Before I started running marathons, packing up for a trip seemed a lot less complicated. I checked the weather forecast for the destination, packed up the kids, we loaded the car and we were off. Since training has become a bigger part of our lives, there is a whole new dimension to trip planning and packing. We are leaving to visit family in two different cities, so we are gearing up for the long road trip.

Since Mike is training for Iron Man Florida and I’ve got two races coming up on my schedule, we will have to fit some workouts in while we are gone. You know you are passionate about a sport when you are going on vacation and you think more about the workouts than you do about the rest of the trip. I’ve been thinking about where I can do my hill workout, when I’ll do my long run, and how I could fit in a swim. The gym I belong to just built a fancy new location in the second city we are visiting, so I’ll try to juggle my schedule so that my strength training can be done there. The thing I’m most excited about is that we are taking our bikes with us for the first time on a trip. I need to spend some time on Map My Ride to find some suitable bike routes.

All of this activity not only requires an extra level of planning, but also a lot more packing. Workout clothes, water bottles, fuel belts, Gatorade, Gu, goggles, running shoes, hats, and helmets all have to be gathered up and packed into the car. Of course, all of those sweaty, wet clothes will have to be packed back up so I better throw in some plastic bags so they don’t stink up the rest of my clothes. While I’m excited about bringing my bike, I am a little worried about it getting rained on. I’ll put a baggie over the seat, but with rain in the forecast for the first day when we are driving many hours, I’m sure it’s going to get wet. Better pack some towels and chain cleaner/lubricant!

Maybe it sounds selfish to be taking time to workout while visiting others. I try to fit most of my workouts in during the early morning hours while everyone else is sleeping or busy doing their own thing. I’ve come to accept that it’s just something that I need to do for myself and I’m not going to feel guilty. If I can have my hour or two to myself then I’m more relaxed about what happens the rest of the day. Just because I’m visiting others doesn’t mean that I can’t take time for myself. Right? Does it sound like I’m still trying to convince myself?