#27 Runner’s Vacation
SNAPSHOT
Vacationing while training for a race can put a runner between a rock and a hard spot. No worries, I am here to help!
DIGGING DEEPER
WHAT IS YOUR SITUATION?
NO TIME TO RUN
You may not have time to run during your trip because your trip calendar is packed to the max. Ok, plan a harder week before you leave and a harder week afterward. Caution: Don’t lose your flexibility. Stretch often.
TOO HOT TO RUN
Texas in the summer requires 4 am runs. Vacation and 4 am don’t mix well. So venture out in the morning hours for walks. Visit an indoor facility in order to fit in cardio training.
NO ONE TO RUN WITH
Be a guest with the local running club. Select a new purpose in running, like a destination, pace, or even make a shape out of your route (view afterward on a map, fun to instagram).
UNSAFE TO RUN ALONE
Safety is the most important. Research ahead of embarking on your trip to see if there are any alternatives like a local running group, indoor facilities, or safer neighborhoods.
LOTS OF TIME AND NEW PLACES TO RUN
Live it up, to a degree. Keep within the max 10% increase of weekly mileage, reduced weight training on your first try, and recover well. Aim for a solid week of training. Remember all your work won’t pay off if you don’t allow for recovery or end up injured. Be smart and enjoy!
ONLY SMALL OPPORTUNITIES TO RUN
Grab even the short windows of time to get in 20-30 minutes of running. It will make your vacation even better since you will feel refreshed and accomplished. Those short runs really can keep you from losing fitness and flexibility. You don’t need to run every day. Alternate walking and running days, perhaps family or friends can join you on the walk days. Add in yoga to your bedtime routine.
TIPS: Remember to drink water often, sleep as well as possible, and soak in the vacation experience.
ONE LAST THING
Stay healthy and don’t return with an illness. Getting sick after a trip is usually when a runner gets off track and ends up losing a total of 2 weeks of training. So if you don’t get any running in during your vacation at least try to come back healthy and happier!
SOLUTION
Play is good for the soul!
This 30-day series is a quest for me as a writer, coach, and runner. I promise to write about running for 30 days in a row. In doing so I intend to gain in knowledge and expression of running and daily life. My hope is that we all grow together.