Summer holidays… For me that phrase conjures up thoughts of ice cream, pizza, sunburn, lying on the beach and reading every book I can get my hands on. But that was before I got fit and also before I realised I was going on a week’s holiday only three weeks before my first ever Olympic distance triathlon.
It meant that I had a specific training plan to follow during the week but it also helped that my motivation levels were through the roof because I couldn’t wait to explore Nice in a different (and sweaty) way.
Here are my tips on keeping active on holiday to ensure you don’t fall too far off the training wagon:
1) Get up and out early
You’ll beat the worst of the heat but it also means that you then have the rest of the day to relax and explore with whoever you’re away with. Just remember to sneak out quietly if they’re having a lie in..
2) Fuel properly
Food can be tricky on holiday, especially if you don’t have a kitchen at the place where you’re staying. Keep an eye out for small shops or markets so you can pick up a banana on your way out to make sure your energy levels are there
3) Stay hydrated
If you’re somewhere hot then hydration is even more important, try and drink an extra litre on top of what you normally drink and use a rehydration tablet in water after your workout to help replenish lost electrolytes. This is especially important if you’ve been indulging in the local alcoholic tipple…
4) Think outside the box
If you’re used to training in a gym try some bodyweight circuits or tabata in the local park or on the beach. These will get your heart rate right up and still keep those muscles working even if you’re not pumping iron everyday. Have a look online or speak to a PT before you go to get some ideas of the kind of things you can do. If you’re really missing your weight-training then have a look around and see if there’s anything else you can use, for example rocks, food cans, logs etc.
5) Hook up with locals
Do some research before you go to see if there’s a local yoga class you can join or a running crew/club that welcome non-members. It’s always easier and more fun to workout with other people and you might discover a part of where you are that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise
How do you like to stay active on holiday?