Fitness on Vacation

Vacations are fabulous and much needed. However, sometimes we get into such a routine at home and in our day to day life that a vacation can put a complete halt to our fitness endeavors.

At the beginning of this month my family got in the car and drove to Denver. Have I mentioned I have two boys ages 2 & 4? I was so organized. I packed a cooler with healthy goodies. We stopped only for gas and at rest stops. We ate when we were hungry and again, with all the food in the car, there was no need to go through a drive through or pick up goodies at the convenient store. Well done. 

At rest stops I played tag with the kids and did pull-ups on a tree. I did a few yoga poses but that is rather challenging with kiddos jumping on my back. I don't do well sitting for two days. I made up for it when we arrived at our destination.

I am not going to beat myself up for doing close to nothing for two days, but there was no reason I couldn't get something in while I was in Denver. The first day I was there I ventured out on a run. I forgot about the altitude and dry air until I was slapped in the face with it about 15 minutes into the run. It ended up being one of those workouts that I didn't enjoy, I trudged through it, was so glad to be done and as always is the result, was so glad I did it.  The second day I was there I was brought up to Red Rocks Amplitheatre to run the bleachers and the stairs. At an even higher altitude (but prepared with water this time) I ran those devils for an hour. Killer. Felt hard but so much fun. I was very fatigued. A reason to take the next day off.

Back in the car the next day. For two more days of sitting and lets just call it recovery......that works right? Now the key here is to get back into your routine upon return. Once you have done that, your good. Fortunately for me I have track practice on Wednesday nights so I was forced to get out there and push it.

My biggest challenge on this trip was packing a cooler and meals as well for the ride home as I did for the trip out. I didn't do so well here. Our diet was horrible for those last two days and I paid for it. Upset tummy for a good couple of days. My boys had diarrhea and I am guessing it was from the food we ingested on those two days. Fortunately I won't forget that and plan better next time!

Use vacation time to do something different in your workouts. Red Rocks was fun because I don't do it everyday.