You're on vacation ... That doesn't mean your training gets put on hold.

In March, I had the chance to travel south with the WNE Softball team to their spring training in Clermont, FL. Despite the much needed warm and sunny weather and the immediate switch in the brain to vacation mode, I knew there still was work to be done. Some of you may know I have a Half Ironman coming up the first weekend of May. A trip to Florida took me away from logging miles in the pool and on the bike, but I'll be honest I was looking forward to the change of pace. I would be willing to bet that when many of you vacation your workout routine gets a little lax too. Rest and relaxation are important components of our training programs! However, when on vacation don't throw all that hard work out the window by taking the week off completely. 

With April vacation just around the corner I've provided you with a few workout tips and ideas that you can take with you.

1. Pack your travel friendly TRX!

Yes! Take your TRX away with you. Vacation is the perfect time to break up the monotony of training. Take your workouts outdoors! Hang your TRX to the local playground system, palm tree, or hotel room door. You may not have one of the CPC coaches telling you what to do, but having the freedom to execute your own workout at your desired pace will be a welcomed change for a week. I was able to turn the playground behind one the practice softball field into my own personal gym. I got a few stares from the team but I got a kick ass workout in while they practiced. And the CPC coaches are here for you if you want a little guidance to take with you. 


2. Change things up!
Taking your vacation to the beach? Rent a paddle board or a kayak. Heading to the mountains? Go for a hike. Regardless of where you go there is something to do to get you out and moving. Do a quick web search and find local walking & hiking trails. While in Florida I stumbled upon a series of biking & walking trails surrounding the softball complexes the team was playing at. The website railtotrail.com is a great resource and you can find you almost any trail system in the US. They also have a free app to download for quick check when out on the trail! The South Lake trail in Minneola took me to the local lake's waterfront and beach front properties keeping me entertained during my 10 mile run.

3. Volume Down, Intensity Up.

You are on vacation after all, so bring the time spent working out down, BUT you still want to get a quality workout in. The intensity you work at has to be high. That means: your heart rate has to creep into that "unpleasant" range for awhile after a quality warm up. For example get a quick, but intense, 20min TRX or body weight workout in and then hit the beach or the pool with the family. This is the workout I created for my playground workout. Keep in mind I needed to get some miles in this day too so modify as you see fit!



4. Rest & Recovery
As important as keeping up with your workout routine is, rest and recovery is just as important! Don't take this too literally, but a day off is just as good for the body as it is for the mind. Kick back and enjoy a day of sleeping in and laziness. If you get a chance treat yourself to a massage, some time in the hot tub, and of course a tasty adult beverage or two.