Running while Traveling – How and Why You Should Do It

Travel and running – they go together like chocolate and peanut butter. They’re both awesome, and when done together, they enhance your life. Running while traveling can be one of the best experiences.

Anytime I get asked what I like to do in my free time, the obvious answer is travel and run. While it’s often easy to ditch the running when traveling, I’m here to tell you that your trips will be better and more fulfilling if you run. At the end of this post, I’ll help you figure out how to get that morning run in no matter where you are in the world.

Let’s start with the benefits of running while traveling:

Experience the destination.

Whether you’re running the streets of Madrid, the trails of the Swiss Alps, or a mundane town in Midwest USA, you are experiencing that place. Running transforms you out of the picture-taking tourist role and into someone who is a part of that place.

Running always seems to heighten my senses. When running in a new place, I tend to notice the locals sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe, the smell of fresh-baked croissants, the aqua color of the ocean, and the “feel” of a place.

You will feel better and more energized.

Any day that starts with a run is a good one. Why not start your days on vacation with your heart pumping a bit? You’ll have more energy for sightseeing and late night drinks at the pub.

Stay healthy while traveling.

For me, travel equals a free pass to eat and drink whatever I want. Rather than eating everything, ditching all exercise, and coming home feeling like an actual mozzarella ball, consider running a few times during your trip. Your heart, lungs, and legs will thank you.

For other tips on staying healthy while traveling, head here. I swear 10 years as an RN has taught me a few things on how to be healthy.

Help your circadian clock.

Jet lag? Exhaustion? We accept these as woes of travel. But a recent study showed that exercising at the same time everyday can help set our circadian clocks. If you flew from the US to Australia, getting up at the same time and running might help you to quickly eliminate jet lag and enjoy your trip.

Keep your fitness.

Hal Higdon (who I trust with my running life) says that after 2 days of not running, you start to lose your fitness level. If you are going on a weekend trip, this won’t affect you much, but if you’re traveling for a week to Portugal, keep running. Whether you’re training for a big race or not, it’s nice to not have to “make up” for that time when you get back.

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate running into your travels and vice versa:

Sign up for a destination race.

This is one of my favorite things to do. Pick a race somewhere cool and then plan a trip around it. The race will likely show off some of the best spots in that place, and then plan a few days to explore.

I like to use Marathonguide.com for marathons and Ultra Running Magazine for ultras.

You can also plan a trip and then search to see if there are any races going on while you’re there.

I planned an 11 day trip to Ireland and realized there was an “extreme” half marathon occurring in Northern Ireland during that time. I signed up and ran up and down ocean cliffs, on the beach with cows, and alongside Irish runners who only quietly say “well done” as their motivation to fellow racers. It was incredible.

The end of the Northern Ireland Half Marathon – beautiful views the whole way.

For destination race ideas in the USA, try the Charlevoix Marathon in Michigan (my personal favorite marathon), the New River Marathon in North Carolina (very hilly but beautiful), or the New Orleans Marathon in Louisiana (super flat).

Run wherever your travel takes you.

Plan to run and stick to it. Pack your clothes and shoes, plan your route (more below on how to do this), and then just go. Get out the door, breathe that new air, and smile at some strangers.

Trail run.

The perfect way to be in nature. Find some nearby trails – bonus points if they include mountain views – and make an adventure of it.

Find a running club in the town you’re visiting.

Google “City + Running club” and see if any running clubs will be meeting up while you’re in town. It’s an awesome way to meet locals, you don’t have to plan a route, and maybe you’ll be able to grab a beer afterwards.

Make a running + travel goal.

Examples: Run a marathon on every continent. Run a half marathon in every state. Complete an ultra marathon in 4 different locations this year. Run at least 5 miles every time you travel.

Visit a local running store.

We all know runners can be some of the friendliest people. The staff or customers will likely be able to offer advice on the best places to run. And maybe you’ll find a cool running hat that will make you think of your trip every time you put it on.

Running while traveling – Tips on how to do it:

Plan your routes ahead of time. Keep safety in mind. Google “where to run <insert town>” and see what you find. Or use Strava to find local popular routes. You can also search races in that area – races tend to feature some of the best parts of that location, so this could be great for sightseeing while running. Or find popular hiking trails and turn your run into a trail one.

Write your route on your hand so you don’t get lost and don’t have to constantly check your phone or a map.

Or do an easy out and back without a lot of turns.

Trust your gut. Don’t listen to music, and be aware of your surroundings. If an area seems sketchy, turn around.

Keep your phone with you in case of emergencies.

Tell someone where you’re going.

Run with someone else if possible.

Try not to run in the dark unless you know for sure that the area is safe.

Pack well.

Bring your shoes, running attire, and spybelt, watch, or other gadgets you use. Don’t let “oh I forgot my phone holder” be a reason that you miss an entire week of running.

Happy Running!

Have you done an awesome destination run? Share in the comments below!

For more running advice, read about My First Ultra Marathon or Running in the Cold – Lessons from a Minnesota Winter.

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