Training on Holiday

Holiday checklist

• Passport

• Tickets

• Sun Cream

• Running Trainers

Yep, thats the start of my list right there!

I personally love training on holiday. I love the opportunities it gives me to explore a new place, find new restaurants or areas to visit, enjoy the fresh air before it heats up in the day and get the feel good endorphins from exercising first thing in the morning. Its also a small part of the day that is just me on my own with no responsibilities other than being back in time for breakfast.

Depending where I am lucky enough to travel to depends on what type of training I do. I have recently had 2 gorgeous weeks in Portugal with my family. The villa we stay in is situated just outside of a small town 3 miles up a very steep hill. The views from the top are beautiful and if Im up and out early enough the sunrise over the hilltop landscape is breathtaking. We have stayed at this villa for many years so it is very much a home from home and an area I feel very confident in finding my way around. Within these two weeks I didnt have access to a gym however I took my exercise bands with me and adapted my usual routine to work with what I had available. I ran 3 times each week, varying the distance, pace and route in order to keep it interesting but also to keep my training on track for Berlin Marathon at the end of September. The villa has a beautiful pool which was so refreshing to submerge myslef in after my runs, allowing me to cool down nicely before getting ready for breakfast.

Training is important to me but it isnt my priority on holiday. As an early riser I was able to get my training in before anyone else even started to stir meaning I wasn't eating into any family time which is what our holidays are all about.

Training, well running mainly, is part and parcel of my holiday experience however this isn't the same for everyone and nor should it be. Some people have a set routine that they like to stick to, some dip in and out and some choose to put their feet up and do nothing at all. There is no right or wrong. You do you! For me I trained because I have a marathon coming up and also it makes me feel good, mind, body and soul, cheesy I know! I also have alot of energy so do struggle to chill on a sunlounger an entire day so this is the perfect balance for me.

Holiday training, is it for you? My only advice would be, only train because you want to, not becasue you feel you have to!