As much as you look forward to them, holidays pose a dilemma: should you relax or continue to run? Here's the secret to maintaining your fitness on holiday without leaving out your other half or ruining the magic of a mai tai...
Holiday hurdle: You can't get away from the rest of the family to run
Get over it Walk together for 30-60 minutes a day. Long walks can help build and maintain endurance. Plus, you'll fit in quality time while everyone stays healthy.
Holiday hurdle: The kids love the pool, but you're not much of a swimmer
Get over it Aqua jog for 30 minutes. Pushing against the water's resistance can eliminate inefficient movement and improve your form on land. It's also a great cardiovascular workout. Wear a flotation belt to keep you upright in the deep end, and let your legs move as they would naturally on land. If there's no belt available, do the same movement in shallow waters.
Holiday hurdle: You've never run on a beach before
Get over it The softness of sand can strain muscles and tendons because they're stretched further than when you run on a firm surface. Start with a few one- to two-minute segments of running, walking one minute between each. Limit the distance to a quarter of a mile on the first day, adding a little bit more every time after that. Turn to page 66 for more information on sand running.
Holiday hurdle: Running on holiday feels like too much hard work
Get over it Stray from your routine: if you normally run in the morning, try a sunset run; if you typically run on the roads, hit the beach, trails, promenade or park; if you mainly run solo, check out local clubs and group runs.
