Running + Vacation

We're on vacation, which I wrote a bit about (from a family perspective) today on Writing Chapter Three. Since this blog is more exercise + food focused, you'll be getting that highlights reel over here. And what's more of an issue on vacation than fitting in exercise?

As much as the beach is a runner's wonderland, when you're juggling two running schedules + a toddler, things can get tricky. Here's some ways we're both sticking it out and enjoying a good sweat session each day.

// 1: Stephen runs in the AM, I run in the PM. It may sound like I'm getting the short end of the stick, but I'm an afternoon runner anyway. Since I'm still working mornings while on vacation, it's better to split stuff up this way. Plus, the shady streets of Cape May + ocean breeze get things comfortable again after the mid-day heat by 5:30 or so -- squeeze it in before dinner.

// 2: We brought our jogging stroller. And we both plan to use it for more than strolling. Since we aren't down here with family (yet), we realize it might be best some days to get in a run together. The BOB (we have the Revolution SE) took most of the storage space in our tiny Kia, but packing light to make room was well worth it.

// 3: We're being active otherwise. I may not totally meet my 30 mile goal this week, but with all the additional walking to the beach and town we're doing, I'm moving my body more each day.

// 4: I'm skipping long runs. Stephen isn't, but whenever I'm on vacation, I'm just not in the mood to run double digits. Plus, dehydration is an issue since it's so much warmer/sunnier than we're used to. Instead, I opt to run more days of the week at up the mileage a few of those days versus loading it on one day. Instead of a week that's got a 4, 3, 4, 6, 12 . . . I do something like 4, 5, 4, 6, 8, 2.

// 5: I push through. Sure, there's a lot of other stuff I'd rather be doing (like eating mounds of pizza or lounging at the beach), but there's time for all of that. Taking a half hour to hour out of the day to exercise is important. And it's a great way to explore the new scenery.

// 6: I pay attention to hydration. I didn't write about it, but I had some type of sun poisoning or dehydration issue at the shore last summer. It may have had to do with running + breastfeeding + being at the beach all day, but this year, I'm paying better attention. Drinking water with chia seeds. Avoiding peak heat/sun times. Etc.

How do you keep up with running (or other exercise) while on vacation?

Other running-related stuff I've written recently for WalkJogRun:

Simple No-Bake Energy Bars
To Get Faster, Run Slower
Running in the Heat: A Northern Girl's Tricks
Keeping Baby Occupied On the Run

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S'Mores Graham Bars and Summer Running

I told you the graham bars would work perfectly with s'mores, too! I was so confident in my assertion that I just went for it last night. And I'm glad I did.

Look!

Since we didn't have any vegan marshmallows around the house, we used regular. But anything you toast will work great. I pop my mallow onto a large fork, light a burner to low on the gas stovetop, and let it turn for about 3 to 4 minutes. Until toasty. Gooey.

For the chocolate, I melted Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips. Maybe 2 tablespoons of them. There are no real measurements for this type of deliciousness . . .


If you happened to have missed yesterday's graham bars recipe, go check it out now! It's definitely a keeper. I think next time, I'll leave out the cinnamon to keep them tasting more like "regular" grahams versus spiced-up ones.

***We got a couple email questions about the coconut flour. It isn't absolutely necessary. You can do half wheat and half bread flour. Keep the oat measurement the same.

This is the sight that greeted me this morning as I headed out at 6AM for my 6-mile run:


One way I can tell my morning sickness is getting better-ish? I can get up at 5:45 and be running by 6 without a demoralizing dry-heaving episode. If that isn't a milestone, I don't know WHAT is.

SUMMER RUNNING, HAVEN' ME A BLAST . . .

Wow. This photo is ridiculous. It's so hot today, all those layers make me laugh!


I've been making an effort this week to switch my workouts from afternoon/evening to mornings because the temps are creeping into the 90s. No matter how long I wait after work to head out, it's just too humid and warm. It's not safe for me. It's not safe for the baby. But in the morning? It's perfecto!

