by Caitlin Ferrarini

Created on: March 21, 2010

Every item I possess for the next two months was sprawled out on my bed including a bikini, winter hat, and high heels. I sacrificed two sweaters to the “not coming with me” pile in order to accommodate my Mizunos and spandex. It is the only way. Even on a two month backpacking trip around Europe, I never travel without my running sneakers. The following tips have been tested on the running terrain in over twenty countries, and in every climate imaginable; they will make it simple to fit your running sneakers into your suitcase and your travel plans.

Why Fit Your Running Shoes Into Your Travel Plans:

It’s vacation! Why would you go running? The most simple answer to this question, which I have been asked by many perplexed non-runners, is that when I run I feel better, and when I travel I want to feel at my best-happy, healthy, ready to experience new things with my whole self.

Further running is a great way to see a new city or any place you are visiting. You can see a lot more on a half hour run than a half hour walk, and orient yourself to new surroundings quickly. When visiting a friend in Washington DC the first day I arrived I went on a little exploratory run past the train station, to the Washington memorial, past the library of Congress, through the Mall, past the State House. The next day my friends were impressed with my innate orientation of the city!

How to Fit Your Running Shoes Into Your Suitcase:

Packing is frustrating enough without trying to account for running attire. However, this advice will save you from frantically cramming an extra pair of socks into your bag as the taxi to the airport is honking outside. The only running clothing you need for a trip, whether it is one week or three months, is two sets of weather appropriate dryfit running clothing.

Dry-fit everything! This includes sports bras and socks, especially if you will not have access to a washer and dryer. If you try to line dry cotton clothing, you will always be running in damp t-shirts.

What is weather appropriate running clothing for the time you will be traveling? Determine this by checking weather.com about a week before your trip. I emphasize looking for the time you will be traveling. Do not rely on your guide book to tell you what the weather is typically like in your destination for the time of year. Maybe December is normally dry in Costa Rica, but this year December looks like rainy season. Perhaps there is currently a warm front in London. You

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