Believe it or not, the fall marathon training schedules started some weeks before, in the summer. But how is a well-meaning runner supposed to fit into a 15-mile run during the holiday season?
If you’re a regular runner, the thought of missing out on your runs while on vacation can be daunting. But, it doesn’t have to be!
Taking a break from your usual running routine can actually be beneficial and help you come back from your travels feeling refreshed and recharged. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, here are a few reasons why you should consider running on vacation.
- Get to Know the Local Area: Running is an excellent way to explore a new area. You can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of a place that you may not be able to experience otherwise. Plus, you may even stumble upon hidden gems that you would have otherwise missed.
- Burn Off the Calories: If you’re on a road trip or indulging in delicious local cuisine, running is a great way to prevent weight gain and stay on track with your health and fitness goals.
- Feel Energized: Running on vacation is a great way to stay energized. Exercise releases endorphins that can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
- Enjoy Some Alone Time: If you’re used to running with a group or in a public place, taking a solo run on vacation can be a great way to enjoy some alone time. This can be a great way to relax and reflect on your travels.
- Make It a Family Activity: If you’re traveling with your family, running can be a great way to get some quality time together. Enjoy a scenic run while sightseeing or hit the trails together to get off the beaten path.
Pros
Overall, running on vacation can be a great way to get to know an area, stay active, and make the most out of your travels. Whether you’re running alone or with family, it can be a great way to stay energized and explore a new place. So, why not give it a try?
First things first: «Shoulders off,» says athletic trainer Kathy Pugh, who adds that vacations should be all about relaxation. «The last thing you want to do is irritate your fellow travelers by running a 20-mile race and running out of energy to sightsee or enjoy their company.» But that doesn’t mean you’ve become a full-fledged Potato Trainer, especially if your vacation lasts a week or more. We’ve rounded up more tips from Pugh and other local runners and trainers for staying on track over the holidays.
Running while on vacation helps you maintain your current fitness level.
Could shorten the time you could spend sightseeing or meeting new people.
Benefits of running on vacation:
- Running early in the morning allows you to see the sights without the big crowds.
- Keep your physical shape. Personally, I find that if I don’t run for a week, my level of training drops rapidly. On the training side, it’s better to run during a week off (even if not at the same intensity or distance) than not to run at all.
- It helps me lose extra kilos by eating.
- Bring sports clothes and shoes that take up space in your luggage.
- Wash or pack clothes that smell bad on the way home.
- Get up early to go for a run. (I prefer to sleep.)
- Find a route to walk without getting lost.
Give up track work
Fancy some speed work on your vacation?
Awesome! But don’t waste time searching for a route or driving to and from a route.
Recommendation: Train in the morning
Some of us run in the morning, others prefer the afternoon or early evening. But on vacation I strongly advise you to run in the morning. It’s best to throw it away when it’s fresh and probably caffeinated.
Evenings bring more commitments, happy hours, tired legs, less motivation, and little adventures you didn’t plan on doing in the morning (like in my case, a two-hour hike to a 400-foot waterfall). When we got back to the hotel, it was dark and I was exhausted.
