We all know that vacation is meant to be a time to get away, but the question does arise: should you run on vacation? There is no right answer, of course. Everyone is going to have different ideas on how to spend their downtime, so don’t worry if your opinion differs from mine.
I am absolutely the person who runs (and walks) on vacation. But the frequency and duration does vary, and while I am always prepared TO run, it’s not the end of the world if I don’t. Let’s dive in.
Rest Is Important
First, it’s important to acknowledge that rest is important. Runners SHOULD take breaks from running, and it’s only to their benefit to do so. It makes sense to take those rest breaks on vacation, since running is one extra thing to schedule, and involves some extra packing.
I’m An Early Bird
Even on vacation, I’m an early riser, and I’m also quick to get moving. The boys? Not so much. I can get pretty frustrated waiting for them to get up and together, so for everyone’s wellbeing, going for a run works out well. They can dawdle in peace (what are they even doing???) and I can feel like I’m getting something done. Nine times out of ten, I’m still ready for breakfast before them. For me, a run is almost better than a morning coffee, so I’m happy to get out there for some miles.
Training Doesn’t Always Get Easier
As I mentioned, rest is healthy, but coming back after that break isn’t always easier. Personally, even if I’m going super slowly, I like to keep up the routine of exercise. It makes the re-entry to real life easier for me to manage. Planning to run on vacation is a small thing I can do to mitigate any kind of discouragement or lack of motivation on my return.
Running Is A Habit
And quite frankly, it’s a good one. Running helps me start my day. It gets my adrenaline flowing and my blood pumping. In so many ways, it puts me in a better mood and helps keep my energy levels up. Just because I’m on vacation doesn’t mean I need to break my regular habits.
Vacation Running Is A Great Way To Sightsee
There’s no better way to see a new place than to run it. Vacation running has afforded me views of some really cool and incredible places, and that’s something I can’t imagine giving up. My travel buddies aren’t always into seeing everything on foot, so continuing to run on vacation is the perfect solution.
Racecation, Anyone?
I am always down for a racecation, and I usually try to build a race into my travel plans. In fact, I want to run one race in each of the 50 states, so running while away is a fabulous way to make that happen!
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Yes to running on vacation!
I agree with you, Jenn, it’s a great way to explore new surroundings.
My husband likes to lie in, too. But I have to wait for him to get up because he likes to run as well.
Which isn’t too bad because it gives me time to read a book. 🙂
I usually run on vacation as long as I am familiar with were I am going. Before Grayson was born Rob and I traveled alot more and would run together when we were away. When we travel with our families we are always up before everyone else so it works out to get a run in. But usually when I’m away I stick to all easy runs and nothing too long, and I may take more rest days.
That is me. Running on vacation is always in my plans. You can make it fit if it’s a priority. It’s the best way to see a place. It’s also something to can do alone.
Now all I need is a vacation. Lol
I love to run on vacation, both for some ‘me’ time away from the family and to explore a new place. There have been times when I was training for something and I had to do those runs on vacation.
I love to see a new city by foot. I usually do run on vacation and or take long walks in the morning. I do take these runs more casually often without a time or distance in mind. Also it’s a great way to snap fun photos
Yes, I always run on vacation! I think my kids would kill me if I roused them out of bed at 8 am to start a day of sightseeing (or whatever) so I just get up early and get it done. Even if I’m not running anywhere amazing- like on our trip to Austin I just ran in the neighborhood where we were staying- it’s still interesting to me. I loved seeing the houses in the area, wondering about the people who live there and what their lives are like. Any change of scenery is fun!
I usually run while on vacay, too. Sometimes I need to keep up with a training plan, but while on vacay I cut myself a little slack and grace if I can’t get in “all” the miles on the plan. It IS a vacation, after all LOL
I love to run on vacation but unless I’m there for a race I usually just run for fun during that time. I do love to explore on the run though and that can sometimes lead to longer runs than planned!