Would you run a race in another country?
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Hello Reader, Heya Fit Travel Tribe, Whether you're a self-identified "runner" or running a race is on your bucket list...have you ever thought about taking it to a global location? This question popped into my head because I just signed up for a half marathon. In Sofia.... My NEW home.... But still, it got me thinking about my last half marathon - in Sarajevo (see below). I've completed races of various distances (10k, half marathon, FULL marathon) in various locations around the world. It hits differently than a local one. Why? Because it's a BIG deal!!! Buying a plane ticket is a commitment! I don't know about you, but it makes me feel more aware of sticking to my training plan. Besides the race fee, you've literally got more money, time, and trip planning energy at stake. Don't want to waste it, right? So, you should prepare accordingly... Hmm...gee, Heidi, but "don't you prepare the same as running a local race?" NOPE!!!!! 👋 Hello from Nis, Serbia! I’m here for a very specific reason: 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 📄 I just submitted my Visa D documents at the Bulgarian consulate. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Shout it out with me: But also… 👉 I’ve been holding out on you. Like… really holding out.... It’s been 1 week since my wedding. 😄😄😄 YEP. We got married! Besides buying property in center city Sofia, this was another HUGE deal! It was small, simple, and super special. We’ll celebrate in a bigger way later with friends and family from abroad, but for now… It feels really good to just sit with it (especially after successfully submitting my visa docs!). With the new apartment, of course we are furniture shopping. We spent multiple days picking out the perfect couch and coffee table (with adjustable wings AND adjustable height). So at the moment, life is: All at once 😅 Here are some of my favorite wedding photos 💖💖 🏃♀️ Turn Your Trip Into a “Runcation”If you’ve never planned a trip around a race… 👉 You’re missing out. An older guest post on my blog was talking about this EXACT concept: ~Planning a Runcation~ It's a made up word, but the idea is simple: Instead of: You ask: Why it works:
Think:
👉 It turns travel into something more intentional. And honestly? Crossing a finish line in another country hits WAY harder than just sightseeing. Need some inspiration? One of the beautiful aspects of the States is the diversity in landscape. The Southwest in particular is incredibly scenic!
📍 Sarajevo Half Marathon - Fast, Flat & Underrated My last half marathon? Sarajevo - the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina. I ran the race in September 2023 as a part of my 4.5 month solo trip after quitting my job. And this race course surprised me in the best way. Why I loved it:🏃♀️ Flat course ⚡ PR potential 🌍 Smaller race vibe 👉 It’s a great option if you want:
So... Here's what you need to know... 👉 Bottom line: You’re not just racing the course… 🏃♀️ Racing Abroad Can Be Shockingly CheapThis still blows my mind. In Europe? 👉 Half marathon entry = ~€30–€50 Meanwhile in the U.S.: 👉 $150-250+ is completely normal (and that’s before travel) So here’s the trade-off: Yes, you might pay: But you save on: And, you're also somewhat "double dipping" Dreaming, thinking, and planning is FREE. Always on my mind: More money for more travel! It's often worth a little homework for those savings 💸 A friendly favor (tiny ask): If this helped, share with one friend and use my links when you buy gear/cards. It costs you nothing - it just keeps my content free. Thank you ❤️ Feel free to always respond back to this email with any thoughts and questions you might have or content you'd love to see in the future. Happy travels & healthy living, Heidi Note: Some images and GIFs sourced from Unsplash and Giphy. |