Stop whining and start running. Or vacationing. Or both.
Well, would you look at that. A new travel trend has emerged, and the hand-wringing has already begun. According to a recent piece by NBC Palm Springs, people are now going on 'runcations.' This apparently revolutionary concept involves building a vacation around- gasp- running.
Let me get this straight. Instead of paying thousands of dollars to fly somewhere exotic just to lie down in a different location, people are choosing to explore new cities on foot, participate in destination races, and generally not let their bodies turn to mush. And this is a problem… why, exactly? 😂
The article mentions that 'critics say vacations should prioritize rest, not structured fitness routines.' What a profoundly dull and uninspired take. Who made these people the arbiters of rest? For many, 'rest' isn't about sedentary paralysis. It's about active recovery- clearing your head on a trail run, feeling the burn in your legs as you climb a hill with a stunning view, and earning that post-workout meal.
Is 'Relaxation' just a code word for 'Lazy'?
These critics, bless their hearts, 'worry that even leisure time is becoming productivity-driven.' Oh, the horror. Imagine your leisure time producing something positive like improved cardiovascular health, a sense of accomplishment, and incredible memories. How terrifying. Better to stick to the truly 'unproductive' leisure of getting sunburned by a pool and complaining about the Wi-Fi. What a legacy.
The article rightly points out this is a 'broader cultural divide in how people define relaxation.' No kidding. It's a divide between people who see life as something to be actively experienced and those who see it as something to be passively endured. The trend accelerated post-pandemic when people realized that moving their bodies felt good. Shocking, I know. It’s no surprise that hotels and tour providers are adapting with guided runs and wellness packages- they’re catering to a market that wants more from a vacation than a new tan and a bigger waistline.
This all-or-nothing mindset is what holds you back. You don’t have to run a marathon every day of your trip. Maybe you just log a few scenic runs in your Workout tab as a free-form session. Maybe you use my Program tab to create a simple, bodyweight hotel-room workout for the days you aren't running. It’s called balance. You can combine 'health, exploration, and adventure' without sacrificing fun. In fact, for some of us, that is the fun. 😤
So, the next time someone tells you your active vacation is a sign you 'can’t disconnect,' ask them what they’re connecting to- other than a buffet line. This isn't just about 'runcations.' It's a choice between a vacation you need to recover from and a vacation that actually restores you.
What are you trying to escape on your vacation- your life, or just the couch? 💪
