Plan ahead to stay ahead

I love a good cheesy overused phrase, so here it goes....If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I bring up this topic because tomorrow I'll be catching a flight to visit family for my birthday weekend. Without proper planning it could be a disaster, as vacations usually are. Too much good food and drink with friends and loved ones you rarely see, late nights, lazy mornings, no time for workouts in between all the fun, that could easily lead to a pound or two GAINED, and a heavy conscience to add to the checked luggage on the flight home (and these days that'll cost you an extra $15!).

The simple solution is plan plan plan ahead. Warm up with a good breakfast, no matter how early you're getting up. Protein bars, nuts and beef jerky will take the place of airport fried food and margaritas, not to mention the "meal" you're lucky to get on the plane (last time I flew I was offered a squished muffin of unidentified flavoring, no thanks). Once at the airport, don't just sit there waiting for the plane to arrive, get up and take a stroll, do some people watching. You can easily log a mile or two in those terminals.

Once you arrive at your destination, remember that you brought your goals and resolve with you (and hopefully some workout gear). I've packed several options-running, a few workout videos, some resistance bands, and all the nerdy gear I could stuff into a carry on bag to go with it. Not only that, I have 2 specific workouts planned each day so when I arrive all I'll have to do is figure out WHEN to fit them in, not where , what and if. In addition, I plan to make at least one a local workout so that I can get some local flavor, as well as hopefully get the family involved. Diet will lean on my subsidized protein bars, and the best food each place I go has to offer.

I may not be able to log in while I'm out of pocket, but you can still follow my twitter, I'll be checking in regularly with updates and tips on how to avoid the many pitfalls that come with the bliss of vacation.

Remember to eat clean, work hard, and enjoy the burn!