Need Motivation? Take A Runcation
If you find yourself in a rut or need motivation during
these long, winter months; plan a runcation – a vacation planned around a
destination run. Runcations are wonderful incentives for keeping up with training,
especially during the winter when it’s hard to get outside. There must be a
place you’ve always wanted to go or maybe it’s time to see family or friends
that live far away. Look for a run in the area you might want to visit and plan
a vacation around that event.
The winter can be long here in Michigan. The sun hides for
days at a time and it can be bitter cold. Even with the beautiful fresh snow we
have right now, which is fun to run in, it’s not always easy to get out the
door. Since I have a few big races in my near future, I know it’s important to
get outside to log miles. Even so, I still have days when I lack the
motivation to dress up, lace up and face the cold. Thinking about my next
runcation, especially those in warmer areas, definitely motivates me to get my
run in even when trudging through slush and snow.
I was lucky to escape the cold for a few runcations already
this winter. Back in December, my husband and I met friends in the Florida Keys
for the Islamorada Half Marathon. The Keys were beautiful and not nearly as hot
as when we last experienced them on our honeymoon 25 years ago. Mike and I got
married in June, so visiting the Keys in December was a much better idea.
Although I wasn’t excited about leaving for a vacation right before the holidays,
I’m so glad we did. We had so much fun exploring the islands together, then
racing and vacationing with friends. It was a wonderful, romantic vacation!
Last weekend we returned to our much-loved Pensacola Beach
for the Double Bridge 15k, which we’ve done for many years. Once there, we
realized it was the 10-year anniversary of our Pea Ridge Run Club which made
our time there even more special. Over our long weekend in Pensacola Beach, we
were able to visit with so many of our wonderful run club friends. We both
enjoyed a long weekend of shenanigans, runs around town and even took a bike
ride on the beach. There is nothing like trading in the snow for the white
sands on our favorite beach even if only for a long weekend.
I got to wear my new Fxck Cancer Endurance Club run shirt
for the Pensacola Double Bridge 15k and it was so inspiring! Reminded of my
cause and the people that Fxck Cancer is helping was more motivating than I can
describe. I thought of the people fighting their way through treatments and how
strong they must be. This was enough inspiration to propel me up each bridge and
to the finish line. I even had several compliments on my shirt.
Since we’ve been home, Mike and I decided to put a few more
special events on our calendar for the year. Most of our runs will be in Michigan.
Starting in May and throughout the summer, we’ll camp in our beautiful state
parks and enjoy a run, as well as our very first Duathlon, in different parts
of the state. We also decided to plan a half marathon runcation to Las Vegas in
the fall. Having these fun events on our calendar is constant motivation to
keep training. It reminds us both to stay active, eat well and to keep running
so that we are as close to race-day ready as possible throughout the year.
If you have been wanting to visit a new city or experience a
special race, where would you go or what would you plan? I’m always looking for
ideas!
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