Running while Traveling – A Great Way to Learn about an Area, if You Plan Ahead

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo provides a divine running experience.

Too often, travel, whether for business or pleasure, becomes an excuse for changing our routines or picking up bad habits.  One area that does not have to suffer when you travel is your fitness.  Running, in particular, is a very portable hobby.  While it does require some planning, travel presents a great opportunity for some memorable runs.  Here are nine tips on how to get the most out of your running experience.

Research running recommendations for your destination on the web

Obviously the Internet is a great resource for finding a running route when you travel.  Runner’s World, in particular, has dozens of features on popular destinations, and can help you find routes that are “off the beaten path” in their Rave Run reviews. They may also include hotel recommendations.

Look for a hotel convenient to a running path

If the sites recommended on Runners World or other web resources are either inconvenient or out of your price range, you can certainly use tools like Expedia or Hotels.com to look for others convenient to the running trails.  If you are not able to find something near your desired location (and don’t have transportation to get there), another alternative is to use Google Street View to check out the vicinity of hotels you are considering, and potentially even map out a course.  Orbitz actually incorporates Google Street View into their maps, making it convenient to review and book a hotel.

Explore transportation options as needed to reach a good running location

It may be possible to run at a location other than the vicinity of your hotel. Obviously this would be easy with a rental car (and you may wish to print out directions in advance), but it could also be possible in cities with good subway systems. An example is Tokyo, where it is easy to reach good running destinations like the Imperial Palace in a few subway stops from many locations in the city.  You do need to plot your route in advance though to take along the right amount of money and know which stations to get on and off at and which transfers to make.

Check the weather and pack appropriately – but err on the lighter side

This may seem obvious, but you also need to consider the time of day you will be running. Running performance is better if you are cool at the start of the run; lighter clothes also helps make packing manageable.

As you approach the hotel, keep your eyes open for possible routes

If you arrive at your destination and don’t have a route planned, or will be there for several days and want different routes, watch as you approach the hotel for options.  Often you may find a nearby park, or, in the suburbs, some safe looking neighborhoods or sidewalks that can make a suitable route.

Ask for a running map at the front desk

Many hotels of all levels of quality keep running maps at the front desk.  Failing that, you may luck out with a clerk who knows a bit about the area and can provide recommendations.  Of course, carrying a map can be difficult, so you may need to spend some time memorizing the route; try to simplify the directions in your mind as much as possible.

If uncertain of the area, stick to an out-and-back run with minimal turns

If you don’t have a good map (or aren’t capable of memorizing directions), try to stick to as simple of a route as possible, even if it gets repetitive, to avoid getting lost.  Go straight for as long as you can, turn when you need, then go straight again.  With luck, you may stumble across a good park for running as well, especially in large cities.

In desperate times, a large parking lot can provide for the mileage you need

If your travel often takes you to more remote suburbs (like in the industrial equipment business, where a trip to Chicago isn’t really a trip to Chicago), where sidewalks are limited and many of the roads are busy, you can put in several miles by finding a large parking lot. Movie theaters or malls often have lots large enough to put in a good 2-3 miles. Yes, it gets repetitive, but at least its safe (when the theater or mall is closed).

If all else fails, hit the treadmill

This is an absolute last resort as most hotels do not maintain the temperatures in their fitness rooms well.  But better to get in at least a short run than nothing at all.

Some of your most memorable runs are bound to come from your travels.  Cities like San Francisco, New York, Tokyo, Portland, Taipei, Baltimore, and most others offer unique experiences if you do a little investigating.  Additionally, you can offset the poor eating and general fatigue that often sets in while you travel.

Do you have any tips to share?

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• Nike and the Minimalist Running Movement
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• To Run or Not to Run? There is No Question
• A Marathon Training Schedule for Advanced Runners
• The Running Manifesto