1. Research the area you will be traveling to ahead of time.
My plan - I used Google maps to survey the area where our hotel was located, noting that it was about 2 miles away from the touristy spots that I knew we would be visiting. I knew that, if nothing else, our day in Boston would involve a lot of walking. After that, it would be in my friend's capable hands.
What happened - We did A TON of walking in Boston, thanks to my map checking.
2. Carefully plan out your travel schedule and make note of any gaps in your itinerary that can be filled with an exercise routine.
My plan - We didn't have much of an itinerary which was
What happened - Unfortunately, I didn't account for the heat wave that crushed all of New England while we were there so my early morning runs just didn't happen. I did get a chance to run 4 miles with a friend on Friday, 3.1 miles to the beach on Sunday, and on Monday, my friend and I went to the local YMCA where I ran 4 miles and did strength and core stuff.
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| My friend, Marianne, met me at my hotel on Friday morning and we ran a couple of loops around Castle Island. It was super hot and humid but we made it through. Thanks Marianne! |
3. Pack equipment and information that will help you construct an exercise routine while on vacation.
My plan - I absolutely refused to check bags so we didn't have much room for bringing anything. Luckily, being a runner, all I needed were my Brooks Ravennas, my trusty Garmin, and some workout clothes. I was ALL SET!
What happened - I had EXACTLY what I needed! Yay me :)
4. Discuss your workout plans with a traveling partner.
My plan - My hubby knows me well enough by now to know that I'd be working out on vacation. No discussion needed.
What happened - As far as I know, he wasn't surprised by anything. Well, except for when he woke up on Monday morning, and I wasn't sleeping beside him anymore since my friend and I went to the gym earlier than expected.
5. Pair an exercise routine with healthy eating while on vacation.
My plan - My friend had just completed a 21 day (plus some) sugar detox so I intended to try to stay away from alcohol and sweets along with her. She is also a member of my 70 Summer Days to a Slimmer You Challenge so I figured we would keep each other in check.
What happened - Well.....it could have been a lot worse but the weekend did involve some alcohol and a few sweets. I really felt like I balanced it out well though - every indulgence was met with a calorie burn (i.e. dancing to Those Guys after dinner and drinks).
6. Be creative and think about different ways to exercise at your hotel.
My plan - Since we were just at a hotel for one night, I didn't need to worry about this one too much, but I did plan on doing my ab challenge and squat challenge reps as a supplement to my running.
What happened - Both July 4th and 8th were "days off" for the challenges but on the other days, I actually remembered to do them. Well, every day but today (but I promise I'll do them before bed)....
7. Choose sightseeing and tourist activities which require aerobic activity.
My plan - I planned to walk, walk, walk while on vacation.
What happened - Accordingly to my FitBit, Friday was 8.42 miles. On Saturday, I left my FitBit at my friend's house to charge while we went to a 4th of July celebration at her aunt (FYI: this word is not pronounced like the insect, "ant") and uncle's house, but we did leave the picnic to walk back and forth to 5pm Mass at St. Thomas More, so I know that was at least 2 miles of walking on top of everything else I was doing that day. On Sunday, I totaled 6.82 miles, and Monday was 6.71 miles.
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| With two of my kids and two of my friend's kids on a walking tour of the mansions in Newport. |
All in all, I will call this vacation a success! I felt like I was able to let loose a bit without going hog wild. Balance is key and I feel like I succeeded in finding that. *pats self on back*
So, what is YOUR plan for vacation this year?
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