Running is only getting more popular as a hobby. Millions of people enjoy running and more are joining the excitement. You can tell by the growing number of participants in running events that the hobby really has a large following these days. There are even communities and gatherings for runners.
The latest trend in running is going on a runcation – a running vacation. Runners go to new places to enjoy a pleasant run, participate in marathons and other events, and to meet with fellow runners from around the world. If you love running as a hobby, or you run regularly as part of your exercise routine, going on a runcation can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of destinations to visit and running trails to sample. These next few tips and tricks will help you plan the perfect running vacation easily.
Find Inspiration
As mentioned before, there is no shortage of great running destinations to visit, both in the country and around the globe. Before you start planning your own running trip, spending some time researching destinations and finding inspiration is highly recommended.
You can visit running websites and online forums for ideas on where to go on your next (or your first) running vacation. You can also find stories from those who have had spectacular runcations in the past; their stories will motivate you to give running vacations a try for sure.
You can even find inspiration in professional runners and enthusiasts. This blog post about Camille Herron’s latest world record will not only motivate you to go on a running vacation, but also give you that extra push you need to run farther and faster.
Set a Budget and a Timeframe
Depending on how much you can afford to spend on a running vacation – and the amount of time you can spare for the trip – you can plan your runcation differently. Budget should not be an issue; you don’t have to travel far and spend a fortune to find new running trails to try.
Time, on the other hand, is often more sensitive. Ideally, you want to allocate two to three days to have a pleasant running vacation. This gives you ample time to try different routes and to recover from every run. You can opt for a longer runcation too.
By taking into account these two factors, choosing a destination becomes easier. That brings us to our next tip, which is….
A Destination that Suits You
Not all running destinations are the same. While you can have a great running experience no matter which city you decide to visit, you will certainly enjoy running in an environment that you love more. Rather than going to the Grand Canyon to explore its hiking trails, for example, you may find the beaches of Baja to be more suitable.
Finding the perfect runcation destination is about understanding your personal preferences and meeting them. With so many great destinations to choose from, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit the one destination that matches your preferences best.
While you are at it, do more research on the different running trails you can try on your visit. You can even go deep into the stories behind each running trail, including stories about athletes and celebrities who have tried the trail in the past.
Work Out an Itinerary
Just because you are going on a runcation, doesn’t mean running is the only thing you can do. You still have plenty of time to explore the destination city, have fun at parties in the evening, and enjoy a great vacation as a whole.
After selecting a destination and listing the running trails you want to try, it is time to start looking into other activities and attractions worth exploring. You can go on a culinary hunt, an urban exploration, or a full-blown adventure during the trip.
Make sure you leave some room in your travel itinerary. That extra time is handy for when you see something interesting and you want to be spontaneous along the way. You’ll be surprised by how much more enjoyable the trip is when you have extra time to spend.
Get Your Gear
Don’t forget to get your gear ready for the runcation too. A comfortable pair of running shoes, a matching running outfit, and accessories to help you run better are among the essentials to pack as you prepare for the trip.
Traveling light is always the better way to go. Even when you have to bring extra pairs of running shoes and other running accessories, it is still possible to pack everything into a cabin-sized holdall or a backpack. Traveling light alleviates some of the hassles of traveling.
Go the extra mile and see if you can find consumables – like the supplements and shakes you normally consume after running – at the destination city. Now that running is a huge part of the culture, you also have cafés and shops that sell healthy supplements and food items.
Finalize Your Plan
After figuring out details about the trip, finalizing your plan and preparing for the runcation should be very easy to do. You can book flights online and secure hotel rooms for your trip from the comfort of your home.
Before you do, however, make sure you search for the best deals and discounts on your travel essentials. There are a lot of coupons and discounts to use. Even when traveling on a tight budget, you can always have a pleasant experience thanks to these deals.
Last but certainly not least, make sure you have your travel documents in order. When running abroad, for instance, checking if you need to apply for a visa before making reservations will save you a lot of trouble in the future.That’s it! These are the tips and tricks to keep in mind when planning a running vacation. More destinations are runner-friendly thanks to the growing culture behind running. You can now plan your next runcation, tailor the experience to your liking, and have a lot of fun along the way.
