Running on vacation can be challenging. The routines you previously had may go out the window to accommodate a different schedule. Depending on what your goals are, it may be difficult to get your run in. We will help you make that decision and give you a few tips along the way.
Do I Keep Running on Vacation?
Whether on a family vacation or traveling with friends, it can be difficult to find time to get in a run. The biggest challenge is managing expectations from multiple travelers. The spectrum can range from a low-key, lazy beach vacation to a high intensity, activity filled vacation. Your schedule will probably not allow the luxury of a dedicated time to run.
Before heading out on your vacation, set your expectations. You may want to keep up your training program or maybe just enjoy a few leisurely runs if time permits. Having a goal going into the vacation can help plan your time accordingly and help you determine what’s important. Vacation should not be a time where you work harder than you do at home.
Set Expectations for Yourself
Here are some things to consider when setting expectations:
- Mid-Training – if you are training for a race, skipping one week isn’t the end of the world, but can have an impact on the outcome of your event. Consider sticking to your training plan if time permits.
- Health Goals – when running to stay healthy or lose weight, it’s always good to mentally take breaks. However, if running makes you feel better about indulging, you should keep up that activity.
- Maintain Fitness – staying fit is important, but you won’t break your fitness level taking a week off. You could start to break a habit though, so consider the impact of trying to get back on track.
- Feel Good – running to feel good can be more mental than physical. Keep up running if your routine is important to make you feel good during the day.
- Need to check out – if you feel burnt out from running, take a vacation. It could help you give a good focus when you get back.
Make it Work for your Vacation
Now that you have your goals and expectations, it’s time to make it happen. Here are a few tips to make it work:
- Normal Considerations – think about the normal issues you will run into when running at home. There’s weather, elements, safety, route, and planning things to take into consideration. Find the route, time of day, and make sure you are safe running in your new destination. Ensure you have the proper supplies to take along with you, including water, fuel, and GPS devices to ensure you don’t get lost.
- Develop a Plan – once you know the best times of days to run, make sure your plan will work with your friends or family you plan to travel with. Be prepared to wake up early or run later in the day if those times work the best.
- Compromise – some days it may not work out, so plan to either skip that day or make up for it the next day. If you take time out to run, make time for others for the rest of the day.
Running on vacation can be difficult, but with some light planning and setting expectations, you can still maintain a healthy habit. Weigh the benefits of keeping that routine versus taking a few days off. There is something said for taking time off. Skipping a week of running won’t ruin your routine and could leave you reenergized to take on running again. The most important thing is to make sure you enjoy your vacation.