. “Running on sand results in a different style as you try to push off the ground,” says Dixon. Research from the University of Western Australia found that it increased cadence, shortened stride length and resulted in longer stance phase (total foot

in technique and muscle recruitment. "Running on sand results in a different style as you try to push off the ground," says Dixon. Research from the University of Western Australia found that it increased cadence, shortened stride length and resulted

line with huge grins on their faces. The same could not be said for many of the grimacing, wheezing adults striding along the home straight, eyes focused firmly on their GPS watches or the finish clock. Perhaps there's a lesson in there for some of us