YAY! You are going on vacation! Well, sort of… If you are anything like me, every vacation involves some sort of running adventure! I have both traveled for Boston Marathon and to run the Grand Canyon from the south rim, to the north rim, and back to the south rim in one day! They both had very similar—yet VERY different packing lists! Here is some awesome advice that I can give ANYONE attempting to do a similar “Runcation”.
Rule #1: Make sure that you have your NEEDED race gear ON you at all times!
This means that when you are going to enter the airplane, you want to make sure that you did NOT check the bag with your important gear in it: Shoes, Clothes, Hydration system, gels/fuel, and sports bra! These are the MAIN things that you need in your carry on just in case your checked bag gets lost!
Rule #2: Pack things that you are USED to using!
Sure, you want to have the latest and greatest gear for the run, however, make sure that you get it months prior to the race and have actually ran in it! There is nothing worse than unexpected chaffing and hot spots mid race. It is smart to always pack gear that you have used previously- never use anything new on race day!
Rule #3: Eat at the places that you are familiar with!
I made the mistake of NOT eating until 4pm the day before the Boston Marathon—and that was just LUNCH! Needless to say, I over ate at lunch and couldn’t even have a bite of dinner because I was still so full (and anxious). I ended up fueling for the next day with a Turkey club and French fries—something that I NEVER ate! The next day I was exhausted! True, it may not have been the food… but I am sure that it didn’t help!
Rule #4: Race first, vacation second
Make sure that you race at the beginning of your “Runcation” vs. the end. Why? The last thing you need on race day is to be tired from all of the sun or walking around. It is crucial that you plan to race within the first couple of days of your vacation, and then relax and be a tourist the second half. This will make both your heart, and your feet happy.
Rule #5: Give yourself a day to relax before the race
Make sure that you fly in 2 days early for the race. Example: Race is on Sunday, Fly in on Friday. This will give your body time to recover and re-hydrate from the flight! The last thing that you want is to be groggy and jet legged on race day!
Rule #6: Treat Yourself!
You just ran and awesome race AND you are on vacation! Don’t hesitate to use the spa or get a massage at your hotel. You deserve to love on yourself after all of that training and preparation for this awesome day!
Rule #7: HAVE FUN!!!
This is something that you may only do once! Live it up and enjoy every second of it! If you are not racing at the pace that you want, don’t let it ruin your vacation. Runners have their good days and bad days. Remember that you have put in the training and that you are prepared as you can be! If things don’t go the way that you imagined—Just smile and keep running! You are awesome!
I hope that this helped you with your adventure running! Have a GREAT time and make sure to always find some fitness fun during your vacations! If you have any questions, please reach out and I am happy to answer any that you may have!
Have an AWESOME day and Run Happy!
Marey Scully