Running when Travelling
Have you ever taken your running kit away with you, with the best intentions to use it, then it’s sat in the bottom of you suitcase until it’s home time? Or perhaps you decided to not take it with you; then regretted the decision every day of your holiday.
From experience, I have been on both sides of the above, and what I have learned over time, is that you need to be realistic and have a plan of action.
Training during your travels should not be a chore; every day that we get to train is a privilege. There are just a couple of factors that might sway your training capability if you are away and out of routine. I have broken these down into, where, why, and when!
Where?
Your destination of choice might sway your running training quite significantly. For example, you might be travelling to a place that you do not feel safe running alone/outside. In which case, running is unlikely unless you have access to a treadmill/gym. Alternately, you might be heading to a city that you know and love, and can get some easy and safe miles in. This is often a pretty fun way to see a city! If you are unsure about running routes before you head away, have a Google around, and check Facebook or Instagram groups, there might even be a running club locally that you can join!
Why?
You might be working, and have a back to back schedule while away. In which case your availability to run might be somewhat limited. Or you might be craving the runs at the end of the day for some alone time!
If you are taking a family holiday and the priority is to spend time with loved ones, then perhaps the training can take a back seat for a couple of days? Maybe you need some time off work and exercise to fully recharge!
When?
If you are working towards a big race or running goal, depending on when your travel plans are, it might help determine your training needs. If you are just a few weeks out from your “A Race”, you might need to keep the structure. Alternatively you could work a recovery week into you training, so that you come back from your travels rearing to go again.
In my opinion there is absolutely no right or wrong way to approach your running commitments during travelling, as every situation is totally unique. But if you ask yourself the above questions, it might help you determine how realistic your training is, and what is most manageable while you are away. Basically, do not set yourself up to fail.
And don’t forget that hydration, nutrition, and recovery are just as important still, so I recommend that you keep all 3 front of mind when you are going into your runs!
Most importantly have fun.
