This Is the Best Way to Go Running on Vacation

If you happen to’re something like me, you desire a simple workout to do whereas OOO. Usually, I persist with the lodge treadmill as an alternative of opting to run outdoors—I don’t prefer to be out in an unfamiliar metropolis because of a worry of getting misplaced and different security considerations.

However I not too long ago visited the Westin Resort and Spa, Puerto Vallarta and had the possibility to expertise a guided outside run, because of their Run Concierge program.

Every Run Concierge (and there are greater than 250 Run Concierges throughout Westin properties) gives you with a operating associate that may take you on guided runs via your trip vacation spot.

“The aim of the concierge is to take two to 3 runs per week with friends and present them what’s alongside the route,” says Max Toledo, rooms operation supervisor. “There’s quite a lot of historical past they’ll let you know about, and that’s the foundation of this system.”

Whether or not you are touring for enjoyable or visiting a new place to run a marathon, having native runners to go to for recommendation is clutch. On the Westin in Puerto Vallarta, the director of gross sales, Cairo Moales Martinez (who additionally occurs to be an avid runner), took me out to log some miles.

Martinez and I met up at 7 a.m. for a stretch earlier than we went out for the run. (The early take-off was a lot appreciated, because it will get sizzling all through the day.) As we ran alongside the palm tree–flanked path, she shared the histories of Puerto Vallarta, the buildings alongside the route, and the marina that we ran via.

“It was completely breathtaking, and never one thing I’d have seen had I not chosen to go on a run that morning.” —Brittany Hammond, CPT

I made plenty of psychological notes for locations I wished to expertise earlier than my journey got here to an finish. Towards the center of our run, we witnessed probably the most stunning dawn, filled with vibrant oranges and pinks. It was completely breathtaking, and never one thing I’d have seen had I not chosen to go on a run that morning.

“There’s a large neighborhood throughout the globe that enjoys attending to know a little bit bit extra of the locations they’re touring to,” Toledo says. And he’s proper: Occurring an early-morning run with a educated information was really one of the best ways to expertise Puerto Vallarta. I received in my exercise, but additionally discovered quite a bit in regards to the metropolis in a enjoyable setting.

And anybody on employees can lead a run, which means that even for those who went operating each day of your journey, you would doubtlessly have a special information that may have their very personal historical past and tales to share with you.

“There are many Westins across the globe [where] even the final managers function the Run Concierge. It’s stunning for the visitor to get to run with the GM, and it creates a memorable expertise,” Toledo explains.

Getting probably the most out of your outside runs on trip

The property the place I stayed is one among 250 Westin inns that associate with the Strava app (which is free to friends), a run-mapping app out there for smartphones. All routes will probably be on the app, so friends can go for runs utilizing vetted paths (read more about how Strava’s trail maps keep you on-track here). Friends also can select to do their very own routes, or ask the lodge for a printed map.

Regardless of the place you’re staying, for those who do select to run outdoor whereas on trip, ask the entrance desk if they’ve any suggestions.

“We advocate you persist with a route,” Toledo says. “We select it as a result of we imagine it’s secure. Additionally, don’t speak to any strangers alongside the way in which.”

There’s additionally security in numbers, and you may run with the others in your journey—many inns will seemingly assist discover others to affix you.

To maintain your runs extra within the spirit of leisure versus being one other factor so as to add to your to-do record, attempt to incorporate a tour of town. You may take the chance to be taught the historical past of the world and even scope out locations you wish to go to later. “Have the employees counsel what could be of curiosity to you to take a look at,” Toledo says.

To get probably the most out of operating on trip, you wish to use the instruments at your disposal. Test the climate, speak to the employees about the perfect routes within the space, use an app that will help you navigate—the more prepared you can be for your run, the higher.

And in case you are staying at one of many 250 Westin areas with a Run Concierge, you’ll be able to have the identical expertise I did—and I’d undoubtedly advocate Puerto Vallarta as your operating backdrop.