Vacation (and Time!), All I Ever Wanted
December 15, 2011 by Kristen
Credit: Kristen Seymour
A hundred years ago, just before my husband and I went on our honeymoon in the Bahamas, I had an interesting chat with my friend and trainer, Fitz. She was giving me workouts to do while I was away, and I was questioning how I was going to fit the long runs in between piña coladas. At that point, she gave me possibly the best vacation advice ever:
“You’re on vacation. You have all the time in the world. The days you miss workouts are the days that life gets out of control—you stay late at work, you have to get home to let out the dog, you’ve made plans to meet a friend for drinks. On vacation, you get to make your schedule, so why not build a schedule around your workouts now that you truly have time?”
So, I’m currently on vacation—on a cruise ship, actually—and I know everyone worries about weight gain when faced with round-the-clock all-you-can-eat buffets and room service and midnight dessert tables, but you know what? I will create my schedule around my workouts. I have several long-ish runs planned, which I’ll probably do on the treadmill overlooking the ocean, but maybe I’ll do a few laps around the ship, or even bring my running shoes with me to the beach for a refreshing jog after some snorkeling. And I know me—when I keep my workouts on track, it’s easier to keep my eating habits under control. I don’t want to ruin all my hard work!
Besides, if you think about it, bountiful buffets don’t have to be an enemy—I love snacking on fresh fruit and crunchy veggies, so whenever I find myself wandering into the food area, I’ll just make a point to fill most of my plate with healthful options…while leaving a bit of room for a treat or two, of course.
If I promise to have a poolside margarita for you, will you tell me how you approach vacations? Do you see it as a time to let loose or as an opportunity to make every workout count? —Kristen
Last cruise I was on, I, too, worked my workouts into my schedule. I also ate whatever I wanted -grabbing a little petifour while walking by the display, eating every course at the meals. And I lost 2# in the 10 days that were gone. (more than I was normally losing at home).
I attribute it to the higher level of activity I had -walking old village through Europe. But I also think the full-on ability to rest and relax helped. And maybe -just maybe- my body was craving a few more calories than I was giving it.
Enjoy the time.
Kristen, my love, you made my heart grow three times too big today. It makes me so happy when advice I give actually sticks with the recipient and makes a difference. Especially when that recipient is someone I adore. Thanks for being the uber-fit rock start that you’ve become. You make me proud with every extra step you take. Fitz!
I 100% agree with you! Vacations are a time to make sure you get your sweat on. I’m on an elliptical in Sicily right now working up an appetite for a 3 hour dinner & gelato combination. Yesterday I ran hills for an hour in a quaint and historic little town. I got a lot of “shes crazy” stares, but who cares? I felt better afterward. Packing resistance bands is another must for travel. They take up. O room at all & make you get creative. Keep up the fit bottomed vacation!
I LOVE going on vacation – A time to relax and get multiple opportunities to fit in physical activity – walking, workouts, swimming, it all adds up to great fun and better fitness!