Here are some ways (this year), I've been getting my butt out of bed:

• I set my alarm early. I set two, actually. One for 5:30 and one for 5:45. I need at least 15 minutes to wake up, eat, and get ready to head out. When the alarm at 5:30 goes off. I make an effort to open my eyes for 15 seconds. I do three sets. Sounds crazy, right? Well, if I don't force my eyes open, I'll snooze. When the 5:45 alarm goes off, I sit up in bed and wiggle my toes. Don't ask me why, but it helps.
• I eat a snack. After sitting up, I head to the refrigerator to eat something. Being pregnant has made this step a necessity. But it's a good practice no matter who you are. I've been sticking to yogurt. I toss in some Cheerios. I munch and then guzzle a small glass of water. This all helps with the waking part and usually takes about 5 minutes.
• I dress myself. I need to do a post on how we have our exercise clothes organized. Right now, we have those vertical hanging shelves in one of our closets. We've divided each shelf into categories likes: Tanks, tops, shorts, tights, socks, etc. Since I don't care if I match, I just grab a tank and shorts.
• I keep moving. At no point during my process do I stop back in bed or sit down, really. Keeping the blood flowing keeps me alert and ready to move my legs. So, after dressing and a brief potty stop (again, a pregnancy essential, but good for all), I grab my shoes, slip 'em on, and walk to the end of our driveway.
• I expect nothing amazing. At least for these first several weeks. It's difficult to switch up an exercise routine. Running in the morning is hard. It takes a bit more warming up. So, my first mile is slow. My first couple days on the run were short (between 3 to 4 miles). But that's OK. After a few days, I'm up to running 6 in the morning. I'd do more, but I don't have enough time with heading to work by 7:45.
• I eat again. And drink a tall glass of water. Sometimes when I'm rushing around to get ready for work, it's difficult to find time to eat. But just because my stomach isn't awake doesn't mean I won't be hurting in an hour or so. Plus, it's unhealthy to skip breakfast any day! Hydration is important, too. The temps are deceiving in the morning -- it can even feel chilly out. But as long as I'm sweating, and I always am, I'll replenish those fluids.

We did another post on morning running a year or so back, so if you'd like even more tips, check out Early to Rise, Early to Run and all our other running-related posts.

Summer runners: How do you deal with the heat? I'd love to hear how you've switched to morning runs . . . or what else you've done to keep your cool. I also love how running in the morning means staying safe and out of the sun. I burn easily, so the less rays I soak in the better. Oh, yeah. And don't forget those hydration belts/packs!


Pssst: If you're following (never home)maker, baby! don't miss our most recent post -- a short letter and apology to . . . the baby. :)

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How to Protect Yourself from the Sun

We got thinking about the whole skin protection program after we discovered that during our marathon training, we were spending at least 7 hours outdoors each week. And that doesn't include non-running time. It's easy to soak in all those rays without thinking about the consequences. After all, it feels good. And some exposure is important to absorbing vitamin D (thanks to Erin from Domestic Adventure for reminding us of that). However, too much unprotected fun can also lead to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer.

What to do? Well, we've all read the tips in magazines and heard them on the news. We also likely all say we're doing enough to protect ourselves. But, people, it's high time we all start putting the SPF 30 chapstick where our mouth is. Here are some tips and tricks submitted to us by readers, as well as a few of our own.


Cover up from Head to Toe. The sun can't get you if you're wearing clothes. So, if it's not incredibly hot, try wearing longer sleeve items. Slip into some warm weather running tights versus short-shorts. Stick on a hat (I always wear a hat while running because I used to get horribly sunburned on my scalp. It is not fun at all). But if you choose to follow this step, also choose your attire wisely. Of course, some fabric is better than none, but if your singlet is basically see-through, it certainly defeats the purpose.

