Scott (my husband of 25 years) has agreed to help me blog from time to time and I talked him into yet another one today:).
 

At Heart Castle last month on family vacation

As an airline pilot, Scott travels for work most weeks. He has still managed to stay consistent with his workouts even with his crazy schedule and I have to admit, I don’t think I could make that work like he does. Strange cities, new hotels and sometimes major time changes (he frequently flies over seas) all make for a VERY challenging routine even without worrying about fitness!

Jen: So, you’ve been doing the whole “working out on the road” thing for several years now. What do you find to be the most challenging part?

Scott: Motivation and distraction! When I’ve just flown over the ocean I am tired. The last thing I want to do is workout. And I’m usually in a fun city with a lot of things to see and do so that’s the distraction part. I typically have 24 hours and that includes sleeping and eating so I usually only have about 6 hours to do what I want. Tough to choose working out over running around London or Paris and sight-seeing.

Jen: What’s your favorite part about working out on the road?

Scott: The unique experiences. Some of my favorite runs have been in great cities. Once, I was looking for things to do in London before I left home and found the BUPA 10K was happening in Kensington while I was there. I was too late to officially register but they let me run after the initial runners were all off and I had a great time. Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park is a great place to swim and I found out about that from a fellow pilot.

Scott wanted me to tell you guys that’s him. It’s NOT.

Jen: Wouldn’t it be easier to just work out in the hotel gym?

Scott: Absolutely! But if motivation is an issue, being creative and going off the beaten path can enable me to work out and get a real feel for the local fitness culture. In Brazil recently I came across a bunch of guys doing a cross-fit style workout on the beach. I didn’t join them, but it was awesome!

Jen: So what would be your top 3 bits of advice for those who travel frequently for work and want to stay consistent with their fitness routine?

Scott: 1. Plan ahead. The internet is filled with great resources on pools, local races and running clubs and great running and hiking trails. Also, ask friends and co-workers. When I get there and I’m tired, I need to be clear on what I’m doing ahead of time or it won’t happen. 2. Get creative. Recently I’ve been experimenting with the 10 Minute Workout and it’s really a quick way to work all my major muscle groups. Add a 30 – 45 min walk to explore the town I’m in and I’m done! 3. Get it done early. If I’m going to meet the rest of the crew to go sight seeing and out to dinner, I know I won’t workout out when we get back (no matter how motivated I think I am). As soon as I get to the hotel, I try to take a 20 min power nap and then immediately workout.

Jen: Any other words of wisdom?

Scott: The more unique and once in a lifetime something feels the more likely I am to do it. Who knows how long I’ll be able to take in a morning jog in Hyde Park or run an internationally known race? All cities, domestic or international, have these kinds of opportunities. Taking advantage of them definitely helps me deal with the rigors of life on the road and the time spent away from my kids.

Jen: And your beautiful wife, right?

Scott: Oh yeah, her too.

Jen: funny. Thanks, Honey! You were actually very well behaved today.

Scott: OK.

So how about you? Any tips or tricks for working out on the road? Please comment and thanks for reading! Oh, and as always, Happy Running!

Jen