Now taking a break on vacation and actually relaxing, is a really good thing. It’s something we as Americans don’t do enough of some say. There are a myriad of reasons for that. But, it always seems like “run camp” fits with relaxation. I have tried this many times over the past 10 years, with less than 50% total success rate. And when it isn’t successful, you can come home feeling guilty and sensing you squandered something.
But, let’s put this in perspective. One of the good things about some vacations is the unstructured time. A little extra rest, and a chance for the body to absorb training and adapt. Running, biking, and swimming are in your blood though, and not doing anything is usually not your favorite.
After years of trying to surge on vacation, this year I tried to set the time up as an active recovery week with shorter runs to feel like I did some work, but a lot of flexibility to actually relax. Instead of using the week to build to a long run for the season, I ran short, 2 miles, and did more strides and a short core set. Done in a half an hour before the family even knew if it was sunny or cloudy. Since I normally run 4 days a week, running 7 days in a row was a mini surge in itself. Expectations were lower, and the stress of fitting it all in were also lower.
I ran in the morning some days, and in the afternoon on others. It all depended on how it fit. One or two days, I went a little longer. Another bonus, when you only need to go a mile or two down the road, you can easily find a route. In this particular vacation, I found I could run well over two miles either way...on the beach!!! Bonus: I found a washed up 80s Russian rocket piece!
So, when planning a vacation, set the expectations right: relaxation, family, training. Realize it’s a new place as finding elaborate routes may be hard. Reduce distance, and absorb training. Relax and explore the new place with your family. After all, it’s a vacation.
Postscript:
I wrote this in late February after a trip to Belize. Then, COVID-19 hit the US and things changed. However, I feel that this perspective applies now, and in the future as things open up. Maybe as restrictions lift, you feel more comfortable getting out and can adjust expectations. Don’t try to ramp up immediately or feel the need to catch up on missed training. Just get out and do something that feels good. During these past few months, one of my most pleasant surprises was the “one minute of core” idea. After each ride, I did one minute of either crunches, planks, inverted leg lifts, anything. A week in, things got into a rhythm and it was evident it was working. I followed Leah Kirchmann on IG and she had daily stories of what she was doing for one minute of core. So, in the past few months, I’ve had pleasant surprises in the time of overall darkness that I will carry with me...forever. #danforthfamilyfitness
