With summer holidays well underway, the big question on every runners mind is will I bring my running gear? With the never ending airline baggage restrictions and costs it is very easy to decide not to bring it. However the good news is that you will need half as much of your normal running gear when running overseas in warmer climates where less is undoubtedly more.
Once you’ve made the decision to pack your running gear, loads more questions will spring to mind. Where will I run, what day, what time, what if I’m out late the night before…and hungover…why am I even thinking of running while I’m on holidays???!!!!
Presumably you are holidaying somewhere warmer than where you live. Never underestimate the difference between running in mild to hot climates. Every time I run abroad I am harshly reminded of how much harder it is to run in the heat. So I thought that I would share a few tips that I’ve learned over the years:
1. Hydrate. This is key to running in the heat. Drink plenty of water before you run. Drink dioralyte before and after your run if it’s particularly warm. Run with a bottle of water or if, like me, you don’t like doing this, have some money in your pocket to buy some water along the way. I’ve never needed to as I don’t run for over an hour on holidays but if you are planning to, you will definitely need some water during your run.
2. Running gear. Less is definitely more. Forget about being body conscious. It’s the last thing you’ll think about when you’re battling the heat. Ladies wear shorts and a bra vest top. Gents wear just shorts. But if a top is a must for you, wear plasters on your nipples to prevent them from chaffing.
3. Speed. Or more to the point, lack thereof. Take it really easy and don’t push yourself like you may at home. My body naturally slows down in the heat. It may not feel like it is as it feels like it’s being worked so much harder. In July 2018 I ran a half marathon in mid 20’s celcius heat. 1.39. 3 months previously in March I ran one in the mid teen’s. 1.33. The July race felt 100 times harder. The result didn’t justify the effort I put in to it. Clearly I wasn’t on my own. When I got home from my holidays there was a letter and chequ in the post. I had come first in my age category F40.
4. Sun factor. Whichever one you use, make sure it doesn’t sting your eyes. Especially when combined with the guaranteed sweat on your face.
5. Lip factor. Don’t forget to put this on. I’ve learned the hard way. I discovered that I must run with my mouth more open in the heat (presumably gasping for air!) which has the indirect consequence of getting burnt lips. You may not notice it initially but later on when you sip on a well deserved glass of cold Rose or eat a salty chip you will. Ouch.
6. Time of day. I recommend to go for a run in the morning. Not just because it is cooler in the morning. It can be equally cool in the evening. However your body is much warmer from being in the sun all day. Not a good start to running.
7. Where to run. Have an idea of what your running route will be. Ask someone in your hotel/apartment/camp site or local tourist office where they would recommend. You don’t want to be getting lost or hitting dead ends.
8. If you’ve had a late night or drank one too many beers, wine, cocktails etc, save your run for another day. Or you may never go for a holiday run ever again!
So that’s the hard part of running overseas. Now for the good part. I have been fortunate to run along some of the most amazing coast lines and beaches over the years. This is what makes the hard part so worth it. You can discover the most stunning places and cover more ground when running. Take it all in. But don’t stop to take photos. You may not be able to start back up again!
A few years ago I was running along the promenade in Laguna Beach, California. Running towards me was none other than Cindy Crawford, running with her daughter. Cindy gave me a smile and a runners nod. To say I was star struck is an understatement. There was no way I was going to stop running on my way back in case I met them again. I did. And got another smile and runners nod. This was in 2012. I ran my second marathon a few months later. 7 years after my first. I’ve ran 5 since. Maybe I’m looking for another celebrity runners nod. I’m still looking.
I’m not a calorie counter (either input or output) but it doesn’t take a genius to know that you eat and drink more calories on holidays. And then the bloating kicks in. So getting out for a run can help reduce the pressure for a post holiday detox and make the post holiday blues a little less blue.
Running on holidays is also an opportunity to take on new running challenge. Not just dealing with the heat but new terrain. This morning I ran on sand, cobblestones, dirt tracks, trail paths and roads with hills around every corner. Poles apart from my usual flat even running terrain at home!
The reason why you run on holidays needn’t be too different to why you run at home. For many it’s me time, time out and it makes you feel good. And you can enjoy your holiday pleasures that little bit more. Guilt free. So pack your running gear. It doesn’t weigh much or take up much room and you never know who will give you a runners nod.
