Remembering The Little Things
Still in Portugal.
I’ve ran twice more since my ill-fated beach run mission, and I’ve realized something about travel running.
It has obvious benefits, like helping your body adjust to a new time zone and helping to burn off holiday food and drink, but it also brings into sharp relief the things we take for granted when we run at home.
I’ve itemized these things for your convenience and planning when you're next on a vacation of your own:
1) Your iPod Battery Will Always Be Charged.
And even if it’s not, you’re only a USB cord away from Lil’ Wayne and Phoenix. When my iPod breathed its last gasp of North American power last night, I swore silently, knowing I was nowhere near a converter. I'm bringing one next time for sure.
2) Potable Water Is Infinite
The town I’m in has running water, but you’re not supposed to drink it. Even my grandma only drinks the bottled stuff. Problem is, at 7 in the morning, when you return to the house after 8km of run, there’s a good chance the previous night’s jug is empty and the stores don’t open ‘til 8. That’s a thirsty hour.
3) Multiple Changes of Running Clothes Are Available
If you pack light, chances are you only have one running kit with you. Day 1 is no problem. Day 2 is a little worse. Day 3, well…you’re going to want to check that bag on the return flight, not carry it on.
Trust me.
I’ve ran twice more since my ill-fated beach run mission, and I’ve realized something about travel running.
It has obvious benefits, like helping your body adjust to a new time zone and helping to burn off holiday food and drink, but it also brings into sharp relief the things we take for granted when we run at home.
I’ve itemized these things for your convenience and planning when you're next on a vacation of your own:
1) Your iPod Battery Will Always Be Charged.
And even if it’s not, you’re only a USB cord away from Lil’ Wayne and Phoenix. When my iPod breathed its last gasp of North American power last night, I swore silently, knowing I was nowhere near a converter. I'm bringing one next time for sure.
2) Potable Water Is Infinite
The town I’m in has running water, but you’re not supposed to drink it. Even my grandma only drinks the bottled stuff. Problem is, at 7 in the morning, when you return to the house after 8km of run, there’s a good chance the previous night’s jug is empty and the stores don’t open ‘til 8. That’s a thirsty hour.
3) Multiple Changes of Running Clothes Are Available
If you pack light, chances are you only have one running kit with you. Day 1 is no problem. Day 2 is a little worse. Day 3, well…you’re going to want to check that bag on the return flight, not carry it on.
Trust me.
