Travel for work interrupting training

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2009-09-09 3:27 PM


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Subject: Travel for work interrupting training
So, I'm scheduled for my first tri coming up on 9/27.  Just found out today that I have to be out of town for work all of next week, and then Wed-Fri of the following week.  Running won't be a problem while I'm gone, but I will not have my bike, and will not have access to a lap pool.  So, my question is, will I get much benefit these last few weeks before the race swimming in a small hotel pool (small meaning it takes about 3-4 strokes to get from one end to another), and riding on a stationary exercise bike?  I was confident about the race, but don't want the last few weeks to be wasted.  I'm sure others have faced this, or a similar, dilemma........any advice?

2009-09-09 3:53 PM
in reply to: #2397404

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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training

For the swim, try googling municipal pools in the area.  Depending on where you're at, there may be some type of an aquatic facility in the area.  If you belong to a gym, they may have a branch in the area as well.

The bike is a little tougher.  You can try and find a gym and pop in for a spin class or even ride the stationary bike at an interval level.  It's not the same, but better than nothing.

I frequently travel to Charlotte, NC, and when I do, I'll alternate between going to the county aquatic center for swims and running predetermined routes around the city.

I'll ride the day before I leave, and then ride the day after I get back. 



Edited by Pwood28 2009-09-09 3:54 PM
2009-09-09 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2397404

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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training

I travel a lot for work and have learned to book a hotel based on the size of the pool.  They are never big but some are much bigger than others and I feel like I can get a "decent" workout.  Is it possible for you to find a place to do an OWS this time of year?  Based on the number of people on this site, I wouldn't be surprised if you could find someone on here in the town you are travelling to that could offer some suggestions.   

I have yet to figure out what to do about the bike.  I usually just plan to run more when I'm on the road.  Most hotels that have workout rooms do have exercise bikes but I hate riding those even worse than running on a treadmill.

2009-09-09 4:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
Thanks for the suggestions.........I'll be traveling to Eastern Kentucky next week (Prestonsburg/Pikeville area), and then Baton Rouge, LA........if anyone is from those areas and has ideas on how to at least get a few swims in, I'd appreciate it! 
2009-09-09 6:04 PM
in reply to: #2397404

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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
my wife travels a lot, including the last 2 weeks as we are heading into a tri.  Her strength is the swim, so it's no big deal to just skip it while out of town.  She just hits the hotel gym and grinds it out on the treadmill and stationary bike.  Boring, but better than running in Manhattan at 8pm (so she tells me).  We're just in it for fun though, I'm sure it's not optimal and wouldn't work as well for the athlete who is aiming to place FOP.
2009-09-09 6:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
I friend of my told me he always tries to find a YMCA and community pool for the swim.  Here is the address and phone of a Y in Pikeville.  When I visit home in TN the YMCA lest me have a 3 day pass for free. 

424 Bob Amos Dr, Pikeville, KY‎ - (606) 433-9622‎

Looks like there are at least three Y's in Baton Rouge, or you could swim in the swamps.
Don't know about the bike.   Sorry for the ugly cut'n past, I'm lazy.

 

YMCA

 - www.ymcabatonrouge.org
8482 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge - (225) 766-2991
1 review, directions, and more »

YMCA

 - www.ypreschool.org
350 S Foster Dr, Baton Rouge
1 review, directions, and more »

 - www.ymcabatonrouge.org
8100 Ymca Plaza Dr, Baton Rouge - (225) 767-9622

2009-09-09 7:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
Cool, thanks for the posts..........points me in the right direction.
2009-09-09 7:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
You should post here where you're going.  There are people on this board that could probably help you out with exact training locations.
2009-09-09 7:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
Pikeville/Prestonsburg, KY one week, and then Baton Rouge, LA the next
2009-09-09 8:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
I would try going to a local university- LSU for example- while in Baton Rouge. They might let you swim for a nominal fee.  Otherwise, I might call the hotel and ask if there are local gyms in the area at which you can workout that might give a reduced fee because you are a hotel guest.

I feel your pain.  I travel a lot for work and it can be hard to fit it all in.  Good luck. And just think...you're supposed to taper soon anyway, right?



2009-09-09 8:46 PM
in reply to: #2397404

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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
swimmersguide.com will also give you info on pools in locals all over the world.  Have used it to find places to swim in Key West while on a cruise and in York Pa while there for work, as well as in Orlando while vacationing.

2009-09-09 11:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training

Good suggestions above, but also keep in mind that you're probably not going to gain (or lose) an awful lot of strength or fitness in the next two weeks.  Run, sta bike or swim (if you can find a pool) next week to keep your cardio up and stay loose, and plan for a fairly easy week before the race anyway--even if you can't swim next week at all, get in a light swim workout on the 25th or 26th to loosen up your swim muscles and you'll be fine. 

2009-09-10 3:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Travel for work interrupting training
I travel a fair deal for work (both international and domestic). If you know where you're going to stay (or if you book it yourself), give the hotel a call and ask them about their own fitness facilities or if they are offering discounted rates at facilities in the area. You'll be surprised how many hotels can arrange excellent faciltities for a very nominal fee.

If you're member in the local Y, try calling the Y in the town your visiting ask about their visitors rules. Quite often there's a membership exchange program, and all you need is the membership card from your Y (there might be a small fee as well).

If you are meeting someone local, why not ask them for suggestions.

As you pointed out, running is very often doable, although I've had time where not even that's an option... could be unsafe areas (try running in the industrial areas of Shanghai for example! unsafe is not even close to describing it...), long days and lack of daylight, etc.

Worst case scenario, develop a strength and flexibility program that you can do in your hotel room. You'll get something in even if you can't go running.

Most important is not to stress about it. Trust that your training has been good and use the travel weeks to recover (also try to think about your diet on the road, which can be a challenge, especially if you're entertaining as well)
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