Travel Training
I love to travel. I love to go anywhere. I love to learn new things and see how other people live. If I were rich I would travel the world. I am totally fascinated by the beauty around us.
I love to train. I love to run hard and run trails with my dogs. I love to swim and ride my bike. I like to train all day if I have the chance. I love training with my friends and I love training alone. I really need both. It is my sanity.
So how does one train while traveling? More specifically, if one goes on a trip for a week that does not involve sports how is it done? I think the normal person thinks this will be my week off, maybe gives a sigh of relief not to train. Yet, I am sure many of you are like me. I want tom travel. I want to be present to those around me and just be normal but inside I am anxious about it. I just know everyone will like me better if I get that run in.
So that was the case as I went to a friends wedding in Vermont last week. Needless to say I waited till the last minute to decide to go. Off we went in a car for two days. I packed my swimsuit, bike and running shoes with the only plan being to work out as much as possible. I soon realized that I ended up in a place with dirt, rock roads and 60 degrees. I found my only way to work out was on foot and very early in the morning (not to interfere with other peoples plan). Lucky for me the sun rose before five. I learned a lot.
How to exercise while traveling.
Research the area prior to going. There maybe running trails or paths, a pool, lake, or ocean to swim. Look for the local bike shop that may have a group ride schedule. Rent a bike to get around with for the week.
Incorporate everything around you. Run or ride through a town just to explore. You are in a new place! Take you camera.
If you are with other people find out who runs and have a group run. We ran the morning of Rowley’s wedding with his family, even his 74 year old dad!
In case of rain and no gym be creative. One morning at Lake George during a run it began a hard rain with lighting. I found a shopping plaza which I ran circles around. After so many laps I stopped to do push ups and sit ups. I then jumped up the stairs. I repeated this getting faster each time. It was fun!
Try a new sport. Canoeing, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, skiing, whatever is in the area.
Keep things in perspective. Most of us do not bring home a pay check from working out or racing. Just letting go for a week to spend time with love ones is really okay. You can always do your 100 mile bike ride the day before you leave!
The trip to Vermont was beautiful!!!! I am glad I decided to go. I realized the people I love are worth the change in my schedule. And the places I saw will be in my memory for a lifetime.