I guess you can tell from the title where I stand on today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic of whether or not t0 run on vacation. I can’t think of a vacation in the last 10 years that hasn’t had at least one run – and most have more than one and at least one race. In fact, there was a time period not to long ago where even our family vacations revolved around whether I could find a race or not. That has become less of a priority, but I still try to get in a few runs on every vacation.
How do I always manage to run on vacation?
- I pack for as many weather possibilities as I can – I always throw in compression socks and arm sleeves. These added layers can make it possible to run in unexpectedly cold weather, without taking up a lot of extra space. (Confession: I borrowed my son’s rain jacket to run the race in Auckland because I hadn’t brought a race appropriate rain jacket. Not a mistake I will make again.)
- I always bring at least one pair of running shoes (usually in my carry on). Thankfully the Altra Ones and Escalantes are super light weight and don’t add much to my suitcase.
- I find a race. I admit it – I love to race. I’d rather race than just about anything else I can think of. And it’s often a great way to see an area.
- I negotiate. Both Beer Geek and I like to work out, but I don’t like to get up stupid early. So, when necessary, I negotiate a later start to our day than he’d like so that I can drink my coffee before I run.
- I meet up with friends to run. Between the various ambassador programs I’m in and Half Fanatics, I can pretty much find someone to run with anywhere in the US. The added bonus of this is that they usually know the area and can make recommendations.
- I compromise. I may have run the Women’s Marathon in Auckland with a bit of a hangover. Beer Geek’s birthday and a huge beer festival happened to be the day before the race. No way was I going to ask Beer Geek to not have a fun birthday. I just accepted that the race might be slow and painful. (It was.)
- Sometimes the entire vacation is about running. Whenever I can, I run the Mainly Marathons’ race series and spend an entire week of vacation where I start my day with a half marathon.
I love to run. And, while I tend to run the same routes over and over near home, I love to explore new areas when I’m not at home. I might consider vacation a time to try too many beers or eat my weight in cheese, but I never consider it a time to take a break from running because running is my favorite.
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Vacation races were one fo my favorites, especially if it was in a new state since I was counting 😉
AmyC recently posted…Avoiding Muscle Soreness: Three Common Supplements
I love running on vacation! I don’t always seek out races, tho. My family isn’t always patient about that…
I love that you find friends to run with all over the US! I never take advantage of that when I travel and I should. I’m also a Skirt Sports ambassador and love meeting up with my fellow skirt sisters – but hardly ever get to!
Melissa recently posted…7 Weeks Postpartum and Getting Back into Running
Well, since I’m currently in a racecation, the answer should be obvious. I usually get to see a lot more than Mr. Judy. Unfortunately no worries about layers, it’s hot, hot, hot!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Do you race wisely?
I think it depends on the type of vacation. I love a good racecation. But for those trips that don’t include a race, I try to at least have some type of Physical activity during the trip.
Seeing new things is certainly a bonus. The Bay to Breakers went through Golden Gate Park, and finished on the beach. I don’t think I’d been through that area before, despite all the times I’ve been to San Francisco.
I love to run on vacation too. Exploring new routes has always been one of my biggest pleasures. While I have never started my day with a half marathon each day of the week, I have run some races in very cool places. I belong to our local road runners club, and can often find a running club in our destinations so that we have some company to run with.
Laurie recently posted…Relax Into the Pose
I planned on running when I was visiting family for Christmas in Denver. Half my bag there was just running clothes. There was a lot of negotiation on starting the day with the family as well so I could get a long run in. Thankfully they understood. 🙂
I love finding locals in cities I’m visiting. Either in person, blog or Strava to get some ideas on where to run
I have definitely been known to run for the photo op! Running on vacation is always a fun way to see a new place.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner recently posted…Skinny Mexican Street Corn Salad
I love all your strategies for getting in that running fix 😉 I’m on a quest to add as many towns/cities to my “places I’ve run” roster. I don’t necessarily care if it’s a race or just a couple of easy miles…I want to explore the world in my running shoes.
I’m so with you. Running on vacay is the best. I love the change of scenery and exploring a new city that way.
Marcia recently posted…How I Cope With Running Slower
I’m trying to get into running more consistently (I am currently a crossfitter, and I love it, but I feel best when I have a lot of variety in my exercise routine), and being able to work out on vacation is a great incentive to do it! A lot of times, I don’t want to have to go through the work of finding a Crossfit gym and emailing them to ask if I can drop in for a class. Plus it can get pricy.
Running is free, and all you really need is your shoes! Great post!