Roadtrippin' with a pair of runners - why we keep running on holidays....

A short break, or a long holiday, doesn't have to be exercise free! An easy jog might shake off a few cobwebs (or jet lag) whilst getting a feel for a new place. So, why not pack your trainers - for running, walking, cycling, gym or summink else altogether?

For us, it's simple..... Beer tastes better after exercise!

That's only half in jest but, whilst we don't go so far as to book actual running holidays, we do love to find a race overseas and, even when we don't, there are plenty of reasons why we love to jog regularly on our holibobs, aside from the fact that we're travelling a LOT!

The 'orientation run'

Finding a great market as it opens up, the perfect coffee or an off-the-beaten-track spot to visit later.

We've found so many fantastic local markets by getting up on the first morning somewhere new for an easy jog. I mean, a market always makes it worthwhile, right? Fresh local food. And, on the off chance that it's not the local market then we all get to spend a bit of cash on stuff we may not need but it inevitably ends up part of the memories. I mean, who doesn't love their weird wooden frog from Bangkok or their Provencal teatowel?

Sightseeing more generally. You can cover more of that coastline, city or countryside (and you can always swing by later on). Also, noone said you can't bring your camera and stop. All holiday running involves stops!

And, even when there's nothing to see at all on that morning jog, it just means we know to go the other way later that day!

Other reasons for a little holiday exercise...

• It definitely helps to ease jet lag or just loosen up after a long drive

• We find it reduces swelling more quickly (after long haul flights)

• Blow away the cobwebs and gain a bit of energy (if followed by water and coffee, in that order). It's almost never the opposite unless you're training extremely hard.

• For our mental health. Whether we're on holiday or working on the road, we need to stay fit and keep our minds clear. For one of us in particular, running helps to reduce anxiety.

• Burn calories!!! Who doesn't eat and drink more on holiday? It's part. of the fun.

• It gives an excuse for a siesta? We don't actually need an excuse but it helps.

• Beer tastes better after excercise (or did we already say that)?!?!

The reasons are endless.

But the key for us is that a pair of runners is easy to pack and it gets us out and we see so much more than we would if we just took a stroll after a hotel brekkie. Frankly, it's an excuse to rate the local coffee too (once you're done).

So, pick your 'poison', be it running shoes, hiking boots, cycling cleats or snowboarding boots. Whatever it is, we don't see why holidays need be exercise free!

Check out our other posts on fitness when we travel on our roadtrippin' page or read about (or see) our favourite running routes from our travels around the world.