Just because I’m penny pinching to get out of debt doesn’t mean I can’t live my life authentically and with passion. I love to experience, explore, and learn new thing. I need to recharge my batteries especially, when I’m operating at a level of zeal. Traveling provides all of the above. Downsizing trips, adding more local flavor, careful planning, and staying fluid allows me to do more on less time and money.
Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
Twenty Ten Travel Plans
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010Travel Itineraries
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009Travel itineraries are a great way to make your vacation, holiday, or business travel much more enjoyable. Itineraries are not set in stone and must adapt to changes. A flexible and well planned itinerary gives the traveler more time to enjoy the place they visit and less time stressing out what to do next.
Developing an itinerary provides an opportunity to learn and explore the area before even visiting. Armed with this knowledge, we can appreciate the significance of what we’re experiencing and ask quality questions to enhance the trip. We can assess how much time we want to spend at certain places. I researched places I wanted to eat and do. For example, I am interested in art but being in Philadelphia, seeing places that led to the birth of the United States became a priority. I didn’t enter the Philadelphia Museum of Art and spent a large percentage of my time in the Olde City area. I planned on trying out a cheesesteak at Geno’s, Pat’s, or if I didn’t have time, Campo’s. After asking a few people from Philly, they enthusiastically suggested Steaks on South.
Prepping to Kick Some Asphalt, Part 1
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
My bags are packed. My plane ticket and race confirmation has been printed. I’m ready to go. I packed an assortment of things based on the possible weather in Philly, what I might be doing, and carry on restrictions.
As of today, the forecast predicts a sunny day in the upper 50s on marathon Sunday. It might rain on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I’m debating whether I should bring an umbrella or a rain jacket. I have both my long sleeve and short sleeve shirt. I decided to stick with the shoes I have right now. I don’t want to risk blisters with a fresh pair of shoes. I have a pair of jeans and a pair of convertibles also. I’m not bringing anything too fancy since I won’t be spending much time at bars at night.
After reading the TSA ’s policy on gels and fluids, I threw all my GU Energy Gels, toothpaste, and Body Glide into a one quart bag. Luckily, everything I bought was under 3 ounces and they all fit into a one quart bag. I put the rest of my energy food in another one quart bag after realizing how these bags are super cheap ways to keep my stuff organized. I’m considering buying travel organizers by Eagle Creek for my next trip. Keeping organized makes things quick and easy.
Well, it’s time to write a checklist and itinerary to make sure I have everything. Does anyone have thoughts and tips for packing for an out of town race?
Time to kick asphalt.
Four Weeks Until the Philadelphia Marathon
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Four more weeks remain until the Philadelphia Marathon. There’s a lot of training and planning to be done. I booked my plan tickets and my room. I determined that caused my plan’s meltdown during my last marathon. I’m already scheduling races for Spring.
I hesitated buying plane tickets to Philadelphia and a round trip flight cost me fifty extra dollars. My lesson is learned. If I know it’s a good deal, don’t hesitate. I decided to stay three nights and leave immediately after the race. I want to watch the Chicago Bears play the Philadelphia Eagles at home.
I’m staying at the Apple Hostel to save cash. It’s $35 a night at the hostel. One night in Philly would have cost me $165 a night for one of the hotels close to the starting line. The hostel route leaves me plenty of beer money and cash to enjoy Philly. I hope I will find quality sleep the night before the race. My cash flow is constrained and financial debt weighs down on me. I have to take that risk.
I figured out why my legs cramped up during this year’s Chicago marathon while I ran my long day today. I burned most of my fuel in my body and didn’t breathe properly. Last year, I carried about 500 more calories in a race that burns roughly 4000 calories. I guess my body doesn’t store glycogen as well as other people’s bodies. I also didn’t warm up properly before Chicago. The hostel is two miles away so I’ll do a nice slow jog to the starting line, stretch, then jump into my corral with the Clif Bar Pace Team. I’m crossing my fingers and hope to finish in less than 4:29:59. I want to remind my body what 26.2 miles feels like so it can remember it for future races.
There’s a drive within me that that has remained dormant for so many years and it’s finally waking up. After Philly, I’ll be resting my body and begin training for the Illinois Marathon in May. I plan on training with a CARA group and attempt to set another PR under four hour. An epic ride is scheduled this spring as well. I need to take care of myself, stay injury free, and avoid getting sick. Setting these goals and achieving them is another part of the foundation I am building for myself.
Summer’s Grand Finale on North Manitou Island
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Eighteen miles of uninterrupted trail running, thirteen miles hiking the shoreline with a cool Lake Michigan breeze at our back, three peaceful nights camping in the wilderness, two glorious sun sets, one beautiful moon rising (ahh… bella luna, my beautiful belle) followed by a gentle sun waking from his sleep summarizes the grand finale of my unofficial end of the summer.
Trail Running on North Manitou Island
Friday, September 4th, 2009
Matthew and I head to our yearly retreat on North Manitou Island at Michigan’s Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We end the summer relaxing on the beach near Swenson’s Barn, get away from the hustle and bustle of life, explore the island, and reflect. This year, we plan to do a little trail and beach running as we prepare for the Chicago Marathon.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park 2009 Trip
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009Quality time with the brothers. Spectacular views. Much needed peace. We had a wonderful time on our first extended backpacking trip. Each day we found something new and interesting. We learned from every group we interacted with. I want to revisit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover more new things.
