traveling and training

Today I went for a run, did laundry and started packing for work travel that I have this coming week.   My job has me on the road quite a bit which makes it interesting when training.  Most hotels have "fitness centers" but the majority are lacking a good pool.  I have to admit I use the term "fitness centers" loosely because usually a hotel's fitness area is made up of a closet with an old treadmill, some free weights and a recumbent bike ( I hate recumbent bikes).  If I am lucky my hotel is located in an area that has either a running path or well paved streets.  Earlier this fall I was in Chicago and took advantage of the lake shore.  It was a great experience running along Lake Michigan.

Last week when I was home in Massachusetts for Christmas, it was easy to transport my bike and get my workouts done.  However when you are traveling via mini van with other co-workers, then onto an express train and finally a bus back home it is difficult to transport your bike.

When traveling your day usually does not following its normal schedule.  Travel can get interrupted and you usually are attending meetings and events at all hours.  You have to be dedicated to your training.  Get it done when you can and make sure you get plenty of sleep.  In September I traveled for a week out west.  On one of the legs of the tour I ended up in the fitness center of my hotel at 1 AM ... sometimes you have to do what you got to do.  That night I chose my workout over sleep!

Let's hope that the hotels I am staying in this week have really nice fitness centers.  Fingers Crossed!

Happy New Year!

2014 ... a clean slate ... an empty book.  The pages are before you and you can create the story any way you want.  Will your book be a mystery, fiction, self-help or inspirational?  Will you first put together an outline of your book?  Will you set goals for yourself in 2014?  Or will each day be a blank page or chapter picking your path as you go?  

I began my plans for 2014 in 2013 when I registered for some races.  So far I have registered for four races for the 2014 two 5Ks and two 70.3 Half Ironman races.  I have plans for 3 or 4 other races but registrations haven't opened yet.  I have also created 10 resolutions that I hope will help me write my book for 2014.  I am hoping that my book becomes an inspirational adventure.  I am planning to make 2014 the best year yet ... the Year of Mo!!  A year to take care of me, to create joy and happiness that will result in me deleting some of these resolutions off my list for ever!!

The following are my resolutions for 2014 or you can call the following the chapter titles of my 2014 book...

2014 New Year’s Resolutions

I will commit to make this a great year!!

The Year of Mo

1. Lose the weight (see previous blog entry) ... I don't want this on my resolutions list next year!!!
2. In bed by 10:30 PM and to do a plank everyday
3. Train hard as I can every day
4. Get in control of my finances and save money (I don't want to see this next year)
5. Get rid of clutter, get organized and simplify (there are three main areas in my home that I have to work on)
6. Read at least 12 books
7. knit/finish at least 4 projects
8. Run at least 520 miles in 2014
9. Go someplace new in the Ithaca area at least once a month
10. Put my PhD/Doctorate goal on a timeline ... make a plan

It is my goal in 2014 to accomplish all 10 resolutions and by doing so hope to find peace and happiness in 2014

I would like to wish each and every one of you Peace and Joy in 2014!!  I hope you enjoy writing your book too!  Now let's turn the page...