How to Turn a Vacation Into a Runcation

This post is coming to you from somewhere above 30,000 feet. Today I'm jetting off to Austin, Texas with my sister for our annual sister weekend. Every year we go somewhere we've never been to celebrate our birthdays and sisterhood. Our trips are full of food, fun, and adventure. We are great traveling companions and have made a lot of fun memories on these trips.

These trips are all about us. I never plan races for our sister weekend. We do pack our running shoes though because it's always fun to run in a new place! Actually, no matter where I go or whomever I am traveling with, I always pack my running shoes. I can't think of a better way to explore a new destination. My family is so accustomed to my running that it's almost as if they expect me to head out for a run. I always find a way to make it work. No excuses! Any vacation can be a runcation!

So is it that simple? It's a little more complicated than just putting your shoes on and heading out the door, but with a little advance planning, you can run your heart out in a new destination!

Don't Get Lost: It can be fun running somewhere new, but it can also be a little intimidating! Even if you are directionally challenged, there are so many apps you can download on your phone that you can't get lost. Some examples include RunKeeper, Strava, MapMyRun, Garmin Mobile Connect, Endomondo, Nike+, Wahoo, and Localeikki. Localeikki is specifically for locating places to run, walk, bike, or hike. I've tried most of these apps and they all have their pros and cons, which I'm not going to address about in this post. I just wanted to share some options.

Charleston, SC

Where To Run: So how do you get started? The first thing I do when I'm planning a trip is to look up running routes in the area. It's as simple as Googling the name of the city and running. You can find a variety of distances to fit into your plans. Last year when we went to Seattle, I found the sculpture park along the waterfront simply by Googling "Seattle running routes". I used Google maps to help me get there from our hotel. You can also talk to the front desk staff at your hotel for advice. Local running stores and clubs can also be a great resource. Road Runners Club of America maintains a database of running clubs around the country. City Running Tours has organized tours that link running and sightseeing in different cities across the country. These aren't free, but they look like a lot of fun!

Seattle Sculpture Park

Gear You Should Bring: Pack all the things you would bring to a race. Yes, I know, bringing your running gear adds more items to your suitcase. Since they take up a lot of room, I like to wear my running shoes on the plane to save room in my suitcase and because my feet get cold on the plane. If you pack your shoes, you can always stuff your socks, SpiBelt, and other little necessities in them. When my husband and I were in Yosemite last spring, my running shoes came in handy for all the walking we did. I used my SpiBelt to carry essentials and kept my hands free. When I'm running in new places, I like to wear running shirts from races I've run--it's a great way to strike up a conversation with other runners!

Sequoia Grove, Yosemite National Park

Be Safe: For safety reasons, carry your phone, identification, and a little cash with you. You don't want to be stranded in a strange city. Be alert to your surroundings. You might be used to running in the dark at home, but it's a whole other thing in an unfamiliar city. I'd advise against wearing headphones too. Not only will that distract you from the sights--after all, you're a tourist--you will also be less aware of what's going on around you. If you are traveling alone, let the hotel know where you are going and when you return.

Waterfront Park, Charleston SC

Enjoy The New Scenery: Runners who are training for a race might disagree with me but since you are a tourist, make sure to let go of any expectations for pace. Stop to enjoy the sights. This is a great time to take selfies! I've found that people are pretty friendly in touristy areas, stopping to ask if they can take a picture for you. I don't know about you, but I love finding new settings for my runfies and yoga pictures.

Seattle Sculpture Park

Besides being a great way to explore your destination, running on vacation is a great way to burn calories. For those of us who enjoy all that a new locale has to offer, it seems like a win to me!

Do you run when you are on vacation? How do you find running routes? Any suggestions for running while traveling? I'm looking forward to sharing my pictures from Austin in an upcoming blog post!

I'm linking this post with the DC Trifecta of Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for Friday Five as well as Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel for Coaches Corner on Wednesday.

Since I will be out of town for a couple days, it may take me a while to respond to your comments and read your blog posts! But I'll catch up as soon as I can. Thanks as always for reading and supporting me!