Amy Hamilton, Author at The Dining Traveler https://diningtraveler.com/author/amy-h Travel Tips, Recipes, and Culinary Travel Website Mon, 01 May 2017 03:50:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://i0.wp.com/diningtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-DiningTraveler_IG1-e1581697224126.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Amy Hamilton, Author at The Dining Traveler https://diningtraveler.com/author/amy-h 32 32 88259031 Traveling for Marathons and Road Races https://diningtraveler.com/2017/05/traveling-for-marathons-road-races-and-traveling.html https://diningtraveler.com/2017/05/traveling-for-marathons-road-races-and-traveling.html#comments Mon, 01 May 2017 03:50:18 +0000 http://www.diningtraveler.com/?p=4429 Traveling for marathons can be a wonderful opportunity to explore both cities and the countryside while you are traveling. If you’re not feeling adventurous to do run the full 42km, there are plenty of shorter races in a variety of locations. Recently I was able to run the Washington DC Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon. […]

The post Traveling for Marathons and Road Races appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

]]> Traveling for marathons can be a wonderful opportunity to explore both cities and the countryside while you are traveling. If you’re not feeling adventurous to do run the full 42km, there are plenty of shorter races in a variety of locations. Recently I was able to run the Washington DC Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon.  This was a fantastic way to see the monuments and ensure that I stayed fit during my travels. When I left Stuttgart Germany, the weather for Washington DC was predicted to be almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  A cold front came through and race day ended up being below freezing.  When you are traveling and road racing, you need to be both flexible and prepared.

Traveling for Marathons Where to Go
In Race Mode

Traveling for Marathons Tip 1: Pack Layers

When traveling for marathons or road races, pack multiple layers to be prepared for the weather.  If the race is warmer than anticipated, you don’t have to wear them all. This includes hats and gloves which can become cold quickly. Dining Traveler Tip: A disposable option is to use a garbage bag or foil blanket to keep warm before or after a race.

Carb up when Traveling for Marathons
Carb up when Traveling for Marathons

Traveling for Marathons Tip 2: Eat Pasta

One great joy of being a runner is that you get to eat pasta the night before a run.  When you are preparing for a run in below freezing temperatures it is important to have some excess energy to burn; you will be expending additional calories keeping warm.  Traveling for marathons is a great time to indulge in your favorite dishes, but stay away from spicy options like arrabiata.

Traveling for Marathons Washington DC
Race view of Washington, DC

Traveling for Marathons Tip 3: Enjoy the View

One of the perks of traveling for marathons are the sights. As a recreational runner, I take my camera and enjoy the scenery.  It is great to be able to see the sites while road are blocked off and it is only pedestrian traffic. The best picture I have of the Eiffel tower was when it was the start point of a half marathon.  If you aren’t going for a personal record, take the few extra moments to enjoy the amazing scenes around you on the course.

Traveling For Marathon Tips
Bananas During the Race

Traveling for Marathons Tip 4: Race Nutrition

Bring the same nutrition with you that you use for training.  Switching brands of energy packets or bars the day of a race can have severe consequences. Most races post a course map that shows where the water stations will be along the course and it is a good idea to plan when you will need to consume those extra calories.  Dining Traveler Tip: Consume water at each station, even if you aren’t thirsty.

Traveling for Marathons Brunch
Post Race Brunch

Traveling for Marathons Tip 5: Post Race Indulgence

Most races have post finish line food stations to include bananas, bagels, and other foods to replenish a tired runner. Enjoy some quick treats so that you don’t crash after a long run.  Post race is also a great time to enjoy a post race brunch with friends and family.  Dining Traveler Tip: Make reservations ahead at your favorite place.

The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourselves! Travel well, my friends.

The post Traveling for Marathons and Road Races appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

]]> https://diningtraveler.com/2017/05/traveling-for-marathons-road-races-and-traveling.html/feed 1 4429 How to Stay Fit on the Road https://diningtraveler.com/2017/02/how-to-stay-fit-on-the-road.html Mon, 27 Feb 2017 06:04:45 +0000 http://www.diningtraveler.com/?p=4154 As a frequent business and leisure traveler, staying fit on the road can be challenging at times.  As a runner who has completed marathons on four continents, I have experience running through jet-lag and sleep deprivation. The road brings lots of temptations of overeating or skipping workouts. Here are my tips on how to stay […]

The post How to Stay Fit on the Road appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

]]> As a frequent business and leisure traveler, staying fit on the road can be challenging at times.  As a runner who has completed marathons on four continents, I have experience running through jet-lag and sleep deprivation. The road brings lots of temptations of overeating or skipping workouts. Here are my tips on how to stay fit on the road.

How to Stay Fit on the Road Virginia Beacn
Boardwalk at Virginia Beach
Photo Credit: Marriott Virginia Beach Website

Indulge in Moderation:

I spent New Year’s weekend at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel with a group of friends. Instead of a resolution, I made a commitment to stay in shape and be healthy in 2017. That can be difficult when you are traveling and there are bottles of sparkling wine and ‘Berliner’ pastries on New Year’s Eve to seduce you! I convinced a friend to split a Berliner at midnight and drank a glass of water for every glass of sparkling wine. Celebrations are great and it is easy to overindulge. Sharing treats with friends is a great way to get a small taste of the things you love.

How to Stay Fit on the Road
Gym at Marriott Frankfurt
Photo Credit: Marriott Frankfurt Hotel

Take Advantage of the Hotel Gym:

The next morning there were only three people in the hotel fitness center and I was proud to be one of them. Dining Traveler Tip on how to stay fit on the road: look at the photos of the fitness center before booking to ensure that there is more than an old elliptical trainer available. A quality fitness center can make a big difference on the days when you aren’t motivated. It is hard enough to get up in the morning and workout, waiting for equipment, will only discourage you. Instead of hitting the gym, you will be going to the unlimited breakfast buffet.

how to stay fit on the road Hiking in Steamboat Springs
Amy Hiking in Steamboat Springs

Discover Your Destination by Being in Touch with Nature:

Another tip on how to stay fit on the road is by getting outside! I spent a little over two weeks in Virginia at Virginia Beach and Falls Church. One of the best things about being at the beach is that you have natural scenery all around you to encourage you to get out and go running. Not only do you burn calories but you may discover a new cafe, shop or park along the way.

How to stay fit on the road
Breakfast Bar at Marriott Frankfurt
Photo Credit: Marriott Frankfurt

Get Into a Routine:

Getting into a routine on a longer trip is a great way to stay on track. Stick to a schedule for sleeping and working out. This can be a challenge when you are traveling over multiple time zones.  Dining Traveler Tip: ask the concierge or front desk for their favorite running routes. Many hotels have pre-made maps of running routes. Some hotels even have fitness equipment like yoga mats for guests to borrow.

How to Stay Fit on the Road:

The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourselves! Travel well, my friends.

The post How to Stay Fit on the Road appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

]]> 4154