The Perfect Beach Run

Last year, I had the privilege of experiencing what I’d call the Perfect Beach Run. Just one of those places and evenings where it all added up. I was at Tybee Beach on Tybee Island, Georgia. Absolutely delightful temperature. Little wind. It was about mid-tide. The beach is wide and flat. The sand was perfectly firm, compact, and smooth as silk. You coulda played tennis on it. And it was the perfect light. Golden hour on one of Georgia’s Golden Isles.

So I took off my shoes, and ran a barefoot five miles out and back. It was early in the season, so not crowded at all. I think my eyes were closed for at least 1/4 of the run, as I loved the firm footing under my bare feet, the skim of the water, and the sound of the breaking waves. I had several other fantastic beach runs during a two-week April tour of the southern coast stretching from Wilmington, NC to Cumberland Island, GA. But if I had to rank them, this one was the best. The type of beach run where all the stars align. For those who love running on the beach, you’ll know exactly what I mean.