Need to Plan Ahead - OS and Traveling for Work
So this is my first OS, and I have no idea what to expect as things progress. In January, I will be out of town for a month for work training in D.C. Obviously, I'll be away from my pain cave, and while the hotel I'm being put in will be lovely I'm sure, I already know it won't compare. I'm looking for opinions as to whether or not I can get away with using the hotel equipment for a month to complete the weekly workouts- specifically the likely stationary bike in the "workout room." Or should I look into driving my bike, my trainer, and me to D.C.? Thoughts/solutions would be greatly appreciated!
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if you could bring your trainer that would be great. Assuming that is not an option, you can make do while traveling for work. Lots of us travel all the time. Stationary bikes in hotel gyms are the bottom of the barrel of cycling for sure but you can get an awesome amount of work done if you decide to. Finding spin would be easier. Not ideal but then what is?
When I travel I tend to run a lot and swim whenever I can. I will often add a second run in, Do the run workout in the am and then a second easy 30 minutes in the evening. On days where there is biking I run instead. Ironically I often have more time to train on the road than when I am at home.
It is completely possible to do the workouts on hotel equipment, in fact I trained for my first ironman spending a least 4 nights a week in hotels for the entire season.
As long as the hotel has a working treadmill and bike you can bring a HR montitor with you and follow the EN plan. No, it's not ideal but it will work and this far out from your race it is not a big deal if you are not on your bike.
That said, If you are going to be in the hotel for the entire time and it is feasible to bring the bike and trainer with, I would do it. I much prefer being on my bike than the ones in a gym.
There are a bunch of posts over in the 3.0 forums were we have discussed this topic if you would like to look into more about who others have found pools or other tips for working out while traveling.
another idea is to check out the DC bike shops. I bet if you called around, you could get set up with a bike/trainer rental. Some might even have indoor classes on weekends. Might cost a rental fee but when traveling I've usually been able to get my hands on a bike that way.
Hey, I'm in DC! No worries, we can definitely figure this one out for you - a month is a long time to be away from your bike.
Do you know where you're staying? There's a good bike shop in Georgetown called CycleLife. There are also a couple of shops called Conte's - one in Arlington, VA and one in Bethesda, MD. They have Computrainer rooms and I'm sure they do bike rentals too. There's a bike shop downtown called The Bike Rack - I'm not sure if they do rentals but they're super nice and tri-friendly. Finally, I can hook you up with the DC Tri Club. Being that it's the dead of winter I'm sure someone would be willing to rent/lend you a spare bike and/or trainer.
Is there a way to PM people on this new forum? If not, respond with your e-mail and we'll connect.
Just noticed this thread. I'm a DC folk.
All good bike shops above. Really like Conte's. Cycle Life will absolutely hook you up- they are a bike valet. They do it all. Pricey but that's how they do. I have an extra trainer, my gf's extra bike is available (pm me with your size if interested, not sure what her bike size is) and we're still riding outside through Xmas probably if you want to come out and ride in the hills west of DC, about an hour west on route 66.
In the past all of this has resulted in 0% training while I am traveling. I have committed to not letting that happen this time. I have found that being part of Team EN has given me that extra drive. Thanks all!
BTW, here is the link Matt referred to: http://www.endurancenation.us/en_forums/showthread.php?t=5477. Definitely some good info here. I particular like the recommendation to "quit your job!".
Good luck to everyone who has to be on the road during the OS and holiday season. It is great to have this virtual family that understands what we are all going through.
Pete
I used Cycle Life this summer when we traveled to DC. We were only there for a few days, but needed a place to "park" our bikes rather than the already crowded hotel room. They were very friendly and extremely accomodating. I even joined them for a killer ride one morning a) it kicked my ass and b) I grew up the area and got to see a lot of stuff I had never seen in a car or even on foot! It looked like they had a good set up with spin bikes, etc. too so I am sure you could get in on some good classes if nothing else. What I wanted specifically was not on the "menu", but they worked with me and charged me what I thought was a fair price. Worth giving them a call IMHO.
Robin