You may have also heard about the new UV protective clothing. I'm no expert in this area, but I found a site with some active wear (Solartex). If anyone has tried this kind of fabric, we'd love to hear what you think about it!

Tess writes: I always wear a baseball hat or a visor when I run. I have a bunch from work but I've been thinking about getting a proper Nike Running Hat because I think it will be easier to wash. Unfortunately the hat doesn't always cover my whole face (depending the the time of day and position of the sun), but overall I think it's much better than sunscreen.


Image from Amazon

Wear Sunscreen. Yeah. It makes sense. And we all KNOW to wear sunscreen. But I will be honest. I rarely ever slather the stuff on my body (I wear some in my face moisturizer) unless I'm at the beach. Make sure you choose a kind that blocks both UVA and UVB rays (to guard against skin cancer).

Bre from The Red Bungalow writes: I HATE thick sunscreen . . . no matter how little you put on you can still...FEEL it. I started using Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch and I think it does a really good job of not feeling like sunscreen. I also just got some of the spray kind from Costco that I'm going to try out too (I would think this would feel less icky and is really quick to apply).

Iris writes: For over-the-counter I would suggest Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ with Helioplex. This one is super dry and soft to the touch. While it protects, it also works to reverse existing damage. A definite plus! It runs around $12. Good deal for the money.

Iris also suggests the following for those of you (like me) who are concerned with breaking out: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Products are great! They range from $20-$60 depending on the SPF level and body specific product. I personally use the 60SPF on a daily basis in the summer. For running purposes I would suggest the 60 Melt in Sunscreen Milk as it's not face-specific but can be used all over your body.

Meg agrees: That Neutrogena Dry Touch stuff is amazing! I have been using it for 2 years. It comes in a small blue and white tube/bottle and it really does feel dry and my skin never gets oily. I wear sunscreen on my face every day, and even most days in the winter. For the rest of me I use Ocean Potion for sensitive skin (pink bottle). It is non-scented! And not thick and greasy either.

And Tess suggests the following brands, if you're especially concerned with staying natural: Loving Natural, Heiko Kids, and Badger.


Protect your Peepers. You don't need to spend a mint to be protected. But during the summer, I often wear both a baseball cap AND sunglasses. Make sure whatever pair you choose -- just like with sunscreen -- blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Protecting your eyes will ensure you can continue your outdoor activities for years to come. Plus, it's much more comfortable than squinting at the sun for 20 miles!


Choose your Workout Time Wisely. Truth is, we know when it's the worst time to head outside for a long run or walk. UV rays are most intense between 10AM and 4PM. And with all that summer heat, it's usually more comfortable to be outdoors earlier or later than these times. If the sun is high in the sky, consider waiting until later in the day to get your sweat on.

Bre (The Red Bungalow) writes: Because I'm so easy to burn, my hubby always makes a point of having us try to do our outdoor activities when the sun isn't at the highest point in the day (when we go to the pool or go for a bike ride we usually go before 11am or after 2:30 or so).

Do What's Right for You (But Consider the Consequences). If you don't find a method that works, you likely won't do anything at all. Becca from FashionFlirt told us the following story that has us shaking in our running flats!

A friend of mine who is an elite marathon runner never wears sunscreen on his long runs because he finds that when he DOES wear sunscreen his ability to sweat normally is compromised. According to him, he finds that when he wears sunscreen, he struggles through his summer runs quite a bit more than he does if he doesn't bother putting on sunscreen at all.

That being said, his skin looks like leather already, and he is my age (28).

We got so many fantastic suggestions, we simply couldn't include them all this morning. So, we're planning another sun care-related post for the near future. If you would like to read all the comments shared with us, head over to the Here Comes the Sun post. And if you have some of your own tips and tricks to share -- please do! Just leave us a comment or email us at neverhomemaker@gmail.com.


And if you haven't already -- be sure to enter our giveaway, which ends this evening at 9PM EST.

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