How to keep fit on holiday - Running
When at home I like to run as a way to keep fit, unwind and get the endorphins pumping! On holidays I also like to run – partly for exercise but it’s also a great way to see some of the places I’m staying! Below I’ve included some of my top tips for running while travelling.
Don’t get (too) lost!
On holiday I usually run around 5-6km, or for about 30 mins. This is enough time to get well and truly lost if you’re not aware of your surroundings! While going a little off-piste can be fun, it’s better to stay roughly on track. My tips are:
Plan your route – know roughly where you’re going to run. Apps like Strava can help with suggested routes, though I usually just look at a map and plan where to go.
Either take note of landmarks/street names, or consider running using a map so you know where you are.
Get your bearings while out and about before going for a run.
If you’re not confident stay close – look for a loop near your accommodation or find a location like a park to run in.
Safety first!
It can be a bit daunting running in a new place, especially when travelling to new places that may have quite a different ‘feel’ to home. I know this is particularly the case for a lot of my fellow women! While I’ve never experienced any issues running while overseas, here are some things I suggest to ensure your run is as safe and stress-free as possible:
Consider carrying your phone with you in case of emergency. I don’t run with a phone when at home, but sometimes do on holiday (it also means I can take some pictures while I run!).
Tell someone your plans. For me, this is usually my partner who travels with me – I let them know roughly where I’m going and how long I’ll be. If travelling alone you could consider messaging a friend or family member.
Consider running during daylight hours and in well-populated areas. I personally prefer to run before breakfast.
Take note of which side of the road the traffic is on and look both ways (and for bicycles!) before crossing the street!
If running on the road (not recommended if there is a path option) face oncoming traffic, wear bright clothing and try to avoid busy times.
Dealing with sweaty running gear
If you’re anything like me your running gear may be a bit (a lot!) sweaty after a run. While travelling you may not have access to laundry facilities, and often also want to pack light (so might not have room for multiple sets of running gear – on my last trip I only took one set of running clothing). My tips are:
Choose running gear that is made of quick drying material. I travel with some liquid laundry detergent and after a run I rinse my gear out in the hotel sink, then hang it up to dry, usually in the bathroom (though a balcony can work well!).
Re-wear your gear. This sounds a bit grim but if you rinse it out you can get a few wears out of each set, and it saves you from lugging around multiple sweaty items.
Utilise laundry facilities when you have them, and plan your runs around when you’ll be able to do washing.
Footwear
I’d recommend bringing a decent pair of running shoes with you that can also double as sightseeing/general footwear. On my last trip I opted not to bring my regular running shoes, instead going with a lighter weight pair to keep my luggage weight down. They did the job, but my feet did end up a bit sore especially from running over cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
Keep a record!
I record all of my runs using a Garmin watch, and also upload them to Strava. It’s a fun way to keep a record of your trip and be able to look back on where you ran!