Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ~Henry Miller
Traveling throws everything in turmoil. Usually a positive turmoil - there are new experiences and events, and routines get shaken up. In the shakeup, some things fall to the wayside. So while we were in San Francisco for Kristina & Jon's gorgeous wedding, we didn't get a chance to blog. Sorry - we missed you (but it was a great time)!
One routine we always stick to while traveling is exercise. Everything else is changing, so it's important to stay consistent with your workout. You probably aren't eating as healthily as you usually do when you travel (though you are still being mindful, of course), so stay on top of your exercise! Continue your regular exercise - runing, walking, yoga, gym... It takes a little planning, but it's worth it. Your body will benefit from its routine exercise in a different environment. It's like walking your dog in a new place. The dog's still walking, but it goes nuts for the new sights and smells!
Exercise provides some of our most treasured travel memories. As morning runners, we get to see locals doing their thing before work, and we get a lay of the land that impresses people (even with a bad sense of direction). Running in San Francisco was an amazing treat - Golden Gate Park is beautiful, with delicious smells and different foliage then we're used to, and then it empties into the ocean. You see things that you would never see in a car, at a slower pace. If you don't run, then walk or go to the gym. One of our Utah highlights this year (besides snowboarding) was a local yoga class. Even "bad" exercise provides great memories - like being the lone runner in the heat of Bangalore, India while locals gawked.
What to do - Exercise while Traveling
- Plan ahead for facilities. Do a little research before hand - are there some scenic hikes, runs or races that you want to fit in? Is there a gym or pool at your hotel? Does your gym have a location at your destination? Any cool exercise classes in the area? Get online and do some research. If you are looking for running or walking trails, check out the Runner's World training log and search running routes in your location. Active can also be a good resource for local events.
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Schedule it in. Take a look at your itinerary and figure out when you can workout. Things can get hectic so plan beforehand. It's easier to stick to exercise when you have a plan.
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Leverage local resources. Ask the front desk/concierge at your hotel about routes and facilities, or your friends.
MindfulEats Top 5 Running Locations
As we said earlier, running provides some of our best, most tangible memories of our travels. Here are our Top 5:
- Sydney, Australia - Botanical Gardens with sweeping view of the harbour. Wow.
- Norwich, VT - beautiful trails with constant mountain views and changing terrain.
- Vancouver, CA - Stanley Park. Trails and water.
- San Francisco - Golden Gate Park, Embarcadero, Presidio, City... this city's built for running (though the hills can be a challenge)
- Hanoi, Vietnam - the early morning bustle is quieter, but it's still a bustle. Locals are out doing exercise and preparing for the day. The Lake is a reprieve.
What I ate: 1/2 mango, 4 strawberries, 10 veggie dumplings, handpulled noodles, greens, 1 banana, 1 latte, 45 oz. water
Exercise: Ran 45 minutes (Golden Gate!)
