Running and Travelling

Travelling is one of my favourite things to do. Same goes for running. Fortunately, combining the two is somewhat easy! And I have managed to successfully train for marathons from all corners of the globe. Therefore, with many people likely travelling this month, I am happy to share some tips on how to keep your holiday and running both enjoyable. 

Training during your travels should not be a chore; every day that we get to train is a privilege. Whether you’re training for a race or simply staying consistent, combining running and travel isn’t just possible, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Some of my suggestions:

1. Plan Ahead, but Stay Flexible

Before you travel, map out your itinerary alongside your training plan. This way you can easily identify days that you are more likely to be able to run (or not run!). Consider, time zones, climate, terrain, routes, and travel days. My recommend is to make travel days rest days. 

2. Select Accommodations with running in mind

For example, you can stay near parks, waterfronts, or running trails, which makes getting your miles in much easier (and more enjoyable). Personally I try and select a place where I can make my own breakfast, and do some laundry! You might also like to select a hotel with a gym (treadmill). 

3. Shift Your Focus from Pace to Presence

Travel naturally disrupts routine, and that’s okay. When training while traveling, consider prioritising consistency over perfection. Instead of obsessing over pace or metrics, use the opportunity to run by feel, explore new scenery, and embrace the joy of movement. 

4. Use Travel as a Mental Refresh

Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what your mind needs. Running while traveling can reinvigorate your training and remind you why you love the sport in the first place.

If you’re preparing for a marathon, consider signing up for a local 10K or half marathon during your trip. It’s a fun way to test your fitness, connect with the local running community and shift your body into some harder efforts. 

5. Maximize Recovery on the Move

Travel, especially flying, can take a toll on your body. Therefore, I recommend that you support your recovery by staying hydrated, moving during the flight, sleeping with an eye mask, and fuel as close to regular meals times as possible with balanced nutrition. Taking care of your recovery helps you bounce back from traveling faster.

You don’t have to hit pause on your training every time you travel, and you don’t have to skip your adventures to stay on track with your running. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, you can merge both worlds beautifully.