Running on the Run
by Noelle de Jesus
Don't let your next holiday stop you from getting a workout.
It's hard to keep a regular running schedule in ordinary time. At least, it is for me. But when i'm travelling, it's tough.
On trips along for work, the main problem is just setting aside the time and energy. But really, that's nothing that a hotel gym with a treadmill can't fix. That and space enough in my wheelie suitcase for my Asics. And when there isn't a gym- like that time I was sent to Ibiza for Swatch launch and the time I went to do a story on the new Louis Vuitton building in Paris-- I just used the existing terrain. I ran-walked the length of the boardwalk for 40 minutes in Ibiza, and in Paris I ventured out early, aided by jetlag, and jogged to the Notre Dame and back--my camera jostling around my neck.
But when I'm travelling with family, keeping up with the running regimen is almost impossible. It used to to be that I didn't even try. So I wouldn't run for three to five days--where was the harm? Would it be tough to resume when I got back? As nails.
Then we started taking longer trips as a family--anywhere from eight to 14 days. That's when you really have to be creative. After all, when you're on a family holiday, you're usually doing things together almost all the time. You can't get away because nobody likes to see Mommy disappear, even if it is just for a while. The kids don't and Daddy sure doesn't. To make matters worse, on a long haul holiday, you are also likely to be eating more at meals and staying up late, which makes you feel sluggish and lethargic, so when you get up in the morning, you don't even want to run. You return home, and aside from the scales telling you you're in trouble, when you do start running again, it feels like the first time.
The last time I had to do this, I vowed never to let it happen again. I took steps and planned things to carve out running time on trips, even if it meant letting go of my favorite thing about trips: spontaneity. I did not hope for daily runs, but i did try to get a good half an hour going, every other day of a trip. And if I got to run two or even three days in a row, well, that would be a success. So here are a few things I do to make sure that I get some running time on trips.
published on:Runner's World magazine Oct-Dec. 2011 issue
On trips along for work, the main problem is just setting aside the time and energy. But really, that's nothing that a hotel gym with a treadmill can't fix. That and space enough in my wheelie suitcase for my Asics. And when there isn't a gym- like that time I was sent to Ibiza for Swatch launch and the time I went to do a story on the new Louis Vuitton building in Paris-- I just used the existing terrain. I ran-walked the length of the boardwalk for 40 minutes in Ibiza, and in Paris I ventured out early, aided by jetlag, and jogged to the Notre Dame and back--my camera jostling around my neck.
But when I'm travelling with family, keeping up with the running regimen is almost impossible. It used to to be that I didn't even try. So I wouldn't run for three to five days--where was the harm? Would it be tough to resume when I got back? As nails.
Then we started taking longer trips as a family--anywhere from eight to 14 days. That's when you really have to be creative. After all, when you're on a family holiday, you're usually doing things together almost all the time. You can't get away because nobody likes to see Mommy disappear, even if it is just for a while. The kids don't and Daddy sure doesn't. To make matters worse, on a long haul holiday, you are also likely to be eating more at meals and staying up late, which makes you feel sluggish and lethargic, so when you get up in the morning, you don't even want to run. You return home, and aside from the scales telling you you're in trouble, when you do start running again, it feels like the first time.
The last time I had to do this, I vowed never to let it happen again. I took steps and planned things to carve out running time on trips, even if it meant letting go of my favorite thing about trips: spontaneity. I did not hope for daily runs, but i did try to get a good half an hour going, every other day of a trip. And if I got to run two or even three days in a row, well, that would be a success. So here are a few things I do to make sure that I get some running time on trips.
- Negotiate with those concerned. Fortunately, I happen to be married to a runner, who is even more focused on getting on his running time on holiday. In fact, there are often occasions where I am okay with skipping it altogether, but his fortitude often keeps me on track, reminding me that I really should make the time. Since we practice a "no-double-standard-what's good-for-the-gander-goes-for-mother-goose" marriage, I can get my time on his running days If I want it. If you are not as fortunate, simply negotiate running time beforehand, promising you will only take half an hour, tops. Agree to give your partner similar "me time."
- Get yourself a pair of running shoes in black. This may sound a little silly, but when you have a pair of black running shoes, they can form 50 percent of your shoe packing, along with a pair of strappy sandals. My black Asics have served me well, as I am able to wear them on most daytime excursion on travel, with slacks or jeans or Capri pants and still look fairly acceptable. In other words, pack light and wear your running shoes.
- Get it done early during downtime. With my family, downtime is sleeping time, and that means, I sacrifice my own sleep (but isn't that normally the case for a busy Mom?) I make it a point to get up a full hour and a half, and usually, my family is none the wiser. Of course this means, my husband gets the first shift and more than the half hour promised, but what are you going to do? On rare occasions, when the kids beg off sightseeing, we can sometimes get in an afternoon run together, but I find it's just not as efficient as waking early for your run.
- Invest in a GPS watch like a Garmin. On familiar terrain, I like to know exactly what distances I am able to do for that half hour or 40 minute break. It's also easier when you've already done your 2.5 or 3km and can just turn back and know you'll hit that requisite 5 or 6km, Is this nifty gadget necessary? No, but it's definitely nice to have and having it makes you that much more conscientious about running at all times.
published on:Runner's World magazine Oct-Dec. 2011 issue