There was a time when a holiday (pre-children obviously!) was a good excuse to get a burst of consolidated training in. I’d load up my case with running and cycling kit, pack a bike into the world’s largest bike bag and stumble through the airport, hoping I wouldn’t get charged extra for my extravagant luggage. We’d arrive at our destination and always be the last out of the airport as I waited for my bike, desperately hoping the foreign baggage handlers weren’t riding it around the airport grounds.
Nowadays, holidays are a more sedate affair and the only exercise –based luggage I allow myself is a pair of running shoes and the odd vest and shorts combo. And therein lies the beauty of running – no matter where you are in the world, that’s all you need to get out and complete a training run. Of course, you might not know where you are going to but that’s half the fun. On a holiday to Majorca a few years ago, I got the names of where we were staying muddled up; the two Spanish people I joined for a run were amazed I said I’d run from Palma, when I had actually run from Palmanova: the former would have meant I’d already run a marathon by 9.30 in the morning.
For all those of you who might be gearing up for a summer break, remember it’s a time to enjoy your running away from the grind of everyday living. Savour those sunny runs- it won’t be long before winter kicks in!

Yours in running

David Castle