Happy New Year! My 2014 Running Goals

Happy New Year! Happy 2014!

Running Goals

• Do a full 6 week program of Kettleworx. I want to really take the time to do this, partly because I want to prove this guy's statement wrong and also because I want something that will help me strengthen my core and make me a better athlete overall. 
• Run regularly. I use this table as a guide for my marathon training but I may have to improvise given there will be some weeks when I won't get to exercise enough. During the wintery months, I will dedicate my lunch time to gym time. When the weather becomes nicer, I plan to commit to a running team and run outside on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 2014 is the year that I will complete my first marathon!! I am so psyched!!
• Continue my goal to run a half marathon in every state. Here's my heat map to give you a better sense of what has been done (Red = ran in 2013, Purple = tentative plan 2014). This, of course, will be made easy through my commitment to run using the Rock n Roll half-marathon tour pass. 

Exercise and travel do not mix

Whether it's for business, pleasure, vacation, world domination, or epic questing, at some point in our lives we all depart from the comfort of our "lair" to visit another "shire". It might be a quick trip to the next town over for a business conference or a massive adventure halfway around the world for a month. No matter what kind of trip it is, one thing is certain--Our normal routines get completely thrown out the window when traveling:

• If you work out in a gym, you might not have access to any equipment.
• If you run around your neighborhood, you might not have a familiar path to follow.
• If you are on a special diet, you might not be able to prepare the same meals because you either cannot purchase the same foods or have a kitchen or fridge.
• If you are used to a good night's sleep, suddenly you are sleeping at odd hours in different time zones.

That said, I'm definitely worried regarding my upcoming 10 days trip to China. Not only will I have limited time to hit the gym, but I will also be in the country with one of the worst air pollutions. I would be especially reluctant to exercise outside since exercising generally precludes one from breathing through one's nasal passage, which would normally be a filter for airborne pollution particles. I'm guessing that dieting will also be an issue, since food is so DELICIOUS! 

My Anticipated Solutions

1. Use the hotel fitness center.
2. Swim in the hotel gym-- bring bathing suit!! (yes, a HUGE REMINDER to self)
3. Walk and bike whenever possible.