I am a person who craves variety, in all walks of life: in food, in activity, in scenery, in hobbies. I’m almost always changing it up. So it should come as no surprise that I’m #teamracecation.
It’s my motivation
So many runners seem to struggle with their desire to run — they get burnt out, the weather doesn’t cooperate, life gets in the way. Working towards a goal I enjoy — a racecation — keeps me running. It’s not the only thing that keeps me running, but it sure helps!
Seeing the country one mile at a time
I’ve said this a few times on the blog, but it bears repeating: for me the goal of running fifty states isn’t about ticking states off the list. I’d probably be through way more states by this time if it were.
It makes running exciting again
Running in the same old places? It gets old. Sometimes really, really old. Some people love the familiar, but like I said in the beginning, I crave variety. Running somewhere new is always fun.
It’s my way to get away from it all
While it may seem that people who don’t work are permanently on vacation, the truth is I never get away from those every day chores unless I am away from home. There is no vacation from feeding, training, and walking dogs; scooping litterboxes; making healthy food; keeping a somewhat clean house; and so on ad nauseum.
There are many benefits to not working, obviously, and I realize how blessed I am. Like everyone, though, sometimes I want a break in my everyday routine.
Meeting fellow runners/bloggers
I can’t meet my online friends in real life unless I am not at home! Sure, technically y’all could come visit me here, but no one ever seems to vacation here (which I totally understand, frankly, wouldn’t be on my list of places to go — even before I lived here).
If you’re thinking about taking a racecation, here are a few posts that might interest you:
- 5 Ways Racecations are like Cruises
- 5 Tips for Racecation Packing
- 5 Things I Bring for a Successful Racecation
So let me know in the comments:
#teamracecation or #teamhome?
What was your favorite racecation?
What racecation is on your bucket list?
I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Racecation all the way!
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🙂
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You’ve got some beautiful photos and memories from your races!! I must admit I’m a bit jealous! Someday I do hope to run a race in all 50 states!
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It helps when the only kids you have are furkids (and don’t forget I’m also in my mid 50s).
Although even the furkids are a limitation — we’ve taken them (except Bandit) on some of the racecations, but we’re “running” out of states near enough that we can do that.
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I’m definitely a fan of racecations. Usually on vacations great restaurants are involved and I just relax but if I plan a race while I am there, I do not feel guilty when the relaxation time comes or indulging in more treats!
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Well, sometimes great restaurants are involved. We traveled to both ME & the Cape with Lola . . . which sort of limited where we could eat!
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I love racecations but I also crave routine, so that makes me slightly more team run local. My favorite racecation to date is the Hot Chocolate 15K in Seattle-it’s a gorgeous course + the air is so clean 🙂
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You know I had to go over and look & see when that is, since I have family there. I don’t think I can convince Mr. Judy to go then (and it’s his family!) as winter travel is always so iffy.
I’d run for chocolate, though. 🙂
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You know I’m totally with you on this. Running is truly the best way to explore a new place. Love, love, love it!
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Even if I’m not racing, it’s still the best way to see somewhere. 🙂
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I don’t travel except vicariously. Looking at your photos was a joy. Especially the shot taken in Maine. Gorgeous.
I’ve hung up my running shoes, for good this time. It’s been a difficult year as you know and I realize it’s time to listen to my body. But I’ll be following my running friends’ adventures. I’ll be watching you accomplish your half-marathon-in-every-state goal and all the pieces of the pie in between. Also your pet stories. Those never get old, either.
Happy running, my friend.
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I think half the people love the pet stories and half wonder why they’re on a “running” blog, but I’ve never considered my blog to be just a running blog.
I really hope I never have to give up running, but there are SO many ways to stay active — and I know you will, Connie!
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I would be on your team if I didn’t have to work, had enough money and my hubby would support these kind of vacations. It’s a NO for all.
Seriously jealous.
My favorite race-cation was my first half marathon. The first is always special.
But on the other hand, when you race local, you are more part of the local running community and know more runners at the races, etc.
So I’m the local gal with a few trips thrown in. I feel lucky whenever I can race healthy. So I’m not goin get whiney.
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As I pointed out, you actually traveled for races MORE than me. We do stay longer, though.
And that’s not to mention all your trips to NYC, your tennis vacation, your Schroon River vacation . . . while I get to go back & forth to Poughkeepsie regularly. So fun.
We all have our good & bad things going on!
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Yes, I love my friends and I would NOT trade our times together for more race-cations. But I am pretty limited to where my friends live (FL) as far as traveling goes. But I have no state goals. I enjoy the local races and those runners that have become my friends because I do so many.
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Like you, I crave variety! There are local races that I have done multiple times but I think 3 is my max….I get bored! I’m hoping to do more racecations this year and having fun seeing new places.
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Obviiously I do some local races more often than three times.
I might remember parts of courses, but I don’t know them like the back of my hand — not even doing them 6 years in a row!
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I am most definitely glad I did do two racecations to Las Vegas to meet up with you. ❤
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I don’t mind smaller local races, but sometimes it’s great to have a racecation to look forward to. Things were tough at my last job this past spring, but having my Disney race on the calendar gave me something to be excited about.
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I’d love to be on your team, but between working, money, and the (fur)kids, there’s just no way. Maybe once I hit the powerball 😉
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That’s the rub . . . I could probably do more than 3 halfs/states a year if Mr. Judy didn’t have to work. 🙂
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3 is a lot though! And you go to such awesome places!! #jealous
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We all know I love a good racecation… Thankfully my husband loves to travel, so we fit in as much as we can.
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But there’s always that pesky little work thing getting in the way for my husband. 🙂
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I totally agree about variety. I think that’s why I want to increase my distance – so that I can explore more! I get bored with the same routes! Hey ho, but at least a lot of routine running means the trips out are more exciting!!
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I get super bored with the same routes, considering I also walk them with the dogs.
But finding the time to drive somewhere, warm up, run, etc. etc. — it’s often just easier to run around my neighborhood.
Maybe that’s why I like racecations so much!
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Yes, I would rarely drive somewhere. Better to spend the time running! We are busy people!
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#TeamRacecation all the way! So true how they’re very motivating. I’ve mostly done runDisney races – Dopey 2016 was my favorite so far. For non-Disney races, probably Broad Street 2016 – the weather was horrible but I had so much fun with my friends! 🙂
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Nothing like running with friends. 🙂
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