Running on Vacation

Day before the cruise – Seattle, WA
Day #1 onboard the Norwegian Pearl
Day #2 “At Sea” day
Day #3 – Juneau, Alaska
Day #4 – Skagyway, Alaska
Day #5 – Glacier Bay
Day #6 – Ketchikan, Alaska
Day #7 – Victoria, BC
Disembark Day – Back in Seattle, WA

My final Alaskan Vacation post!  I’m sure you’re getting tired of hearing about Alaska, but I promise – this is it!

We sailed on board the Norwegian Pearl. The day we boarded, I took my own little tour of the ship and found the Jogging Track as well as the Gym. 

I was VERY shocked to see that the Jogging Track was on top of the ship and only 1/2 the length of the ship.  Don’t get me wrong – it was beautiful and a great way to see the sights, but it was very un-practical for runners.

1 mile = 5 1/2 laps. Really? Who came up with that nonsense??

The first time I ran, I kept a count of the laps in my head – which is hard once you get into 3 or 4 miles. 

 

So, the next time I ran, I decided to bring along my Garmin. I had to laugh because not only was I moving ON the ship, but the ship was also moving (duh, Karen) – so my Garmin gave false information! I still ran like a rockstar! HAH!

Because of it’s location (on the top of the ship), the path was VERY narrow and was very wet and slippery most of the time.  It also wove around other structures on the top of the ship so at times, the path was very narrow and only had room for ONE runner to get by.

This led to a VERY frustrating run. I could tell that other runners were frustrated as well. 

You see, there were these people on the ship (on multiple mornings) who decided that they wanted to go for a leisurely stroll on the JOGGING deck.  That is totally fine with me after all, it’s a ship where you can do whatever you want!  HOWEVER, if you see or hear a runner approach you from behind, move out of the dang way!!! 

My dad had been walking on the Promenade deck with less people, so he asked if I wanted to join there the following morning.  The promenade deck was on a lower deck (on the Disney ships, this is the RUNNING DECK). 

So I woke up, got dressed, and met him on the Promenade deck the following morning. What did I see?

Walking ONLY?? Seriously??   AND 2 1/2 laps = 1 mile?

This ship was NOT designed by runner friendly people!!!

Also, why is it fair that the Promenade Deck asked for Walkers only, but the JOGGING DECK allowed God and everybody to WALK on it???

The icing on the cake was a certain man who was VERY rude on purpose. He took a leisurely stroll on the JOGGING DECK every morning (of course). He could hear me run up behind him - he’d even turn around and see me – and he wouldn’t move out of my way.  I wanted to SCREAM. That was the most FRUSTRATING run ever. I had to stop running and wait for us to get to a wider spot so I could pass him by. I passed him multiple times because if you noticed, I had to make 5 1/2 laps just to get to 1 mile and each time was the SAME thing. SO FRUSTRATING!!!

I ran about 4 mornings on the ship. I even woke up at way early hours so I could get my run in on the JOGGING deck but it never failed – there was always a group of people taking a “Sunday stroll” on the JOGGING deck. 

I had to bite my tongue multiple times because I wanted to say “There’s a promenade deck for WALKERS a few decks below!”

 

So by now, I’m sure you’re asking why didn’t I just run in the gym? You see, I’m from the south.  Our trip was in August.  August in the south = sweltering hot weather.  August in Alaska = Aaaaah I can BREATHE!!  I enjoyed running outside and didn’t want to be cooped up in hot sweaty  gym on a treadmill. I also prefer outdoor runs over runs on the treadmill.

Each morning after my run, I walked down to the outside buffet and started my morning off with coffee and fruit! :0)

Ok so recap:
JOGGING track = 5 1/2 laps for a mile. Walkers allowed.
Promenade deck = 2 1/2 laps for a mile. NO joggers allowed.

Walkers on the JOGGING deck were NOT considerate of runners.

Bottom line: If Norwegian isn’t going to let Runners on the Promenade Deck, they shouldn’t let walkers on the JOGGING deck.

Ok I’m off my soapobox – I just had to get that out! Hah!

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