For many, vacation is a much-needed break from everyday life – but if you're a runner, you know it doesn't necessarily mean putting the running shoes on hold. On the contrary, vacation can be a great opportunity to run in new surroundings, break the routine a bit, and even have some of the most memorable running experiences.
At the end of the article, I give my suggestion for one shoe that can take you through all your training sessions, so you don't need to pack more than one shoe. Nike Vomero 18 works for everything.
Here are four specific ways to keep your running training going – without it affecting either the holiday mood or those you travel with:
1. Run in the morning
A morning run is often the best solution on vacation. You get the training done before the rest of the day begins – and you avoid the heat if you're somewhere with high temperatures.
Additionally, mornings are usually the most peaceful times when you have trails, promenades, or city streets almost to yourself. It provides a special atmosphere and a good start to the day – So you can enjoy the rest of the day with confidence – no matter what it brings.
Perhaps you'll also find a beautiful new beach or a trendy cafe that you can suggest visiting during the day.
2. Include your travel companions
It can be challenging to fit in training if you're with family or friends – but it doesn't have to be either-or. Make training part of the vacation.
A shorter joint run with the family, an active walk, or just bringing the running shoes and inspiring others to do the same. It can make it easier to fit in training – without having to choose between socializing and your running routine.
3. Adapt training to the vacation
If you have a regular training program, use the vacation strategically. Keep your legs active with a jog: If you're going to see something local, you can coordinate transportation with a run while others take the car or bike.
If you're away for a week, it might be a good idea to plan the vacation as a recovery week and instead increase volume and intensity before or after.
This way, you maintain structure and progression in your training without it clashing with the vacation's more relaxed settings. A planned break is much better than a half-panicked week with guilt and incomplete runs.
4. Use running to explore
If you ask me, there's hardly a better way to explore a new place than in running shoes. You quickly cover large distances, escape the most touristy spots, and see areas you otherwise wouldn't have experienced.
A morning run through a foreign city, along the coast, or up in the mountains offers a unique experience – and often a sense of calm and presence that's hard to find amidst the vacation activities. It's running at its best: free, curious, and without demands.
Save space and find the versatile shoe
When I pack for vacation, I rarely have room for more than one pair of running shoes. Therefore, I always find a shoe in my shoe rotation that I know can get me through various sessions when limited to one pair.
Currently, my choice is Nike Vomero 18: A shoe whose midsole, combining ZoomX and ReactX, excellently balances comfort with the pop you want for light tempo.
It handles all three: easy runs, light tempo, and if necessary, speed.
Remember: Consistency is key
You don't need to follow the program strictly during vacation – but it makes a huge difference to keep the body moving. A few easy runs a week can be enough to maintain fitness, and consistency, even with lower intensity, goes a long way.
So lace up and make running a natural part of your vacation – on your terms.
Happy running vacation!
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