So my job has me on the road quiet often, and it is always a struggle to keep that consistency.
Next week, an event I direct is leaving for an 8 day cycling journey to Key West from B’more. Its a group of 26 cyclists, and unfortunately I am not able to participate bc it’s work. Also bc of limited space, I cannot bring my bike.
What are some things I can do, other than running, that will keep me moving forward in my training vs losing 8+ days of training opportunity.
Normally I would say whatever and run, but this year I’m taking racing a little more seriously and want to do everything I can to improve.
Find out the local gyms and get a guest pass. Just spent 4 days in Austin and got a 7 day guest pass for Lifetime gym. Also, the local YMCA lets you in for a few bucks a day.
What I do:
Use guest pass to swim and bike in whatever is available. Not the most optimal but better than nothing.
Strength train.
Find a local bike shop and rent a bike.
If a gym is impossible, I find a local park with equipment and use it to strength train. Lots of 1 leg squats, pistol squats and plyometrics to make up for the lack of bike.
I have found the elliptical to be a decent substitute for other forms of training, be it the run or the bike.
But your best answer is the one you didn’t want to hear - run.
Alternatively, you can use the week before you leave as a big load week and finish it really tired. Use the z8 days as a rest week and get in whatever workouts you can.
Certainly…running is the easiest way to maintain and even improve cardio fitness when on the road.
I always stay at hotels with at least a short pool, so I will do laps too.
For my schedule, I do not have time to find local gyms and passes etc, so I bring my TRX. It’s an absolutely awesome travel partner! Small and light, use anywhere, killer full body workout…/strength/range of motion/flexibility/muscle coordination…PERFECT for the road! And I scored a fully legit (well, not legit from a retail perspective, but the genuine article from the “back door” of the factory) TRX Force training set for $30USD. It’s worth it to me even to pay the full price…so in fairness to the TRX boys…I will buy a set at $200 next time I’m back in Canada. To my surprise, the Force kit comes with a very detailed, phased workout plan, that includes posters and DVDs of the movements. I also had a few introductory sessions with an experienced PT/Trainer to make sure I knew how to use it safely and effectively. Having another set of experienced eyes at the start helped me correct bad form before making it a habit and has really paid off for me.
Highly recommend TRX for the road and for the home…ditched my gym membership and just made incredible lean muscle gains and functional strength without having to listen to Skillx and fight for equipment with the smartphone workout crew. And the TRX fits in a small bag that is included in the kit…work out with a door, or go outside and find a tree or swing set and you are set.