running on the road - thoughts

It sounds like running is something that you really enjoy! Shoes and running gear don't take a huge amount of space. I'd say take it or buy a pair of running shorts and t-shirt when you arrive and leave them behind before you return. Take extra shoes as well or take a used pair that you could also leave behind and use the space for souvenirs.

Do former runners count? (The miles finally took their toll. Unless you have a need to go somewhere formal, wear your running shoes. They're probably better for walking than your other shoes. Non cotton shorts and singlet would dry faster. Bring them in the shower after the run to wash them. Let them dry while your out. Have a great trip. And some great runs.

I took my running gear with me this summer. I had one day that I ran! Now, as you say, it was early morning I saw parts of Brugge I wouldn't have seen otherwise. 25% of the time it was so hot and I was visiting friends so I didn't run and the latter half was a walking trip so no running there. I'm still trying to decide if I should take the gear next time. I am currently leaning toward taking it with me next time. Pam

I am not a dedicated runner but love the exercise. I cannot imagine going without my running gear. We have had so many nice sights and experiences, running all over Ireland, Itsly, Norway, Denmark, London, and Paris. I cannot imagine not taking my running shoes and shorts. Wear your shoes on the plane if you need to. Taking only one pair of shoes is not a good idea anyway; your feet need a rest from the same shoes day after day.

Yes, yes, yes, take your stuff! I went through this same dilemma before every trip for a long while, until I just accepted that I love to run on vacation, for the reasons you gave, plus more. I just make room for the extra stuff, and yes, sometimes it doesn't totally dry (I take an extra plastic bag to put the running gear in). One of the other reasons I love to go running is that I need less sleep than the rest of the family, so I wake up on my schedule and can go out and do something while they enjoy their vacation by sleeping a little longer. Last year on our trip to Italy, at about this same time of year, I had some great runs. In Venice, through Piazza San Marco and all the way to the end of the islands (where there's a park). In Florence, up to Piazzale Michelangelo just after the sun rose. And in Rome, I ran past the Ara Pacis up to Piazza del Popolo. On another trip, I ran up to San Peter's and around Castel Sant'Angelo. And around Piazza Navona.

I always run less than I planned to, but it's always worth it for that early-morning sightseeing you mentioned. As I'm sure you know, dri-fit or other sweat-wicking running clothes are a godsend. In order to bring as few running-only clothes as possible, my very light-packing husband even buys collared golf shirts in the dri-fit fabric. They're nice enough to wear with your walking-around outfits, and after one normal day of use you can wear them for a run, too.

Wow, thanks all! You have me convinced. I pack pretty light anyways, so it won't kill me (and hopefully the smell of semi-fermented running clothes in plastic bags won't kill my wife) ... and even if I get a few runs in it will be worth it. I love some of your stories as well. My highlight reel includes totally wiping on a dirt path out and coming back into Avignon covered in mud, exploring the paths hills and valleys of Cappadocia (central Turkey), and the bagpiper who would play the Chariots of Fire song when he saw me in Kensington Gardens. I am sure to get a few more good ones in, and will report back.