Well, I got back late Wednesday night from my annual TENNIS vacation in Naples Florida.

The schedule was that every morning we played doubles for 1.5 hours and then had a tennis lesson for 1 hour or vice versa. Play started at 8 am and lessons started at 8:30 am.

Did I run?

Yes! I made it a priority to do so.

In order to run, I had to get up at 6 am and have breakfast and run at 7 am.  Not hard at home but when you are living with 4 other women who are up late chatting and watching TV, it is hard to go to sleep early enough. Then it is hard to get up the next morning.

If I was having a lesson first, I ran and came home to change my clothes.  But if I was playing doubles first, then I either ran in my tennis clothes or played tennis in my running clothes to save time.

Did I run often?

Yes! 4 times.

• Thursday – 3 miles
• Saturday – 3.5 miles
• Monday –  4 miles
• Wednesday – 3 miles

Were they good runs?

Nope.  None were.

It was very very humid and of course, much warmer than I was used to. It was tough to breathe and run.  My running got to be walking/running and slower and slower.

Did I enjoy them?

Yes. Immensely.

I loved the scenery – the trees, flowers,etc.  I loved the sunshine and even the heat.

During each run I took a different route. I ran around the neighborhoods of World Tennis Center (WTC).  I ran around the pool area and tennis courts.  I ran outside the WTC along the main road in one direction and then another day in the other direction.

What will I do differently next year?

I could get up earlier.  But it’s hard when you go out to dinner late and you are hanging out with friends after that.

I could play tennis less. But I know I would miss being out there with my friends – these are my “tennis” friends.

I could just play tennis and not run but I would be upset with myself for NOT running.

I could run after tennis but I know I would be too tired and would be making others wait for me to go to the beach.

So next year, I will probably do the same thing.

Views from my Naples runs:

Suggestions for running while on vacation:

• Be prepared.  Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
• Schedule your runs. If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.
• Be flexible.  Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.
• Find a scenic route.  Pretty views make all the difference.
• Lower your expectations. Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.
• Register for a race in the area, if possible. Then you will definitely run.
• Have fun.

Join the Friday linkup with the DC girls, Courtney, Mar and Cynthia! Their topic is Favorite Summer Fruits and Vegetables.

Happy Running! Do you run while on vacation? What are your favorite summer fruits & veggies?