Summer Vacation Running Tips from Jeff Galloway

Hot time in the summertime! It is so tempting to take it easy during those lazy, crazy, vacation days of summer. BUT it can be done. AND it can engage and enliven your running routine. Whether sprinting through a theme park (like Disneyland Paris), jogging trough a tony neighborhood when visiting VIP friends (Running Through Beverly Hills), or observing National Running Day while moving your son out of his final college dorm (alright, not quite a vacation, but I was staying in a hotel!), running in a new setting does add some pep to your step.

The running path between Gaylord National Resort and The Westin Washington National Harbor

How about scheduling a 5K at a locale near your vacation spot; easy Run Walk Run!

A charity 5K near the Hamptons, NY

Yes, with just a touch of planning, it CAN be done. And FUN!! Of course, our resident guru Jeff Galloway has expert tips for how you can keep moving this summer. (Hey, and fold in those runDisney Virtual Running Shorts for more magical motivation!)

Vacation Run Secrets

The best, more efficient workout when you’re at the beach…

Running into the dawn: In Summer, it’s best to run before the sun rises above the horizon. Since it’s common for family members to sleep a bit longer on vacation, get up early and hit the beach. Set a total time you wish to run, and turn around at the halfway point. Or, run 1-2 minutes longer going out and try to run faster on the return.

When you’re camping and near a lake and/or mountains. Drive around the campground area to find suitable running/trail areas. Plan a group hike each day. Appoint yourself the “lookout”. Walk ahead of the group for a few minutes and then run ahead for a minute or two, and run back. Repeat this routine throughout the hike. Even short segments of running, during a 1-2 hour hike, will maintain your running adaptations very well.

On a road trip, taking frequent “pit stops”. Wear your running gear on the trip. If it is safe to run or walk at your rest area, walk for 1-2 minutes as a warm up and then run for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this pattern until the group is ready to load up. If it is a food stop, get your meal “to go” and spend the time running.

When you’re on a trip that’s based in a theme park. Many of the hotels in areas like Disney World have designated areas for running. In some cases, you can run to the parks. Ask the hotel staff for recommended routes. Each evening, gather the family and plan your park visit for the next day. This allows for you to find a timeslot to squeeze in a run. As you mention how you are planning your run, you’ll teach the kids how important your exercise is, for you.

When you’re on a sightseeing city tour. Time is limited during most sightseeing tours but you can usually squeeze in a few minutes here and there. Wear running clothes or very comfortable apparel with running shoes. When the bus stops, keep walking around while looking at the sights or listening to the guide. If time allows before reboarding, jog for a minute or two.

A home-based vacation. If possible, arrange with another family member to watch the kids while you run. Then, offer that person a chance to get away for a bit while you stay with kids. Early morning is often a great time to get in your runs. Plan trips to local parks (that you seldom visit) where you can run and walk with the family.

Note: Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached hundreds of thousands of runners to their goals. For more information, see his books GALLOWAY TRAINING PROGRAMS and MARATHON—you can do it! Ask Jeff a question at www.JeffGalloway.com