Training Day 20: A Day at the Beach!

Date: 21 March 2008 / Distance: Approx. 2.75 mi walk / Time: Approx 40:00

Today was an aerobic cross training day. I was dreading my usual 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer. Instead, I decided to take a brisk walk. I felt a twinge of guilt because I sweat a lot (and possibly exert more energy) on the elliptical trainer but it passed as soon as I stepped outside to walk. I was initially planning to walk my normal running route, but when I got outside, it was so sunny and nice I decided to walk on the beach. I thought it might be a better work out for me too. Walking on sand is a little tougher. It was a very windy day so there were about 20 kite boarders zipping around in the water. I finally hit the sand and noticed that it was still pretty wet and firm. I must've gotten there a little after high tide. I walked down to the pier and turned around. As soon as I turned around, I was hit with a wind punch. I felt like I was walking through a wind tunnel. I actually had to pump my arms to plow through the wind! I saw a kite boarder getting ready to launch into the ocean. The kite was going bonkers and he was struggling to keep the kite under control. I didn't think he would make a smooth entrance into the water. I thought he was going to fly to the moon. Luckily, the wind shifted and he was able to sail into the water safely. Once I got off the beach, the wind subsided and I finished the walk without any problems. I'm no longer feeling guilty about walking today. Toward the pier, the sand was pretty dry and soft so I got a nice sand workout. My muscles are feeling a little sour. Next week I'll probably go back to the elliptical, but I'm going to include beach walking or running in my workouts too.