Travel Smart and Run Smarter

Because of running, I have more reasons to travel.  I don’t want to be in a new place without getting a chance to run on it.  I even find it acceptable to have missed swimming in Boracay last April but never missed to run a 10K along the shores.  This year, a lot of runners are joining events outside the country.  Here are some tips for those who love to travel and run.

Pre Run

1. Check your documents like plane tickets, passports and special passes.  There’s nothing worst than preparing to run abroad and later finding out that your passport is expired.  Check all important documents needed.  Secure the plane tickets, hotel reservations forms, claim stubs and others.  Keep them in one brown folder to easily locate them when needed.
2. Contact friends in the area.  This is helpful especially when looking for a running route.  Ask them for suggestions and tips.  Or try to contact a local running club that you can join or ask the hotel for a suggested running route.
3. Bring the right running attire.  Running in Boracay in April and in Baguio in December requires different running gears.  Check the local weather and climate and bring appropriate running attire. Example, friends suggest to wear running shorts instead of compression tights since it is hot to run in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon this weekend.

The Run

1. Bring some form of identification in case of emergency.  Your name and a contact person in a piece of paper will do.  Place them inside a plastic to protect it from getting wet.  Or get a RoadID.
2. Bringing a map might be difficult.  Instead, bring with you the name of your hotel or local address in case you get lost.  Show them to the locals or taxi to get you back from where you started.  Ask someone to write the address for you in it’s local form.  Like if in China, ask the hotel to give you their address in Chinese characters.
3. Choose to run in the morning. You might be busy for the rest of the day that you won’t have time for it anymore.
4. Always run safe.  Avoid busy streets and dark areas.  Stay away from local animals.  Shorter runs like a 5K/10K is a safer choice than running 21K in an unfamiliar territory.  Or run a short course over several intervals to meet your desired mileage.
5. Don’t bring valuables with you during the run as not to attract unwanted attention.
6. Cellphones and extra cash will some in handy during emergency.  Bring them but be discreet.
7. Water and hydration will be tricky.  Either bring a hydration belt or buy one along the route.
8. Unless you are competing in a race abroad, just have fun and enjoy the view.  If you’re travelling on vacation, don’t pressure yourself too much during the run.

Post Run

1. Attend to you usual post-run routine.  Rehydrate, refuel, stretch, and freshen up for the day.
2. Don’t forget to bring your running gears back home.  Having a checklist of the things you brought with you will help.

There you go.  Just some tips when you plan to run during your travels.  Goodluck and enjoy the run.  You can leave your own suggestions and tips in the comments.