Let’s face it. Not every vacation can revolve around your running. That’s heresy to some, but the reality for most of us. Come vacation time, there’s family, theme parks, the beach or the mountains, sightseeing and selfies, or any number of “distractions” to force us off our training schedule. But with a little planning, you can find the time and the place to get your run on. You’ll be glad you did. And odds are pretty good your travel companions will be, too.
Area Race Calendars
Before you confirm the OOO auto-response, keep the laptop fired-up for just a few more minutes to search the area race calendars for an event in or near your destination. Odds are good that if your travel plans span at least one weekend, you can find a race or event to run. And, if you’re traveling with late sleepers, you’ll probably be back before the rest of your crew even wakes.
Crowdsourcing
Yes, social media can be more than a source for doom scrolling, recipes, and graduation pictures. Put it out to the universe and ask for recommendations on races, routes, and run clubs in the place you’ll be visiting. Everyone’s got an opinion on stuff, and you know what they say about that. If you’re the cautious type, keep your travel plans and itinerary to yourself.
Local Running Shops
No one knows the local running scene like the folks who work in and around it on the daily. Local specialty running shops know the gear, of course, and they’re in step with the runners, clubs, and events in their respective hometowns. Google up the running shops in the place you’ll be visiting and give them a call. Too many options? Start with your hometown shop. They’ll probably have a recommendation for an in-the-know shop in your destination.
Hotel or Resort Front Desk
Depending on the local running scene, some hotels and resorts have maps with running routes from or near your location. It’s rare to find a hotel that doesn’t book exclusively online, so save this ask for check-in when you actually might get to speak to a person IRL.
Heat Maps
Want to know where the locals really go? Check the Strava, Garmin, or other providers’ heat maps to see the most popular routes in the area. Well, at least the most-traveled among the folks who also use those services to track their runs… Regardless, they’re generally a pretty good gauge of where runners log the most miles. Most of these platforms have a free version that will get you access at some level. Want something free? Check out popular routes submitted to USA Track and Field at http://legacy.usatf.org/routes/index.asp
Got more suggestions on how to find time and places to run this summer? Let us know! Email ed@runcharlotte.com