Run of Ship

Running on a cruise ship while at sea has its challenges. First among them, in my opinion, is rude walkers. I’m a fan of anyone who engages in any form of exercise, but all of us must be mindful of others. There is, in fact, a form of etiquette in the exercise world. I’m sure we’ll cover a numerous items as they relates to specific topics. Today, here are a few important ones for use in common courtesy and for safety.
1. Announce when passing: “Passing on the left.”
2. Don’t run, bike or inline skate on trails marked “Walkers Only.”
3. Wipe down exercise equipment immediately after use.

Most cruise ships have a walking track on a midlevel deck and a jogging track on one of the top levels of the boat. Generally, jogging is prohibited on the midlevel track. Walkers and joggers share the upper track. I have been on more than one boat that separates the two on the starboard and port side. In these cases the track is marked with words and arrows for walkers to take the wider inside track and the joggers are to continue on a narrow outer path next to the rail. Heaven only knows why countless walkers refuse to follow the rules, even after several sweaty runners remind them and often even unavoidably bump into them as they pass.

I try to accept that I can’t change people. With that in mind here’s another force beyond my means of control--the ocean winds. It’s like running while chained to a 300 year old mighty Sequoyah when going against the wind and I feel like I’ve pressed a bionic boost button with the wind behind me.

Another hardship comes on the treadmill. You’d think in the wake of H1N1, and especially on a cruise ship, people would have a heightened awareness of bodily fluids and cleanliness. No. Not the case. Cleaning a machine before use is easy enough. Then comes the fun part. On sea days the ship tends to pitch and roll a bit. The average cruiser never notices, but it’s quite unsettling and mildly dangerous on a treadmill.

By now you must think I hate running on cruise ships. To the contrary, I have done it many times. I find that during both day and night the sky proves indescribably beautiful. The sunsets and sunrises inspire me while the fresh sea air fills my lungs and it’s like breathing for the first time. Whales, dolphins and an assortment of birds excite the
imagination. Best of all, running on a cruise ship burns scads of calories, allowing me to enjoy the endless parade of food. That, my friends, out weighs  all the aforementioned negative aspects of running while on a cruise.

Until next time--Exercise Safely.

Tom