

The rule of thumb is 1 mile on sand = 1.6 miles on the road.

(Check out the article below and follow the links in it to other info.  Also Google "running on sand".)

However, not all sand is alike.  There is hard pack and there is soft sand.  So this ratio will vary.

***And so does the risk to injury.  I mention this from personal experience.  If you have no Achilles tendon problems, you're safe at running on loose sand, soft sand, once a week.  If you have any Achilles tendon problems at all, running on soft sand will exacerbate your problems.  I lost a month my junior year in high school because I ran a week on sand down in the Florida Keys between seasons, and returned with extremely sore, swollen Achilles tendons (one of which still can act up, years and years later).

Reason - and think about this and feel for it the next time you are running on soft sand - when running on soft sand, there is clearly no hard surface to "stop" the down-stroke of your leg when you run.  Your heel in a very real sense stretches back until some contact is made.  In the process, the Achilles tendon which connects your calf muscles to your heel bones (particularly the Calcaneus) stretches way beyond its normal shape.

***If you are running every day (I run but three days a week these days), do vary the surface you run on.  Soft sand, or hard pack is good - once a week.  Asphalt is better than concrete (15% softer).  Occasionally a treadmill is worth going on, particularly if you are experiencing sore calf muscles.  Grass is good.  Tracks are good (albeit boring).  Crushed limestone, now that's the paradise surface in running, I think.  Include in your weekly workouts two days running on the surface you will compete on (if competition is your thing).  This helps the muscles in your legs and hips adjust to the impact you can expect in a race.

Regards,

Running_Dad

Answer 2

I don't see how you can answer this question. There are too  many variables. How hard or packed is the sand? Is it wet or dry?

We know the amount of energy is more when running in sand than on a hard packed surface, but I can't say how much more.

Answer 3

... who knows too many factors to consider like how fast you drive up your legs etc....

Answer 4

1 mile sand = 1 mile concert. a mile is a mile

Answer 5

1 on sand =1 on cement

Answer 6

1 mile=1 mile