I’m at the tail end of a week long stay in Panama City Beach, Florida, where I’ve been partaking in plenty of eating and drinking, loads of sunbathing, sticking my toes in the ocean and overall just sitting around on my duff a lot. It’s been fabulous, and I’m sure I’m overdoing it on my caloric intake, but I am doing my best to at least stay somewhat active.

Over the last year, I’ve made it a point to find a race to do while on vacation so that I could take part in a fun event, stay active and (more than likely) see a new area that I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. Running is phenomenal for this! While not everyone is gungho on racing, running is still one of the easiest activities there is to do. All you need is some running shoes and (if you’re female) a sportsbra and you’re good to go. I wasn’t able to lockdown a race while in Panama City, but I did make it a point to head out for two separate runs.

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5k run along Thomas Drive in Panama City, Florida

My first run out was rather bracing. Having come from a “just above freezing” Toronto to a 21C degree early morning temperature with 100% humidity Florida… well… my lungs were dying. I had intended to do 8k or so, but could barely manage 5. But hey, it’s a start right?

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11k loop around the lagoon, Panama City, Florida

My next run was far more ambitious. Thursday morning I woke up determined to do a full loop around the lagoon – an 11k jaunt, once again in 100% humidity. Since I was out of my element, I kept my pace incredibly slow. I also brought along cash so I could buy some water at a gas station at the halfway point and that really helped me out. So while my pace was nothing to write home about, I still managed to crank out 11k and see some vistas that I otherwise wouldn’t have explored. And I sure did look like a tomato by the end of it!

I have managed to go to the gym at the resort as well, but aside from doing a few dumbbell exercises, I really haven’t gone over the top. It’s mostly just been nice to keep up with some minimal lifting while away so that I don’t feel like I’m going back to square one once I get back.

So what am I getting at? Well, number one is that running is a fantastic way to stay active and explore new areas on vacation. Number two, that it requires very little in terms of equipment and can be done in almost any weather conditions outside. Maybe consider bringing your running shoes the next time you leave for vacation!