For those of you who follow this blog, you are probably aware of the fact that I have to travel regularly for my job. I am on the road somewhere at least twice a month. I know many people who travel every week for their job. What I found out early in my life was that the easiest work-out routine to follow while on the road is running. I don’t have to bring any special equipment. I can do it anywhere I am in the world and it doesn’t cost me anything.I just got back from a trip to Seattle where I was able to get in 2 really nice 7+ mile runs right from my hotel. I am headed to Orlando on Monday with my daughter Mara’s high school band for a week. I have found that it doesn’t take a lot of planning before my trips to be able to find some nice running routes wherever I happen to be going. I thought I would outline a few tips for those runner’s who travel and maybe even a few of you could use these ideas when you are traveling on vacation. If you’re like me you still feel the need to get in your runs even when you are on vacation.
Seek out Routes before You Go
Prior to all of my trips whether for pleasure or work, I like to plan a couple of runs that I can do while I am on the road. There are several sites you can go to where you can find running routes that others (sometimes travelers and some locals) have put into the website’s data base. The two I frequent most are U.S. Track & Field’s America’s Running Routes (http://www.usatf.org/routes/) and Run the Planet (http://www.runtheplanet.com/runningroutes/). Run the Planet is a website that allows you to look for running routes all over the world. The other site I have just started to look at is at Runner’s World magazine’s website. The address is http://www.runnersworld.com/route/routefinder.html. I have found that I am a little less anxious about my training program if I already have a few running routes in hand before I leave home. It also allows me to find routes that match my training needs as I can even see the route profile.
If you cannot or forget to look for running routes ahead of time don’t worry. I have found that most hotels I stay with have suggestions for running routes that start at the hotel. Some hotels even offer guided runs for guests, such as the Westin's RunWESTIN program. I have not stayed at Westin so I cannot vouch for their program but I checked out one of their examples at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/pub/media/1049/wes1049.runningmap.pdf and it looked like a good program.
Run in the Morning
I am an early riser and do all of my running in the early morning. I find that it is the time of day that I have the least amount of conflict especially when I am on the road. Plus I find that if I get my run in early in the day, it doesn’t interfere with any sightseeing or work-related meetings. Since I am able to travel to warmer climates than here in Boston, I especially prefer morning runs because I keeps me from running in the hottest portion of the day.
Treadmills
Even though I am a pretty hearty runner and don’t let weather discourage me from a run, there are times when it is simply not practical to go outside to run. Most hotels I stay at have a small a gym with at least one treadmill. So, if the weather or location is not conducive to running outdoors, I jump on the treadmill for my workout. There are some hotels that do not have a treadmill. If this is the case, most hotels have a deal with a local gym that is typically within walking distance where you can go and use their treadmills. Some gyms offer day guest passes or allow guests to work out for a small fee. Since I belong to the YMCA here in Westborough, I always look up the closest YMCA to where I will be staying as a back up place to workout.
Running while visiting family or friends
Staying with family or friends can sometimes make it difficult to maintain a regular running schedule. But it is possible to still get some runs in without coming across as a rude or inconsiderate guest. When I am back in San Diego, I always try and get in a run with my brother. So, it never hurts to see if anyone in the family wants to run with you. You may have to run a slower pace than you're used to, but don’t worry about it just use it as a recovery run.
Remember that even if you are into the key portion of your marathon training program, you should still have some rest weeks factored into your schedule. Take the time when you are visiting with family or on vacation to give yourself a recovery week. Take a few shorter runs to enable you to maintain your fitness, but avoid those really long runs that have you disappearing for hours.
I always love running when I am on the road because it gives me a chance to see experience something different. Running in a new location will definite improves my motivation to run while I am away. It also recharges my batteries and gets me amped up for my runs at home.
Just a side note…tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and also my 25th Wedding Anniversary. As I look back on all of my years of running, I know that I could not have done it with out the support of my wife, Beverly. She thinks I am a little obsessed about it and she is probably right. But, she never complains and always asks how my run went when I get home. I am so happy she has been a part of my life for the past 26 years and am really looking forward to the next 25. So, give your spouse or significant other a big hug and let them know how much you appreciate their supporting your passion to run. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Here are my training totals:
Jan. 31 – 10.10 miles (1:34:17, 9:20 pace)
Feb. 1 – 6.10 miles (54:31, 8:56 pace)
Feb. 2 – 5.00 miles (42:36, 8:21 pace) – Tempo Run
Feb. 3 – 7.10 miles (1:01:21, 8:38 pace)
Feb. 4 – 7.20 miles (1:06:12, 9:11 pace)
Feb. 5 – 10.10 miles (1:29:32, 8:51 pace)
Feb. 7 – 10.00 miles (1:34:36, 9:27 pace)
Feb. 8 – 6.00 miles (54:20, 9:03 pace)
Feb. 9 – 5.00 miles (54:20, 9:03 pace) – Mile Repeats @ 7:19 pace
Feb. 11 – 6.00 miles (51:07, 8:31 pace) – Tempo Run
Feb. 13 – 10.10 miles (1:29:01, 8:48 pace)
Total Miles: 82.70 miles
2010 YTD Miles: 177.70 miles
