Tips for Running on Vacation

Well, it’s summertime for most of the people that I know. And with that, might come some time off from work and maybe a vacation.

Sometimes a vacation is a chance to completely recharge and not do any running, but if you ask me it’s a great chance to get out and see some new places while running!

So here are some tips to still get some running done while you are out of town this summer:

Be Prepared

Yes – we are starting off pretty simple here! If you want to do some running during your vacation, then you should probably bring some gear so that you don’t have to run in flip-flops.

No need to overthink it though. All you really need is a pair of running shoes, but otherwise just bring the basics if you are planning to do some easy running.

But if you are running a race while traveling – then there is a whole different set of things to consider, which I might include in a future blog post.

Plan Accordingly

Sometimes the best (or only) way to get a run in while on vacation is to wake up early. If you have a busy schedule planned, then it might be the best way to fit in a run or work it in to the schedule for that day.

This might mean waking up a little earlier to get your run in before breakfast. Or if waking up early to run isn’t your idea of a fun vacation, then plan to run some other time that is convenient to your schedule. Maybe later in the day when your family or whoever else you are vacationing with might be resting.

Even though I am usually a morning runner when I am at home, I still make it a point to run in the morning while I’m on vacation or traveling. It’s a great way to start off the day and if you are somewhere that might get busy during the day then it’s even better to run in the morning when it is quiet and easier to get around.

Make It A Cutback Week

If you are in the middle of training for a race, plan a cutback week so that you don’t have to worry about speed or hill workouts. This will help to take some of the pressure off of yourself while you are away.

Another option might be to cutback on a couple of your workouts (not all of them) to give yourself a little bit of breathing space.

Even if I’m not training for a race, it’s always worked best to run a little bit less while I’m on vacation.

Use Your Run to See the Sights

If you are traveling to somewhere that you’ve never been before or haven’t been to in a while, then you can use your runs to get to know the area around where you are staying.

A lot of cities I have been to even have running tours that will take you to or around many of the landmarks in the city. Some of them will even change the running route to go to places that you are more interested in. And almost all of them cater to your desired pace.

To me, there is nothing better than exploring a new place on a run. It’s great to be able to get a lay of the land and do some sightseeing at a faster-than-walking pace.

Bring Someone with you

If you are traveling with a runner (or someone that you can talk into it), then ask if they want to come along with you. Go for an easy, early morning run and get coffee or breakfast when you are done on the way back.

Take it easy

You are on vacation after all, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get your planned workout or distance in.

If you have a vacation planned for this summer, then it might be a great opportunity to try out some of these tips.

Do you go running while you are on vacation or traveling? Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips!

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More From RunPatRun:

• Copenhagen Marathon Race Recap: It’s taken me a while to gather all of my thoughts about this race from last month. I’m hoping to have this recap completed soon!
• Traveling to a Race: If you have ever traveled for a race, then you know that it requires a lot of additional planning. After having traveled for several races over the years, I will give some tips on the best ways to do it.