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Work Travel Close To Ironman Race Day

jmoss70jmoss70
in General Training Discussions

I have to go on a short trip from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis Thurs AM to Friday PM this week.  That's 9 days before IMCDA.  It's a short one-nighter but I will be shaking hands and making contact with lots of people.  Unfortunately, it's a work requirement and unless I can stage a catastrophic event, I have to go.  I'm not worried about the workouts since it's the taper and I'll only miss a Swim & Run.  Stuff that worries me is getting sick, stress of travel, losing sleep and travel shenanigans and other stuff out of my control.

In all seriousness, any tips on staying healthy?  Anyone else in the same boat and have to travel close to the race?

 

 

 

Comments

  • sleighcastlesleighcastle
    Shake hands minimally, wash them often, don't touch your face. Best of luck...
  • sleighcastlesleighcastle

    Oh, and I'm not in the same boat travel-wise, but I've got a 30 hr shift Sunday-monday at a Children's hospital, so as far as the germs and sleep deprivation I'm in your camp.

  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Lots of hand sanitizer, rest on plane, fluids, don't get stiff, etc.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I read recently that one of the most contaminated surfaces on an airplane is the tray in front of your seat. Be sure to wipe it down with a sanitizing towel. Other than that, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
  • Matt SamojedenMatt Samojeden
    2 X on the wash hands / sanitize theme above. Also compression tights for the plane trip are recommended. Also all the sitting tightens the hip flexors and multiple leg and core muscles. Take 10 min to stretch these out each day.
  • Chris GChris G
    Just don't get sick. Most people I know that are worried about getting sick are always getting sick. I spend tons of time on planes (average 4 flights a week) trains, hotels, rental cars etc. and never really get sick. I just refuse to do so. Also have 2 small kids in the house. If I were to listen to the people who are always worried about being sick I would be dead. While I certainly wash my hands I certainly do not cleanse everything I touch and carry hand sanitized at all times. Ever see what about bob?
  • jelmermdjelmermd

     From a life's philosophy point of view I have to agree with Chris G.  Attitude is everything.

    From an M.D. point of view, i'd still use hand sanitizer.

  • jmoss70jmoss70

    The truth is, I rarely get sick (knock on wood) and most of the time if I feel like I'm getting sick I talk myself out of it.  I'm also one of the most disciplined sleepers I know.  Most nights during training and esp. taper lights out at 9:45...for sure by 10:00.  I'm pretty convinced that if you want to avoid getting sick you need to be up on sleep, good food and wash your hands.  

     

  • Chris GChris G
    Posted By Jim Moss on 14 Jun 2011 10:34 AM

    The truth is, I rarely get sick (knock on wood) and most of the time if I feel like I'm getting sick I talk myself out of it.  I'm also one of the most disciplined sleepers I know.  Most nights during training and esp. taper lights out at 9:45...for sure by 10:00.  I'm pretty convinced that if you want to avoid getting sick you need to be up on sleep, good food and wash your hands.  

     

    Also, whenever you think you might be getting sick it is important to make a big stiff pitcher of margaritas.  Tequilla can kill anything.  YMMV.  Never tried the go to bed early and eat right thing, that might be effective also...

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    I don't know if your business trips tend to be like mine (which are very rare thankfully), but another trick I've used to avoid the after-hour silliness is to tell folks I am recovering from a little bug (OK- it's a white lie, you are recovering after all!). That keeps them from getting too touchy and also gives you the excuse you need to go back to your room after dinner vs heading to the bar (unless you want to try Chris G's method of sanitization!)
  • Steven FordSteven Ford
    Posted By Chris G on 15 Jun 2011 08:56 AM

    Also, whenever you think you might be getting sick it is important to make a big stiff pitcher of margaritas.  Tequilla can kill anything.  YMMV.  Never tried the go to bed early and eat right thing, that might be effective also...

     

    If they use alcohol to kill germs on the outside of the skin then wouldn't it make perfect sense to use it  to kill them inside your body? I use Chris G's approach all the time.

     





     

  • jmoss70jmoss70
    @ Nemo - Love the white lie idea. That's smart.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    Yup, tequila and Purell solve all problems...
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