Let’s Talk Training Thursday: Racecation Tips
Y’all I have been waiting to do this post since we first created the Training Thursday schedule! If you follow me on my blog or via social media then you’ll know two things about me…I love running and travel! So racecations are a match made in heaven for me! But racecations require some planning, so here a few tips to make the most of your racecation!
Racecation Tips
Tip #1…I can’t stress this first tip enough…Make sure your training matches the conditions where you’ll be going!
This summer I spent a couple weeks in Denver and let’s just say that running in Denver is VERY different than running in Huntington Beach (by a few thousand feet!) If I had tried to run a half-marathon my first weekend there, there is no way I would have made it to the finish line! So be aware of that when you pick a racecation! If you can only train at sea level, don’t pick a race in the mountains. If you can only train with no humidity, don’t pick a race in Florida in July!
Tip #2…Don’t save your new equipment for race day!
This doesn’t just apply to shoes and clothes…it also applies to things like sunscreen! My preferred running time is before 6am…when you don’t need sunscreen. If you arrive on race day and realize you’re going to need sunscreen you have two options…lather up and hope it doesn’t impact your running (it probably will) or skip the sunscreen and risk this…
So test out what you’ll need ahead of time! Train with the equipment (fuel, water, sunscreen, hat, etc) you’ll be using come race day.
Tip #3…Bring at least one friend or family member!
There will be lots of fans cheering for you along the race course, but trust me, there is something really encouraging about seeing a familiar face. And hey, whoever you recruit to be your cheering squad gets to visit an awesome destination so it’s a win for them as well!
My Dream Racecations
–The Kaua’I Half-Marathon – I’ve only been to Hawaii once and it was only for a long weekend, so I’d love to go back…and this course looks absolutely beautiful!
–Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Dublin – What an amazing way to see this city in Ireland!
–Safaricom Half-Marathon – Race with cheetahs in Kenya…sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
–Swiss City Half-Marathon – Surely you don’t need a translator for running!
–Detroit Half-Marathon – Because you get to run in TWO countries in ONE race!
–Route 66 Half-Marathon – Usually when you think of Route 66 you think of driving, but what a fun chance to see the scenery!
And call me crazy, but I don’t have a Disney run on my list of dream racecations. This doesn’t mean I woudn’t run one if the opportunity presented itself, just that there are other races I want to run first!
What racecation tips do you have? Where would you want to travel to run a race? Or if you’re not a runner, where would you want to travel to watch a race?
13 Comments
Tina Muir
Great tips Julie! Especially the not trying out new things on race day, that is a baaaddd idea! I am making sure to get at least 75 miles on the shoes I am wearing for Chicago. As for another tip, I would say to check out the course, and then visualize yourself on various parts of the course, doing well, and running strong. That helps me 🙂
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Love that suggestion Tina!
Bethany
Rt 66 is a great race, but the weather is VERY unpredictable (I live in Tulsa)! That sun burn looks painful, that is a hazard of running.
jmdenouden@gmail.com
That’s good to know!
The Frugal Exerciser
This Swiss marathon might be hard to do. Are they running up a mountain? #wowlinkup
jmdenouden@gmail.com
I think it would definitely be a challenge, but I the views would make it worth it!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club
I’ve never been on a racecation but BOY you make it sound good. I do have a question – how soon before the race would you recommend someone arrive to pick up their packet and things? #wowlinkup
jmdenouden@gmail.com
It depends on the race and when they have their expo/pickup. At the latest I would get your stuff the day before the race but if it’s available for pickup before then I would recommend a couple of days. It also depends on when you are arriving in town for the race.
Amanda H
I’ve never been on a racecation but all the races you listed sound amazing! Great tips too, thanks for sharing 🙂 #wowlinkup
Catherine | Fit Armadillo
What great tips! You had me laughing with the sunburn one. Thanks for sharing 🙂 #wowlinkup
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Too many people don’t think of the sunburn factor!
Markita @ SweshFit
Running the Detroit one would be really cool…the 2 countries thing is awesome – and it’s a nice tour of some unhidden gems that a lot of people would never see! #wowlinkup
jmdenouden@gmail.com
The 2 countries thing is what sold me on that race!