We are in the hottest weeks for the vacations, and it is no mystery that our streets are filled with tourists enjoying their well-deserved rest. Vacations also mean more time for ourselves and to do what we love, and in this case, playing sports.
It matters little whether our destination is the sea, the mountains, the countryside, a city, or whether we sleep in a tent, hotel, RV, or farmhouse; what matters is that in each context we can fully enjoy our vacation, including playing sports.
So here I am with a few tips for enjoying the vacations, returning home fitter, more prepared and more relaxed.
1 – Always on the move
Just getting out, even physically, of our daily routine is a very important step. Changing views and habits is very good for our brains, it stimulates them and trains them to adapt; so why not use the same logic for the body as well?
Walk as much as you can, move around by bicycle (rentals can be found everywhere), but never stand still. The activity is exercising even if it is mild but prolonged: try to reach the goal of 15,000 steps every day, it is doable is much easier than you think. Time to sit still at the desk we will have plenty of in a few weeks, now let’s take advantage of it to move, move, move.
2 – Avoid tables if you can
Unless you have a short-term goal for September, also take the opportunity to take a vacation from the table and prefer “punk” workouts.
In the mood for a trail or mountain bike ride? Do it without thinking too much about it. Or take a long swim in the sea. But always under completely safe conditions, mind you. Especially if we are not experts and do not know the routes perfectly, we need to approach new disciplines with a lot of humility.
What matters is regaining the freedom and fun of impromptu outings where the only thing that matters is coming back with a smile so wide it cracks your cheeks.
And think especially about going far instead of fast!
3 – Don’t worry too much about routes and control
It is not essential to know to perfection the routes where we run in the places where we go on vacation. That’s why “locals” come to our aid, which is also a good way to socialize and ask for information.
It’s only nine words, “Excuse me, can you point me to a good course where I can run?”
Very easy to pronounce, and you will see that at the hotel reception or at the bar where you have breakfast they will surely know how to give you much more useful directions than Google Maps does.
If this is not possible, don’t worry: technology helps us. With apps such as Komoot, Wikiloc and Trailforks we can navigate almost anywhere.
While, if you are a city and want to go for discovery, there is always the “Green Light Rule” proposed by Martino for visiting New York City. It’s very simple: decide on a direction and set off; as soon as you come to an intersection, if you can’t go straight because the light is red, turn where the green light is and let chance and your sense of direction take you. And don’t be afraid to get lost-Google Maps will always help you find your way home.
All of this obviously does not apply if your vacation consists of following a trail in the mountains to go from hut to hut. In that case you have to know very well where you are going and what you are doing. ;)
4 – Be a-social
It’s a forced title, I don’t mean that you have to become a gruff bear but that you don’t have to worry too much about social media. Document your rides, your bike rides, your trails for you and not for social media to see.
Enjoy the experiences, take pictures of the most beautiful places you see; record the important things, in short. You don’t want to force us to look at your vacation slides, do you? ;)
Ultimately, put experience at the center of your journey instead of sharing. You will see that, as if by magic, sharing will also be much more impactful and beautiful. Believe me.
5 – Try something new
The vacations are also a great time to try new sports.
I’ve already advised you a little above and I’ll say it again: rent a bike and try new experiences.
I know that what I’m about to say will be worth the teasing over the next few days, but if you’re really in doubt, rent an electric bike: used in “eco” mode, it allows you to push just like a regular bike and, if you’re broken down, guarantees you’ll get home by increasing motor intervention. However, if you use the bike without help, I will love you much more. ;)
Of course, the mountains offer many more opportunities: even taking a climbing course might be a good idea. But, if you’re at the beach, swimming is a great alternative, and if you can’t swim, you slip on your life jacket and try SUP.
Ultimately, as I told you before, changing routines and getting out of the tables can only benefit you. No?!
+1 – Turn sports into a vacation
This is definitely late advice if you have already booked your vacation but, perhaps, it can be useful in the future. It is possible to have vacations in which sports and exercise take center stage.
I am referring to specific camps that generally last a week and take place in beautiful places. They serve to improve technique, accompanied by very good coaches, and put training at the center of our vacation.
But not only that.
And here, those who have followed our live shows already know because I always talk about it. In fact, one can decide to make a journey on foot or by bicycle. The Way of St. James, the Way of St. Francis, the Way of the Gods and a thousand other routes are waiting for your feet and wheels. And if you don’t like any of them, you can make it up by choosing the roads on the map and leaving.
You can decide to tackle them on your own or arrange overnight stays, it matters little. What matters most of all is experience.
A unique experience that goes beyond just a vacation.
Happy vacations, Runlover!!!
Main image credits: val_th on DepositPhotos.com