Exercising seems to be so much harder when you are traveling.
This past week I was in Orlando for a conference with every other employee in my organization. There was about 4,000 of us in one hotel, attending sessions to hear from our leadership team and guest speakers. It doesn’t matter how early I woke up to hit the Starbucks in the lobby, there was about 3,000 other people who had the same idea.
While I was at the conference, I did manage to get 2 runs in – but they came with some challenges.
First off, I was tired. More tired than I usually am at home. I was constantly on the move, not eating well, and staying up late with co-workers I haven’t seen since the last conference. It was hard to muster the strength to leave the comforts of my room (free HBO, FTW) to hit up the fitness center, which was conveniently 10 floors down and through a labyrinth of hallways.
By the time I reached the gym, I had walked a quarter mile. Naturally, my room key didn’t work to open the door, and since it was midnight and there was no one around to help me, I had to walk an additional quarter mile to the lobby to get a new key. Perfect. All of this so I can enjoy the pleasures of running on a treadmill. Have I mentioned I hate treadmills? It seems almost impossible to set the right pace and the amount of decisions it takes just to get the belt moving is absurd. Height and weight I get, but birthplace and tax bracket? Is this really necessary?
I got through the run okay. After the workout comes the wonderful journey back to my hotel room. You know, the one where you’re drenched in sweat, freezing from the sub-zero AC they have blasting in the hallways, and wearing the most shameful of outfits – bright red VFF’s, bright red calf compression sleeves, short shorts and an oversized t-shirt I won in a raffle. Yeah, I was that guy.
For my second run, I just did it outside during the day. There’s only so much shame one man can handle.
What about you? How does exercising go for you when you travel? Any great tips to not falling off the wagon just because your out of town?
Lol. Maybe ease up on the red and you’ll be less conspicuous. Seriously though, in the middle of my husband’s marathon training this past summer he had to help move me from Wisconsin to Texas. He picked the perfect mid-point stop, St. Louis. As luck would have it, our hotel was exactly 1.5 miles away from the Arch. So for his 3 mile run that morning we were able to run to and around the Arch. It was the most exhilarating experience that as a runner and a person I will always cherish. Had we been stuck indoors that 3 miles would have sucked.
So my suggestion, scope out the surrounding area and find someplace with good scenery, unless the weather just does not allow outside running. Also, try to pack as much good food as you can. Remember it is all about balance, and to do the best you can with the situation you are presented. And just think, how not so long ago you would not even worried about the shame felt from the treadmill run because there would have been no treadmill run.
wise words sara. I often have to remind myself when i am feeling pain while running, “hey, two months ago I wasn’t running at all!” My second run that was outdoors was a lot better. Fortunately I was in Orlando and turns out January is the perfect time to visit FLA!! Thanks!
Help please, I have been running a while… i enjoy your encouragement. So I would like to run a marathon before I hit 50. I have run 1/2 and other 10-15ks. This Monday just went for a long run to see if I could. 10 was pretty easy in 103mins. Should i change my San Francisco Marathon 1/2 into a whole and just go for it? I have until July to train. I am pretty disciplined but I am scared. (Very unlike me). Also the runners high comes right before the puke! The trick is topush hard enough to get the thrill but not the mess.
sounds like you know way more about running than I ever will. My suggestion though is to incorporate walk breaks in to your runs. It is the only way that I have run what I have. Rear all about it at this site: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/
They have a marathon training program here, I say you go for that San Fran marathon…youve got plenty of time to train!! Good luck!