I’ve been a road warrior for the past 7 years ( ) years.  Some time at home, some time abroad, lots of projects usually based somewhere I don’t live.  My travel schedule has been intense since the end of the summer.  I get to spend weekends at home but that’s about all.  Staying with a healthy diet and exercise pattern has been a real challenge.  About 4 years ago I realized that I was at least 20 pounds overweight.  Thanks to a certain fitness instructor in Lake Mary Florida, I changed my workout program, eating habits, lost the weight, and took control over my life.  With MTM, I’ve found an incredible support group to maintain the lifestyle.

With the holidays approaching, I’m sure that lots of us will be traveling for work, family obligations, or for fun.  It would be nice to have a forum where we can share what works, what doesn’t work, challenges, and solutions.  Deb had a great posting on her journal about writing out her plans to exercise while attending a wedding. 

Here’s my list - any comments or contributions are very welcome. 

What works:

Appetizers and Salads (dressing on the side) - I get to sample lots of really good food in small portions
Make an appointment with myself for workouts - they are right on my calendar next to client meetings. 
If I have to go to a team dinner (see what doesn’t work) make sure it’s at least a mile walk from the hotel.
Walk to Terminal E in the Atlanta Airport

What doesn’t work;

Team Dinners - I really love the people on the project, but there is way too much food consumed
Fast foot lunch - no explanation required
Flight delays coupled with airport restaurants

Paula

Hi Paula

I think when you are travelling, adaptability is the key.  Workouts can be done anywhere.  I always pack my running gear, I always check the local map for a park or lake or river or whatever and have found some amazing places to run that I never would have seen if I hadn’t gone out there.  I also carry a very thin, cut down yoga mat - in fact this is my first thought when walking into a new hotel room… ‘can I roll out the mat?’ There are some great yoga podcasts so these days I can carry 10-20 different yoga workouts on my computer.  If there is a gym where I’m going, great.  If there isn’t, well, I climb every stair I can and do some push-ups.  That’ll get me by until the next place.

But above all, I don’t let the travelling stop me working out!  Once you’ve done it a few times the thought of running in an unfamiliar area or working out in a strange gym ceases to be scary.  A gym is a gym is a gym no matter where in the world it is and the people inside all have roughly the same goals!

As for food, well for me that’s a little harder.  If I have cooking facilities I use them.  I travel with a sharp knife, a bowl and a small chopping board - oh, and tupperware.  There is always a fridge somewhere.  And if I don’t have cooking facilities I eat lots of salad, cold chicken and baked (microwaved) potatoes.  If I have to eat out then, as Scott says, “Think.  Think Again.  Order.”

It sounds like you’ve got things pretty well worked out with your own system.  I’m lucky that I don’t have to eat out with clients, so don’t have that particular pitfall.  If I ever do eat out I try to make it sushi!

Anyone else got any ideas?

gecko