HOW TO FIT IN RUNS WHILE VACATIONING WITH KIDS.....

As many of you know, I just finished our annual two-week family camping trip up to Lake Almanor near Lassen National Park. Being up there reminded me of a running question that I have been asked countless times over the years, "how do I stay consistent with my running while on vacation with the family?" So, without further ado, and highlighted by pictures of our recent family trip, I bring to you my...

Top 10 Strategies to Stay a Runner While on Vacation (with kids)

#1- Lose a Kid or Two- Honestly, how much easier is fitting in a run or two if several of your kids (works best with the younger ones) spend half of the trip swimming back to shore from the middle of the lake?!

#2- Get the Kids A J-O-B- This one is a double whammy! While the kids are at work, you can run your heart out, AND, they can make you some money to buy those new running shoes you have been asking Santa for.
#3- Forget the Running, Grab a Kid-Pack and Hike Your Heart Out- Nothing is quit like the burn you feel carrying your kids up and down the trail! Plus, a good, cute, kid-pack, is always a good chick-magnet on the trail!!

#4- Force Your Kids to Wear Nothing but gO! Clothes and the Guilt Will Get You- If you are forced to look and that stylish gO! logo all day long you will have nothing else to ask yourself than, "what would Laurie do?" (and anyone who looks at the running log knows that answer....RUN)

#5- Sleeping Pills- Just one little pill each will provide you with hours of "me time!"

#6- Let Yourself Flip Out Every Once in a While- Sometimes you just have to let yourself gO! A good flip out each day will relieve that pre-run stress and allow your body to really enjoy the upright, straight-forward kind of exercise that is running. #7- Get Yourself a Goofy Looking Kid- Nothing makes you want to run away more than that funky little face that won't stop asking for ridiculous things like food and attention! #8- Forget the Run and Get Your Thrills Elsewhere (no not there Isaac)- Besides what's better for your heart, a good 30 minute run.... or a good 50 foot fall from a tree? #9- (For Dads Only) Help Your Kid Do Something Reckless, and RUN From Your Angry Wife- Nothing says "a good speed workout" like a mad dash from an angry mommy. Like provoking a hibernating bear, awaking a sun-bathing wife to the sounds of her 5 year old being pulled across the lake by a jet ski, will work wonders for you Fight or Flight response! #10- Meet a Hot Local Babe to Raise your "Get-In-Shape" Effort Level- Guys and girls alike are always motivated to run/exercise when surrounded by "hotness" from the opposite sex! For 12 years I have kept my Dazzling Diva as close as possible as she inspires me to run like the wind and always go that extra mile!