Travel solutions: Fitness Breaks

Swim Trek vacations in the Caribbean offer far more appealing surrounds than your local baths

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Learn to run further and faster in Eastbourne
Whether you’re preparing for your first 10k or you’ve got a place in the London Marathon, a weekend running by the sea in Eastbourne will inject a breath of fresh air into your training. Led by personal trainer and one-time health-and-fitness journalist Fiona Bugler and her partner Mike Ovens, a former Royal Navy/Combined Services competitor, the Running Inn two-day running workshop starts at 7.30am on Saturday morning with a VO2-max test where we had to run between two shuttles in time to a bleep, followed by a 1,500m pace test. From your results Fiona and Mike devise individual race training programmes to help you achieve your personal best.

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Over the course of the weekend, you’ll get the lowdown on many different topics: Pilates for runners; how to run faster; hill and circuit sessions; advice on getting a balanced diet and what to eat before, during and after your run from sports nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux; and advice on trainers and energy food in an informal talk by local triathlete Simon Underwood. On Saturday afternoon, there’s the chance to indulge in holistic treatments from the Running Inn’s in-house beauty and massage therapists, while a sports masseur is on hand to wring out any niggles.

The action resumes late Sunday morning with a long run – one or two hours, you choose – up to Beachy Head and across the Downs with stunning views of the Sussex coastline. In case you need any motivation, a hearty feed is lined up at the local pub for your return.

The Running Inn, 13 Hartington Place, Eastbourne, BN21 3BS (01323 720640/www.therunninginn.com).
The course runs throughout the year and costs £150+VAT per person; two nights’ half-board accommodation costs £100 per person.