The Benefits of Running on Vacation

I just returned from a great family vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. While vacations these days are a bit different now that I have a one year old, it was still a great time to relax with my daughter and in-laws. The house where we stayed was right on the beach and there were few roads, save the busy main one that runs along the island. This set up was great for beach time, but was a bit of a struggle for running. It was also incredibly hot and humid down there so I had to employ some tips from Windsor Running’s recent Running in the Heat blog. That being said, my brother in-law and I found some great little loops and got creative so that we could get a few miles in before returning to the crazy toddlers and the amazing food and drink that dominated the week.

The big takeaway from the week is that you shouldn’t take a vacation from your running plan…even when you’re on vacation. In fact, running on vacation should be treated as a reprieve from your everyday routine. Here are a few reasons to stay motivated and consider your running being an important part of your vacation: 

Benefits of running vacation

1. Get to see the new place from a different angle – For me, this is the biggest benefit of running while you’re on vacation. When you’re in a new place, running allows you to cover more territory easily as opposed to walking or in a cab. One of my all-time favorite runs was one I took in Portugal along the coast in Cascais. The views were breathtaking and I ended up finding a restaurant that wound up being the best we went to all trip. I am also a big fan of running to get breakfast and coffee. There’s nothing better than getting my run in prior to eating and then sitting with local coffee.
2. Keep the drinking and eating in check – Vacation is a time for indulgence. It’s a time when we can let loose a bit and enjoy local cuisine. That being said, I have a tendency to overindulge when it comes to fine food and wine and running ensures that I don’t put on too much weight while I’m away from home.
3. Me time – Sometimes it’s important to have a few minutes to yourself on vacation. I take these minutes during my run. I try to get at least thirty minutes of exercise in everyday while I’m traveling. It allows me to process the day and energizes me for the next. Even though many vacations are for spending time with family, I feel that I am my best self when I keep a bit of consistency in my running.
4. Catch up with family - I really enjoy running with my brother and brother in law when we’re on vacation. It’s a time for us to chat and catch up on everything we can’t talk about at other times.

 
Best ways to run on vacation

1. The out and back – This is my classic vacation run. Sometimes, when I’m in the zone, I can get lost. As a result, the out and back has become my go-to while on the road.
2. The hotel front desk – Almost every hotel I’ve stayed at has a map of suggested running loops in the area. Reach out to the front desk and they’ll be happy to let you know. Even if they don’t have printed maps, I bet you won’t be the first person to ask about running routes!
3. Find the local running store  - As we all know, runners love talking about running. There’s no better place to find routes (and maybe even group runs) than the local running store. If you do some research ahead of time, many running stores will have their group runs posted and it’s always easy to tag along to those. Use this tool from Runner's World to locate a store close to where you're staying. 
4. Online running message boards – Depending on which board you frequent (Runner’s World, LetsRun.com, etc.) online running communities have people from all over the country and if they’re passionate enough about the sport to follow a running board, they’ll have some great routes to share.  In addition to this, finding running groups can be great fun, as well as a great way to socialize and get tips from locals who frequent the area.  Meetup.com is a good resource for finding a group “fun run” or something that will be taking place in your area while you are on vacation.  Check the pacing of the group first to ensure that it is the right group for you.
5. Programmable GPS watch - Fancy GPS watches allow you to program in routes downloaded from your computer. Because I am more of a fan of exploration while I’m on vacation, I have never programmed routes, but I know my watch has the capability to do it.

 
Packing Guide for running on vacation

1. Bring few running clothes – I like to pack light. It could be because I’m carrying a lot of baby stuff these days so there isn’t much room to bring multiple running outfits, but I’ve also gotten better at bringing only what I need for efficient runs. I pack two pairs of socks, two shorts and two running shirts for a week. It allows one to be drying from being washed and I can run in the other. I also like to bring clothes that might double for other activities.
2. Running shoes double as walking shoes – On a warm vacation, I bring my favorite Rainbow sandals and my running shoes. If we’re doing any long walks, I can wear my running shoes.
3. Are you going to be able to do laundry? – If so, that’s awesome. When I’m traveling for work, I can’t do laundry in a machine so I always bring a small container of sport detergent and rinse my workout clothes after every run. I can’t say that it’s perfect, but it keeps the clothes wearable.

           
At the end of the day, you’ll get some great benefits by keeping up your running on vacation. Whether you’re exploring new places, taking a few minutes for yourself, or catching up with running family, you’ll love putting the miles in on your next trip. Let us know if we’ve left anything out. Do you have any tips?

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