Running while on Vacation (Read 1253 times)

Where you decide to stay will probably have the greatest influence on your running. I spent 2 weeks in Europe (Switzerland and Italy) this past summer, and I only remember getting out for 3 runs. Outside of having too much stuff going on, I found some urban environments were just too busy to get in a decent run. Eastern Europe… Well, I’ve never been out that way, but in Zurich I met a running couple from Latvia who had done the Munich Marathon. By the way, I want to know what those folks in Estonia are drinking and eating because I shot the bull with 2 couples (late 30s) from there in Italy and dang were they young looking. Have a safe trip!

Run faster than normal. You get more bang for your buck out of faster workouts, and if your overall mileage is lower than usual you won't really get any extra fatigue.

I usually end up walking around so much on vacation that my "mileage" doesn't suffer--I also have just accepted that I get cranky and unpleasant to be around if I can't run, so I get up and do it early. Even if that's at 5am. I actually think, even in urban areas, running is an awesome way to explore. I was in St. Petersburg last summer for a month and got to see corners of the city probably missed by most tourists--and got in lots of miles in the process. Good luck and have fun!

Run faster than normal. You get more bang for your buck out of faster workouts, and if your overall mileage is lower than usual you won't really get any extra fatigue.

I think that doing that would be a mistake, and would be inviting an injury. I'd stick to what's working already.

Is it a good idea to do a lot of 20 mile long runs and high mileage weeks in the next month or so to carry myself through this vacation?

No, it's a bad idea. If you aren't ready to do those multiple 20 milers, then you shouldn't just jump into them. If you do, then you probably won't have to worry about getting runs in because you'll be more worried about recovering from hopefully only minor aches and pains. Looking at your log, you could certainly handle a few 20 milers, but I wouldn't try to do something like running one every single weekend while ramping up all of your mileage. Just keep yourself as well trained as you can through April and early May, and when your trip comes along just get out to run when its convenient. If you detrain a little, it won't be the end of the world. You'll have a month to get some of that fitness back and if it doesn't come completely back then you'll just have to run a little easier. As apparish mentioned, you should hopefully be walking around enough that you'll be getting in some good cross training that does translate pretty well to running. If you have the option and can convince your wife to forgo the taxi, then make an effort to stay on your feet when heading to places. Personally, I find that you get to know a place you are visiting a lot better on foot than from behind a window anyway, but my wife and I are both pretty active and enjoy walking around places.

You know you’re addicted to running when you have this awesome trip scheduled and you immediately think to how your training is going to suffer.

Sounds pretty normal to me...

Thank you for the advice everyone! I think I've had my main questions answered. Specifically that it would be a bad idea for me to break with my present training regime. I plan on progressing (SLOWLY) to 60 mile weeks by the time I leave in May. The HM I am running June is not my "cumulation race" of the year. For that, I'm hoping to run a BQ full marathon in the fall! I will probably still set a PR for my HM, despite the month of travelling, simply because my training this year has been way more disciplined and intense than I've ever done before. In fact I didn't set a PR for my HM! I will try to maintain 25-30 mile weeks while on vacation. Hopefully I can just wake up really early and do several 5 milers or so a day, which hopefully won't impact travel plans. The highlight of the trip is a 6 day Kayak tour through an island in Croatia. Only 5% of the places we vist there are inhabited, so I'm hoping that there will be some pretty awesome hiking/running trails. Some pictures: Thank you everyone for your advice and taking the time to answer me!

Some pictures: Thank you everyone for your advice and taking the time to answer me!

OMG that is beautiful!

See if the hotel(s) you are staying in have a fitness center.