Runner's Corner

Training while Traveling

June Runner’s Corner  by Kitty A. Consolo, Ph.D.

        Summer is almost here and no doubt many of you may be traveling either via work or vacation.  This month’s Runner’s Corner is about continuing your training while you are traveling.

Safety First

Finding safe routes
        The first thing to keep in mind when running in a new area you are traveling, is safety first.  Don’t just head out the door from your hotel or place you are staying without gathering information as to where safe places are to run.  If you have time before you leave, you can go to the Road Runner’s Club of America’s website at usatf.org/routes and see if they have routes for your area.  Runner’s world also has a website on routes as well at runnersworld.com/routes.  Also check with your hotel as many times they have maps already in place and can tell you safe areas to go.
        If you will be in an area where there just will not be safe routes to run, find a hotel with a fitness center with treadmills.  While treadmills can be somewhat boring, you will be safe and be able to get in a quality workout.  

Leave a note

        If you are traveling alone, leave a note with the hotel clerk and let them know where you are running and when you plan to return. Bring a cell phone with you and get their number in case you are delayed or need to call for help.  Note that calling 911 on your cell phone does not always get you the closest emergency crew so ask for the local police number.  If you are traveling with others, let them know where you will be going and when you will be back. (also have an ID with you, read more on that in section Packing for running).

Find other runners

        Before you leave, find other runners by looking up running clubs in the area you are going.  Check Road Runner’s Club of America at rrca.org/clubs which lists more than 700 groups.  These clubs can tell you best places to run and likely will have members that would be happy to meet you and take you on a run in their town. 

Find a race

        One way to ensure a great safe workout, is to find a race where you are traveling.  Most races can ensure you will have a safe course, aid stations and a chance to meet lots of new runners.  You can find races by going to runnersworld.com/racefinder. 

Packing for Running

        If flying, wear your running shoes or carry them on with you, they are the one thing that are hard to replace if they get lost when traveling.  Be sure to back layers of clothes in case the weather is different where you are and you can log on ahead of time to weatherchannel.com and type in the zip code to find the weather in your area.  Bring plenty of socks and sunscreen and sunglasses.  Pack some extra plastic bags to house sweaty running clothes if you have no access to laundry for awhile.

Bring a small fanny pack or some type of carrier that can have an ID with you especially if you are going alone.  You may want to invest in an ID bracelet or tag for your shoe especially if you have medical concerns or allergies.  Check out www.RoadID.com and consider getting either their bracelet, ankle ID or shoe tag, they are all very light and visible if you become unconscious and need help.  It’s also important that you can be identified and family be notified if you have trouble.

Time for training

        If you have a busy day, best time to get your workout in is to get up early and get it done before you head out the door.  You can always have good intentions of working it in later, but if you do it first thing in the morning before meetings or plans, you are certain to get it done. 

Summary

        Not everyone decides to keep up their running when they are traveling but the above tips make it possible.  Remember safety first, know that where you have chosen to run is safe and have an ID with you.  Let others know where you are going and take a cell phone with you if you have one.  Finding other runners through clubs or races is also a fun and safer way to get in a great workout.  Hope to see you on the roads.

Kitty