Running on the Run

One of the things that a lot of us struggle with is continuing to stick to a training program despite having to travel for work or
pleasure. Having spent some time on the road recently, here’s a couple of suggestions for racking up both frequent flier miles and
training miles:

1. Pack it in. You can’t run if you don’t have your stuff. Which is one of the greatest things about running – you don’t need much to be able to continue to train. My carry-on always contains shoes, a pair of socks, and a pair of shorts. Sometimes, I’ll pack a shirt, but I’m have been known to run in my undershirt from the day before – reduces the stuff I have to bring if it’s a longer trip.
2. Plan ahead. Dunno if y’all have checked it out, but there’s this cool Web site with running bloggers from around the world. Do a quick search for where you’re headed, and see if they’ve got any rave runs. Additionally, there’s a host of sites like Map My Run and Nike+ where runners can share and search runs. Mash these up with the hotel listings at Travelocity, and, like a recent trip I made to Washington, D.C., you can find a good run right out the front door of a good hotel.
3. Prioritize. Much like sticking to training at home, running on the road needs to be a priority, or it’s not going to happen. So, plan it into your agenda. Early morning runs are great, as they don’t impact the rest of the day, and you can be showered even if you’re checking out of the hotel that morning. Alternately, squeeze in an afternoon run between the end of the workday and any socializing that’s going to happen.
4. Plunder. Ah, the wonder that is free breakfasts. Bananas, bagels – great, old school fuel. Little tubs of peanut butter if you’re lucky. Go scavenge while you’re waiting for your waffle to cook. Pick stuff that doesn’t need refrigerators. Stuff that will survive in a briefcase. Best part? It’s paid for as part of the room, or conference fee, or by whoever is making you travel anyway.
5. Postpone. Sometimes reality sets in – a long run conflicts with time out of town. Don’t use it as excuse not to run, but perhaps consider a filler, and do the long run when you get home.
6. Proxies. In my satchel, along with a couple of blank CDRs, I always carry a Pilates DVD. Pop it in the laptop, and the room becomes a place to workout. Or, I’ll ride the exercycle. As terrible as hotel gyms are, the bikes are usually rideable, whereas the treadmills are usually gawdawful, to use the technical term.
7. Promenade Hey, if you’re somewhere cool, what better way to see it than on the run? Grab the tourist map, and go running by the sites!

To all you road warriors out there, how about sharing your secrets?

Posted by Jank on July 9, 2007
Filed Under: Running Tips
Tags: business • business-travel • frequent-flier • hotel-gyms • packing • planning • road-warrior • Training • travel