Part of my job is traveling. As a consultant that usually means long days with very limited time to relax or exercise. When you’re training for a competition these trips can easily get you off track. Here are my tips to stop that from happening.
Recently I was in Washington, D.C. for a week and it was a classic work trip – start before 9am, meetings all day, client lunches and evening socials. No let up until after midnight.
1. Sleep Counts
In this scenario a good night’s sleep really makes a difference. I always try to fly in the night before so I’m not on a red-eye before a long workday and there is no disruption to my circadian rhythm. I find that extra time to adjust and get balanced before all the work begins sets me up for the whole trip.
2. Combine Activities
Once I’m at the hotel I don’t always have time to explore and fit in workouts so I combine them. In Washington I had some great runs around the city and saw the Washington Monument. Getting around a city on foot is also a great way to get a feel for a new place.
3. Be Mindful of Food
When you’re with clients and colleagues there is always something to eat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lots of snacks throughout the day. And usually it’s very rich and tempting! Those extra calories can really add up so it’s important to remain intentional about what you eat.
International trips can also require a bit of extra preparation. You might be used to having easy access to protein at all times of the day but abroad that might be a bit more scarce, or the delivery infrastructure might not be what you’re used to. Bringing your own snacks and some protein powder ensures you can stay on top of your nutrition.
