Running while on vacation About This Page:

[2Peanuts]

Hi there,

I'm completely new to running and just started the Couch to 5K program last week. It's certainly not habit yet, but the dream is there. I'm really hoping to make it stick.

Anyway, my family will be traveling to WDW around week 7 of my training program. I was wondering what folks typically do when they take a vacation while training. Do you still run or do you take a break and maybe backtrack a week? I was thinking about continuing with running, but we'll be walking so much everyday, I think it might be too much to run on top of everything else one typically does at Disney.

So, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much,
Carol

[disney_duke]

Personally, I found it to be too much to run in addition to walking around WDW. However, if you have the energy in the morning, I would say to get up early and just do a real easy jog around the resort. At least you get your heart rate up and work those muscles a wee bit, and that's better than nothing.

I've also read that if you do skip a few days or 1 week in your training to just jump right back in where you left off. Don't bother backtracking. I've done this myself just this December (while in the midst of training for the marathon) when I missed 5 days in a row due to a severe cold. I just jumped right back on my schedule and was fine. You'll be surprised how resilient your body is!

[Chelledun17]

I try to get one run in during any Disney vacation, even if its only a couple miles. It means fewer consecutive days without any running and makes it easier to get back in the swing of things when I get home.

[KimandMark]

I run on vacation, usually in the morning. The resort makes a huge difference in how easy or hard this is--BW area is easy, CB is easy, PO either side is easy others you may need to be more creative or use the treadmill.

Honestly, while your feet may hurt after a day of walking at Disney, you really don't walk very far. The whole world showcase is 1.2 miles and folks with pedometers will tell you crazy numbers like 12 miles a day, but often pedometers assume every step to be evenly spaces--all that shuffling in line doesn't actually add up to lots of miles! So if you spend all day at Epcot you're looking at 2.4 miles of walking for a whole day--not enough to convince me not to run.

[Dreaming of DisneyWorld]

I run on vacation, too. There are lots of trails at the resorts and the deluxe resorts have fitness centers. I cannot miss too many days of my workout! Plus, it's a nice way to see the resorts - in the early morning with no one else around. It's how I decompress, unwind, and clear my mind before my day becomes hectic.

[Luv2golf]

I've been to Disney in the middle training for marathons and half marathons and I try and make it a goal to get some running in - but much less than my schedule. Truly, it rejuvinates me a little bit and I always come back feeling stronger and have a great couple of weeks of running following our vacation.
Like KimandMark says, it all depends upon your resort. It's much eaier in the BW BC area to run, but it's doable in most of the other resorts. At AK there is a GREAT workout area near the new pool that has treadmills looking out on a natural area. Awesome place for an indoor workout.
One thing I've noticed about running in Florida-no matter the season-it's always more humid than what I'm used to running in (IL) so I can't go as far and as fast, but I don't sweat it because I'm on vacation

[mjasnd]

Our next visit to WDW will be in January for the 1/2 marathon and we're planning on running while there to keep up with training. On past vacations, I have used the treadmill or run outside just because I feel so much better after I run and I usually do just fine getting something in before I enjoy a nice vacation day with my family.

[Fortissimo]

I back off on training while on vacation to let my body rest. While I don't stop working out completely, I back off a lot! Last summer in Spain I only ran 3 miles every other day instead of 5 every day. When we got to the UK I couldn't run outside at all because my allergies were so bad. The resort we were staying at charged you to use the treadmill and to get a towel so I didn't workout there at all.

[MGW]

The resort does make a difference. I loved our early morning runs/walk around the Boardwalk, CBR and CSR. Staying at POP it was nice to run along the water but the trail was not very long. Staying at All Star Sports at the end of the month, don't know what running there will be like.

[2Peanuts]

Hi all,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice. We're leaving in a few days & I plan to pack my running gear in hopes of getting in at least 1 run, if not more.

We're staying at POFQ and I saw that they have a 1.7 mile jogging path, which should be perfect for a beginner like me!

Carol

[RubyDuby]

My husband and I ran during our stay at the Swan and we loved it. We would get up at 6:00 and run 5K. I think it does add something to your vacation and you'll be amazed at the other runners who are out there doing the same thing!!

[Luv2golf]

Originally Posted by 2Peanuts

Hi all,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice. We're leaving in a few days & I plan to pack my running gear in hopes of getting in at least 1 run, if not more.

We're staying at POFQ and I saw that they have a 1.7 mile jogging path, which should be perfect for a beginner like me!

Carol

I enjoy the run from POFQ over to POR. It's a nice short distance and along the water much of the way - and beignets at the finish Have a great time!