Route, energy, and exercise Info:
-Distance: Approx. 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 miles ( 40 to 50 min.)
-Jeremy’s energy expenditure (resistance + run): 1,000 1,200 calories
-Exercises: Running (high intensity) METs 10 to 15
-Body Weight Push ups and Pull ups (High Intensity)
Jeremy Watts, imm—November 20, 2020
Nantasket Beach! Where do I want to begin? I had vaguely heard of this beach and given that I love maps, I would always investigate what towns and attractions were in this area of the state. I would see this thin finger of land extending out into Massachusetts Bay but I never had a reason to explore this area. I often enjoy taking long drives to freely think; to reflect, identify, and compromise with my day—thank you Marcus Aurelius! I decided to let my car compass guide me towards the ocean where I arrived at the south end of Nantasket Beach. I immediately got a “New England” kind of beach community vibe. I say this because I spent time on many Carolina beaches and the feel of the atmosphere is different; whether it be the differences in water temperature, lighthouses of N.E., or beach sand terrain, I only find positive attributes with all beaches! In any case I always have my idea hat on and figured that I would love to run this beach and share my experience through i.motivate.me.
I began the run at Tivoli Bath House adjacent to George Washington Blvd. as it bends parallel to Nantasket Ave at the south end of the beach. With much parking, there is a boardwalk that is paved and runs along the beach to the northwest where the common theme is beach and endless ocean on the right, and shops, parking, and residencies on the left. I ran at sunset during low tide, and the sun had set over the hills of Allerton and Hull in the northern part of the area. Still, it influenced the brilliant orange sky that reflected from the thin layer of water that remained on the smooth sand exposed from a receding tide.
The boardwalk is elevated above the beach and you can access the sand via steps at various points. I followed this path for approximately one (1) mile and if you’re familiar with one of my pace techniques, this path has sidewalk squares that I use to control stride length and frequency, which controls pace, so this is Jeremy-friendly! The David Cook Comfort Station is the one mile point during which time I enter the beach and continue along the low tide. Alternate routes are available in the event that the beach is too crowded. In that case there are long straight stretches of 25mph residential roads that, despite the flat elevation, provides a challenging and unimpeded run. Getting back to the beach route, the sand is smooth for another mile before you have to move closer to the water to avoid rocks. You have beautiful homes to the left, and a cool wind coming off the water, which never seemed to be a head wind at any point! There are lighthouses in the distance and I was able to pause to time up a couple of awesome illuminated pics with the landscape in the foreground!
The beach gradually bends to the right (north) and ends with a rocky yet beautiful area with a steep hill where homes elevate to a great view of the beach and the bay. I turn around and in similar fashion to other routes where my return path is the same, I record the time it took to turn around and try and beat it back, tracking progression for the next time I decide to visit the beach. Now this experience took place during the great social distancing campaign so the beach was mostly empty and there was little activity or foot traffic around. The beach is very wide and I feel that regardless of what was going on there is an abundance of space during low tide to navigate the route of your choice and at your own pace. Focus is key but do not forget to connect with this experience as we remember that this fitness journey is physical for all you competitive fitness freaks out there, but it is mental and spiritual as well, and there cannot be one without the other!
There are also playground bars and high cement walls that line the beginning of the route so if you choose to add resistance exercises to your route, pull-ups, Step-Lunges, and Incline Push-ups will add to the difficulty level and promote both muscle breakdown and fat-burning. Also if you want to extend the route you can run all the way to the end of the point where a gorgeous view of Boston awaits you. As the pics indicate, if you time up the sunset, you will find locals who gather to watch the spectacle that is worth the effort and time. So what are you waiting for? Get to the beach and do your distance!
Sincerely,
imm