Before I started running marathons, packing up for a trip seemed a lot less complicated. I checked the weather forecast for the destination, packed up the kids, we loaded the car and we were off. Since training has become a bigger part of our lives, there is a whole new dimension to trip planning and packing. We are leaving to visit family in two different cities, so we are gearing up for the long road trip.
Since Mike is training for Iron Man Florida and I've got two races coming up on my schedule, we will have to fit some workouts in while we are gone. You know you are passionate about a sport when you are going on vacation and you think more about the workouts than you do about the rest of the trip. I've been thinking about where I can do my hill workout, when I'll do my long run, and how I could fit in a swim. The gym I belong to just built a fancy new location in the second city we are visiting, so I'll try to juggle my schedule so that my strength training can be done there. The thing I'm most excited about is that we are taking our bikes with us for the first time on a trip. I need to spend some time on Map My Ride to find some suitable bike routes.
All of this activity not only requires an extra level of planning, but also a lot more packing. Workout clothes, water bottles, fuel belts, Gatorade, Gu, goggles, running shoes, hats, and helmets all have to be gathered up and packed into the car. Of course, all of those sweaty, wet clothes will have to be packed back up so I better throw in some plastic bags so they don't stink up the rest of my clothes. While I'm excited about bringing my bike, I am a little worried about it getting rained on. I'll put a baggie over the seat, but with rain in the forecast for the first day when we are driving many hours, I'm sure it's going to get wet. Better pack some towels and chain cleaner/lubricant!
Maybe it sounds selfish to be taking time to workout while visiting others. I try to fit most of my workouts in during the early morning hours while everyone else is sleeping or busy doing their own thing. I've come to accept that it's just something that I need to do for myself and I'm not going to feel guilty. If I can have my hour or two to myself then I'm more relaxed about what happens the rest of the day. Just because I'm visiting others doesn't mean that I can't take time for myself. Right? Does it sound like I'm still trying to convince myself?
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9 comments:
It's your vacation! It's easy to lose training during a vacation. I admire your planning! Have fun!!
Good for you!
I always have great intentions, but rarely get in more than a run or two (usually with the person I'm visiting).
And that's the big thing - being active and living a healthy lifestyle -even on vacation- is something we could all use to see more of.
Happy packing!
Have a great vacation... I think you did a great job convincing yourself to have a workout. I know when I workout, it is better for those around me so I do it so they are happier...
I do the same thing, get out early in the morning so as not to disrupt the rest of the day. Don't feel guilty, feel good about getting the workout in.
Definitely don't feel bad about training while you're there. You're already taking time to visit these people. (The way I worded that makes it sound a lot more chore/burden-like that I actually mean, but you get the idea.) Usually when I feel bad training is when people are in town visiting me.
i know what you mean about looking for places to run/ride while away, glad you're still making time for yourself, it's so important. Safe travels and enjoy!
you are absolutely right that it is okay to do stuff for yourself while on vacation with others... Sometimes it is hard to do, and sometimes well meaning friends will exert some pressure. But, it is okay for you to do this.
I say this to you, because I'm trying to convince/remind myself that it okay to do this too. I'm supposed to go on a golf weekend with a bunch of friends (non runners) and I have to get a very long run in while I'm there.
I'm glad you posted what you did to help remind me that it is okay to be out there running while others may be sleeping in, drinking mojitos or eating chips.
It is funny how your luggage seems to double in size once you become a runner and start training for races. I have experienced this as well!
Hope you are having a fantastic trip, Beth! Enjoy!
I just went on a short trip and remembered all my running stuff, but didn't pack shirts for my oldest. Oops!!
I think it is great to have a work out break on vacation. People usually understand if I am training for a formal event.
Good luck to hubby with the training!
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