Training, Riding, Eating, On The Road

Travel and training don’t mix well. My last work trip lasted almost two weeks, and I didn’t keep up with my training. I didn’t like the results of that “break” either! So, I’m determined that this trip will not result in me falling down on the training schedule. Here are my thoughts on training while traveling...

TREAT THE TRIP LIKE A RACE
I recently made up a pre-race checklist, and this was a good opportunity to check the checklist. There is a lot to bring - helmet, shoes, gloves, heart rate monitor, clothes, “just in case” tools, etc. Use the list, because, finding bike supplies in a small town (like Houma) can quite a challenge, just like being in a remote mountain bike race location. If you need it, it’s best to already have it. For instance, I found that I don’t have chain lube on my list… and I need some.

HAVE HEALTHY SNACKS AT HAND
Being away from your social scene can cause boredom. Boredom can give rise to the munchies. Hotel vending machines can lead to junk-food snacking. Having good snacks available helps. This trip I brought along some healthy food. Here’s the scene in my hotel room “buffet”.



Oh, there is one sacred rule of the road. After work beers don’t count on the training diet when out of your area code!

ADD TRAINING VOLUME
There’s no better place to sleep than home. I’ve added some significant volume to my rides this week to enhance the fatigue. It’s helped me fall asleep faster, and sleep sounder than usual. The extra volume helps with the lunches too! I’m over my planned mileage for the week, and that includes skipping my ride to drive down here Monday. Maybe I should do this more often?

FIND A PLACE TO RIDE
As you drive to and fro around your new surroundings, look for suitable places to ride. Yesterday, I ended up riding a very long way down a busy 5-lane highway only to end up in a sketchy neighborhood. That did wonders for my pace! I could have kept up with a roadie! But, I didn’t feel safe.

BE SUPER NICE TO HOTEL STAFF
I’ve never had a desk clerk object to me bringing in my bike into my room, but I can see the potential for it. Being nice to the clerk can get you an outside hose hooked up - to rinse off your bike after an encounter with mud. It’s best not to leave tire tracks through the lobby leading up to your room door!

Like much of daily life, travel is only as big of an obstacle to training as you let it be. I keep reminding myself that training is not easy, and that’s what makes it meaningful. That said, I will be happy to be back in Houston!