Whether you are a new runner or a competitive runner, vacation doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love and go sit on a beach. In fact, you can make your vacation this year all about your love for running. Following are just a few fun vacation ideas for those who love to log some miles.
A Running Tour
Have you heard of a running tour? A running tour is a fun way to go sightseeing. Guides take you on a run of their city with planned stops where they share the history and facts you would expect on a standard sightseeing tour. It’s a great way to get to know a new location at street level. These tours can be personalized for individual runners, or you can sign up for a pre-scheduled group run. CityRunningTours.com offers sightrunning tours in Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Honolulu and more. Some cities boast about their own specialized tours such as the New Orleans Jogging Tours.
A Trekking Tour in the United States
Whether you prefer to run, hike, or walk Wine Country Trekking is a great way to enjoy a luxurious, self-guided vacation where you walk from one inn to another through some of the United States most beautiful wine country. Various treks are designed with your ability in mind. A complete itinerary is provided, as well as transport of luggage between inns, leaving you to simply enjoy the freedom of enjoying the local scenery and suggested stops along the way.
International Runs
Of course, you don’t have to stay in the United States to enjoy a magnificent run. Various running adventures will take you across the globe.
Enjoy a one to three-day running tour exploring Iceland with Arctic Running. They introduce you to their favorite trails and local cuisine while showing you the beauty of the Icelandic culture. Or if you are looking for something a bit warmer, try the four-day Running and Trekking Costa Brava tour. You’ll enjoy beautiful Mediterranean beaches, castles, and some of the world’s best restaurants.
Destination Races
If competition is what gets you fired up, spend your vacation enjoying a destination race. You’ll get to see some beautiful locations while doing what you love best, winning. Instead of relisting all of the great options for 2019, here is a list of 14 Destination Half Marathons You Need to Put on Your Bucket List by Runners World.
Preparing for Your Race-cation
As you make plans for your upcoming race-cation or luxurious trek, there are a few things to consider. You’ve picked the location but is it different in altitude or climate from what you are used to running in? A sudden shift from the rocky heights of Colorado to the sandy humid beaches of Mexico, or vice versa, will affect your running performance. Whether it is temperature, humidity level, barometer pressure, weather, or terrain, there is a lot to consider when preparing your body and your suitcase.
If you are used to warmer climates, you may be tempted to overdress if you suddenly find yourself on an Arctic Tour. Remember that once you start moving, if you have too many extra layers you will overheat quickly. When you are piling on the layers, dress as though it is 20 degrees warmer than it actually is. Here are a few more tips for running in the cold.
When you move to a warmer climate, you will need to take into consideration how the heat affects your run. Always wear sunscreen, hydrate before you head out, and don’t forget your water bottle. You will also need to read these 10 Tips for Running in the Summer Heat.
Train adequately for your running vacation, and listen to your body. Nothing will ruin a vacation faster than an injury.
One way to avoid injuries is by packing the proper gear. Dress for the vacation climate. Wear proper clothing that is not too constrictive and gives your skin breathing room. Have proper shoes and make sure to pack an extra pair or two of Crazy Compression socks. Our graduated compression socks and sleeves are great for long runs. They help keep the blood flowing properly back towards your heart and help to prevent swelling and pain.
A controlled study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that those who wore compression socks performed better on their runs than those who did not wear them. Thirty-three athletes were studied, and the results suggested that compression socks did improve an athlete’s recovery. This is good news while on vacation! No one wants to be stuck nursing sore muscles when they could be on the trail exploring all they came to see. Avoid delayed onset soreness that occurs because muscles swell and cause pressure-related pain. Compression socks help by allowing you to recover faster as they support the blood circulating throughout your feet and legs. Pack the extra pairs so that you always have a clean pair on hand.
Have Fun!
Pick a destination that excites and motivates you. By running with the locals, whether on a running tour or in a destination race, you will have the opportunity to see what many tourists miss. You’ll be exposed to life on the ground, to the favorite locations, to the streets of the destination city, and to the people who live there. Enjoy your time and take in the sights. If you need to catch your breath, stop to take a picture with your camera or smartphone. No one will ever question you on why you stopped!. After all, they wouldn’t be showing you their city if they didn’t find it magnificent too.
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