Can you enjoy the holidays? - 2024
The hard part of the holidays for motivated athletes is not just your drunk uncle; it's also the loss of your comfortable/repeatable exercise routine.
Many of us will have trips and family obligations for the next few weeks, and it's easy for highly motivated athletes to get stressed out at this time of year. It's OK. Take a breath!
Tone down your OCD and take a load off for a little while. While you may not be able to hammer out all of your typical training, you'll be able to stay active and fit in some good workouts.
Running is the easiest exercise to manage on the road. While your hotel may have a treadmill, it's almost 100% that whatever town or city you find yourself in has dedicated running paths, trail systems, or other popular runner destinations. Get out there first thing in the morning and do some exploring. You can even link up with some local running groups or find yourself at an evening brewery/pub run.
AllTrails - hiking and offroad trails (primarily)
Traillink - greenway type trails
RoadRunners Clubs (teams) - list of certified RRCA groups
Running in the USA club list - list of certified and non-certified RRCA clubs
USA Brewery list - Dig down for run clubs
Strength and yoga are also easy to manage on the road. Most hotels have a basic gym. You can pay a daily fee at plenty of city gyms to get into if you need heavier weights. And Youtube is rife with quality HIIT workouts, Yoga instructors, and bodyweight strength routines. If you're driving you can always throw a couple of dumbbells in the trunk, and you can pack TRX type straps into your luggage for flights.
While swimming on travel is a bit more difficult, you've got options. Most USA Masters swim teams will let anyone try out/drop in a few times before making you join US Masters. There are a lot of teams around. And if you prefer to swim alone, plenty of pools have a daily fee so you can get your laps in.
US Masters swim clubs
Places2Swim
Now, cycling while traveling is a different animal. If you're driving to your location you can certainly make it work, and use the greenway guide above to find safe and traffic free locations. Flying with your bike takes more dedication to the sport. But if you really want to ride and prefer to keep it simple, you still have options. Maybe your family/friend has a bike trainer at their house? Or find any gym that can do a day or week pass that has spin bikes / classes available and knock it out. Another option is to rent a bike and get outdoors.
RentABikeNow - rentals in USA and a few others
Cycling Clubs in the USA - official cycling clubs w group rides
Personally, if I'm driving somewhere AND I know I'll have the option to hit a nice trail or safe road AND it's not going to take half a day AND not bother my family, I'll do it. Otherwise, I'm sticking with running, strength, yoga, and maybe a swim.
The holidays are a time to enjoy with your family and friends. Embrace your inner child and have some fun. Exercise is good for you, but don't let your need to "stick to the plan" drive you and your family crazy. See some sights - have some adventures - step back from being that guy or gal for a few days and be present for the holidays.
See you in the New Year!
Marty Gaal, CSCS, is a USA Triathlon coach who lives in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Marty has been coaching endurance athletes since 2002. You can read more about OSB coaching services at www.osbmultisport.com.