Tips for Running While on Vacation

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Keeping up with your fitness routine while you're on vacation can be tricky. You don't have the same equipment or facilities available to you that you usually do, and you don't know any running paths or trails in your new location. But as long as you pack your shoes and some suitable workout clothes, keeping up with your running on vacation is not as undoable as you might think. 

Make it a priority

Okay, so this is something that anyone will tell you about running, even if you're not traveling. But it's true; if you don't make going out for a run every day a priority, you won't do it. You'll get swept away into days of lying on the beach or sightseeing in the city, and when you get back home you'll be wheezing five minutes into your runs. So make sure that no matter what activities you have planned for the day, you carve out time for running. Mornings are usually best for this, but choose whatever time fits into your schedule. Of course, if you have to skip a day or two because you're just too busy, don't beat yourself up about it. You are on vacation after all!

Figure out where you can run before you leave home

You don't want to put on your workout clothes, lace up your sneakers, and then realize you have no idea where to run. Before you go on your trip, research running trails and paths in the area you're staying at. If you're staying at a hotel, they might have a gym with a treadmill. If not, you'll have to find paths that are easy enough to navigate so that you don't get lost. You could just start running and see where you end up, but let's face it, that's a surefire way to get lost if you're in a location that you don't know very well. 

Run with a buddy

Having a buddy to run with and to make sure you remember to get your run in each day is a huge help. This might not always be possible if whoever you're going on vacation with isn't a runner like yourself, or if you're going alone. And that's alright; running by yourself can be nice because you can go whenever you feel like it, without having to coordinate with another person. But if you do have the opportunity to run with someone else, I would recommend taking it. When I was in Stockholm it really helped to have my friend Sarah there to run with; if I was feeling lazy and thinking about taking a day off, she would push me to get out there and get a run in. 

Take a break with cross-training 

You can take a break while still staying in shape by replacing a day of running with some other exercise activity. Some cross-training activities you could do would be swimming, biking, or playing an active sport. Cross-training could be particularly helpful if you're planning a very active vacation, with events scheduled like kayaking or waterskiing. These activities could take the place of your run, and they're already built into your itinerary. Even if you're not planning anything like that, you could swim laps in your hotel pool or rent a bike for the day. Cross-training is beneficial even at home, and many experts say runners should mix some cross training into their regular fitness routines. 

If you're planning on running during your vacation, make sure it enhances your experience and doesn't take away from it. If running on the hotel's treadmill for five days has you bored out of your mind, run a scenic route past some beautiful views or popular attractions. Running on vacation can be a great way to get to know the area better, so take that opportunity and go run on the beach or through the city. As long as you have fun and don't overdo it, running on vacation can be a treat, not a chore.