Even on a relaxing honeymoon to Grenada, I knew I would want to run. Scratch that, I knew I’d get down-right jittery if I did not run. I was already bringing workout clothes – the resort offered yoga on their beach pavilion every morning. Here’s my rundown on running in Grenada.

Packing to run in a carry-on

I only took 1 carry-on for the week trip, so I kept my workout gear to a minimum. You can wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to help with space, but I just shoved my giant Hoka OneOnes into my bag.

What I packed:

1. Running shoes
2. A synthetic fabric light-colored tank
3. Yoga/running shorts
4. 2 pairs of socks
5. A sports bra
6. Inhaler

I rinsed my clothes and hung them in the Grenada sun + breeze after my workouts. If I did it again, I would bring 1 more sports bra (for days I ran + yoga) and possibly a baseball cap. I did not bring my running belt. I just held my phone in my hand, which was more convenient anyway since I wanted to take a photo every time I turned my head.

Running with my phone

Phone GPS works without data so I was able to track my runs and potentially navigate if I got lost. I could also call 911 if needed. We actually didn’t gain any extra expenses via our phone bill.

Plus I could take selfies.

Weather and terrain

Coming from hot + humid Savannah, I was actually well weather-conditioned. But running in Savannah and running in Grenada differ by one real factor  — mountains.

Mountains and inclines for days.

For example, here I am at the beach, deciding to leave the resort property.

Beach in front of Laluna

And here I am just outside the resort property.

Property end

I couldn’t capture in a photo how steep the hills were from the bottom, but you can see the drop-offs from the top.

Notice the drop in the road

Road safety

The roads were narrow and dug along the mountains. When cars going opposite directions wanted to drive by each other, they’d slow to a crawl with inches in between them. Honking was a constant. It told others you were driving up the hill, going around a blind curve, or just “Hi”.

While cars drove on the left side of the road, I often found myself running in the middle or on “the wrong side” to avoid being pinned to a mountain wall or hugging a blind curve. The drivers tend to go fast if they don’t hear any honking. Fortunately with the noise, I was not too worried about being caught unaware from behind.

Road in Grenada (top of a hill)

I ran in the mornings when it was less busy (and less hot), and stayed on the outskirts of the “town” near Grand Anse. In the busy hubs, it was difficult to walk, much less run. Previously, TH and I walked to the market so that gave me a familiar route from which to build.

Near the market, the road flattened, widened, AND had a sidewalk. The oddity required a photo.

Anomaly in Grenada

Running in Grenada

The advantages of training on a volcanic island were undeniable. Uphills strengthen your legs. Downhills increase your leg turnover. Mountains for high elevations. Heat. Humidity. All that could make you a powerful runner.

In Grenada, I practiced becoming a powerful runner.

Look toward Grand Anse Beach

I’d go back any day of the week.

And not just for my open-air shower afterward (overlooking the ocean if you’re tall enough to see out the windows)…

Open air bathroom

And the private plunge pool to soak my feet (with coffee and a book).

French press coffee and Jurassic Park!

Plunge pool

Tips for running on vacation

1. Know the emergency number. In Grenada it is 911.
2. Scout it out. When you’re riding/driving around, take note which roads would be good to run on and which wouldn’t.
3. Ask the front desk/concierge. Depending on the country you’re in, they may give you an odd look but anywhere they send their guests walking, they can send you.
4. Know GPS on your phone can work without using data.
5. Be nice to yourself. The weather, humidity, terrain, elevations could be very different from where you usually run. Plus you ate all that food + beer for the last 3 nights. Go for a short run, be happy for the leg turnover, and get back to eating + drinking!
6. Know when to run on the treadmill. Thursday it was raining – not too bad, but I’m not familiar with Grenada’s weather patterns if it would get really bad or what. That + traffic, I decided to just jump on the (metric system!) treadmill.

Do you run on vacation or simply relax?

Do you map your route or wing it in a new city?