Running Routines While Traveling
by GRP runner Nigel Bates
Whether for races, vacations, or business trips, many GRP Run athletes spend a lot of time away from home. Recently, I surveyed a few of my teammates to learn more about how they handle life on the road. Here’s what they had to say:
How do you modify your training load during times when you’re traveling?
Andrew Tario: “I try to front-load my training at the start of the week so I can run less during the time that I’m traveling. This helps with both physical and mental relaxation.”
Kat Morrissey: “If I have to skip a workout while traveling, I don’t stress about it. We work hard all year round, so I try not to force running into places it may not fit.”
Hannah Rowe: “I might push a workout back a couple days, depending on where I am in my training. I’ll be more lenient with things if my next race isn’t for a while!”
Do you have any go-to routines to help you stay physically and mentally refreshed on the road?
Steve Kerr: “Naps are my #1. Walks are probably my #2. Also, I find that a conversation with a friend, teammate, or family member can help me immensely with retaining a clear mind.”
Andrew: “I just try to wear comfortable clothing and also use a lower back pillow support for long flights or car rides.”
Kat: “If I’m flying and have long layovers, I go on walks in the airport to shake my legs out, and try to at least get a walk in when I land.”
Are there any steps you have taken to make your travel more environmentally sustainable?
Hannah: “If I’m traveling in a group, I try to always share a car rental with others. In the future, I’m planning to buy more carbon credits to offset the carbon output of flying.”
Andrew: “I try to do more of my races in Colorado [my home state] so I don’t have to travel as frequently.”
Steve: “I really enjoy public transit! I find the logistical challenges are often fewer than the rigmarole of car rental. For the Pikes Peak Ascent, I took the bus from Denver to Colorado Springs, and then an electric scooter to my lodging. I planned my lodging so I could simply warm up out the door and end up by the starting line.”
What is your favorite place you’ve visited in the past few years?
Steve: “Traveling to Scotland last fall to race the Ring of Steall Skyrace. My partner and I rented a cargo van and traveled across the highlands, including a two night stay at the race village in Kinlochleven.”
Hannah: “My trip to Norway this past week was pretty incredible!”
Kat: “Bentonville, Arkansas. It’s very much an outdoor enthusiast’s town, and I’ve never seen so many cyclists or runners in one place!”