How to stay in shape while on a long vacation?

Question

So I am going overseas to Israel for three weeks and everyday is going to be overloaded since I am going on a tour group. At this time of year, it is roughly around 90-100 degrees on average. I usually run everyday back in the states but finding the time, energy, let alone staying comfortable while running when its hot outside is going to be difficult. How can I stay in shape while on such a long vacation enough so when I come back to the states, I can come back to my old routine?

Answer 1

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Boy, do I understand your concern.  I visit family in the summer in Phoenix, and I have that very same issue, keeping in shape in really hot weather, and when so many family activities are going on.

It'll be tough, but here's some pointers for you to consider.

-find someplace like a YMCA (even in Israel!) or a fitness center to work out.  Inside, you may find treadmills, exercycles, Spin cycles, ellipticals.  Use the equipment there whenever you can!

-do the workout early in the morning while it's still a bit cooler and before the activities get under way.  You will have a lot to do and see in Israel, it will be a lot of fun, but make sure you don't waste time doing low-value activities (e.g., watching TV) in the evening so you can get up early.  You may consider, if you can, taking a 20-30 minute nap sometime during the day to get some of that sleep back.

-start out running shorter, and add time to acclimate.  The weather in Phoenix in the summer is usually 100-110 degrees, but even in those temps a gradual buildup makes it possible to acclimate.  Start with 10 minutes running, and build up 5 minutes a day.

-walk / run when you go for a workout.  Again, build up reducing the walking and increasing the running.

-hydrate before, during, after!!  Did I say hydrate???  Hydrate!  You may have to force some liquids down, but there's no way you can be comfortable in weather that's warmer than you are used to without downing the liquids as much and as often as you can.

-find a fellow fitness person to work out with!  Mutual encouragement goes a long way!

-alternate activities work well, too.  Bicycling, for example.  

And to some extent, don't worrry too much about it.  Do as much as you can do.  Enjoy your time in Israel!  You'll bounce back faster than you think, even if you take three weeks off and you can't get many workouts in.

Regards,

Phil

Answer 2

ISRAEL!! ISRAEL.  that place has more tracks than anywhere. there should be no problem trying to find somewhere to run