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10 tips for staying fit while traveling

Writer's picture: Dylan BellesDylan Belles


Throughout my 20's I spent a lot of time traveling throughout the U.S. - mostly road trips to cool mountain towns or extended time to visit friends and family. I've been fortunate to work remotely my entire adult life and I've certainly taken advantage of some of the perks of it - one being able to work from anywhere (as long as I can get an internet connection!).


While I spent a lot of time in the car or a plane, I always kept to my training schedule....or at least I did my best!


I won't claim to be an expert on the subject, but I do have experience training while on the go, and I'd love to share what I've learned so that you can stay locked in, no matter where you are.



1. Embrace Imperfection:

 Understand that perfection might not be attainable while traveling. You're not going to have the comforts of your normal routine and you're going to have to go out of your way sometimes to get your days training in. There will also be days when you feel awful! Traveling will suck the energy out of you. Know that there's a high chance that you're not going to get all your training in or that your training won't go as smoothly or as fast as it would at home. This is totally normal. I recommend focusing more on effort and feel for the more intensive days than the actual speed. If you're unable to hit the speeds of your workout, you're not losing anything. Your fitness is still intact, I promise!


2. Adjust Accordingly:

 Be prepared to make adaptations to your week. This is when it's good to talk with your coach so that they can help you manage your training load while you're travelling. This may mean you need to scale back that week or adjust training based on the location/terrain you will have access to. There's nothing wrong with adapting your training for one week. One week of training off of the original script won't tear down the foundation you've already built.


3. Establish Intent:

If you go into your travel time with the intent that you are going to train, you're more likely to train. It's important to have a plan of action and make the decision of what you're going to do and how you're going to do it BEFORE you go. Try to avoid spur-of-the-moment decisions because you will be more likely to talk yourself out of it.


4. Plan Ahead:

This is a relay off the previous point. Know where you're going to run, how you're going to get there, what time you're going to run, etc. Travel training can become hopeless without a plan. And you don't want to be that person who ends up taking an entire week of training off because you lost track of your focus and goals.


5. Check Accommodations:

This is an easy one! If you're staying at a hotel, call ahead or look online to see if they have a treadmill. I know the treadmill can be a boring option for some, but if it's your only option, it's the best option!


6. Explore local running groups/options

In a place you've never been before? Call in or visit a local running store and talk to them about weekly running groups or locations to run. These people have the best knowledge on where to go or when you can meet up with other runners. I'd also recommend using onthegomap.com for easy mapping and route planning.


7. Prioritize Recovery:

As I've gotten smarter, I've done less running inside of an airport to squeeze in my run for the day. It probably wasn't worth it. It's a wise move to take the day following a long training day as a recovery day. Go for a walk and do some mobility work if you can. I'd also recommend not running before very early flights or very late flights. You're more likely to set yourself back than move yourself forward.


8. Stay Hydrated:

Simple but overlooked. Listen, I don't like to be that person who has to use the bathroom on the flight multiple times either, but you have to take care of your body's hydration level, it's one of the key factors that will help ensure you feel good for the following days. You don't want to dig yourself a hole


9. Fuel Your Body:

Again, simple stuff! Bring food with you if you can and avoid eating nothing but airplane snack mix all day.


10. Enjoy your travel:

Training is important, but so are the experiences you have while you're away. It's okay if your focus isn't 100% on training, but if you can keep somewhat of a rhythm, you'll be in much better shape when you return home.

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