Starting Another Year on the Road

Yesterday, I set off for a 10-day training camp in Spain. January training camps basically serve as the start of the season and from this point forward, I really have no idea my schedule and how often or little I'll be home. Different seasons lead to different schedules and I've had years where I've had at least two separate nearly 2-month blocks on the road. Right now, I have no idea how 2017 will play out and to be honest, that excites me. 

It might look like chaos, but that's organized chaos.

I live out of a suitcase and in hotels quite well. There is something soothing about it but it requires planning and organizing. There are times when I'll have a less than 24-hour turnaround at home, which basically means doing laundry and heading back out. Due to this, I like to make packing my suitcase as simple as possible. I own doubles of nearly everything and it lives in my bag so I don't run the risk I leaving my glasses or UK laptop phone charger at home.

Earlier this week, I dumped out my suitcase and went through everything piece by piece to see what may need replacing or refilling. It also meant I got rid of stuff that I don't use anymore and simply cleaned out all that random stuff that winds up at the bottom of a bag.

And then I set off on a few last minute errands to make sure everything was stocked up and ready to go for 2017. First up, more charging cables and a dongle (yes, I giggle every time I say dongle). I travel with three phone chargers--one for my suitcase, one for my backpack/spare battery and then one with my GPS for a rental car. At training camp, I'm doing presentations and training, so instead of always needing to borrow a mac-to-projector dongle, I finally got around to buying my own.

The Lush purchases are the real excitements. Everyone that travels frequently needs to know about Lush's bar shampoo and conditioner. Bar shampoo and conditioner! When you live out of your suitcase for weeks at a time, bottles take up a lot of space and add weight. These bars eliminate both those issues. I've been using them for over two years and I don't think I could ever go back. They've got a huge variety to choose from. I go for the ones that moisturize, designed for blondes and make my hair smell yummy. It took me awhile to find a conditioner that worked but trial and error led me to the Jungle. I'm also a fan of the (affordable) travel tins to keep them from rubbing on everything else. I probably replace those every six months.

And there you have it. I'm set for 2017 travels!

China in 65 Hours or Less

I had heard so many mixed things about traveling to China that I had no idea what to expect. From start to finish, Beijing amazed and spoiled me. I adored the chaos, motion and mix of ancient and modern. It was quite clean and everyone was friendly. My hotel felt luxurious (despite a super cheap room rate by Western standards) and I could always find something tasty to eat. The one important thing to realize: you take your life in your hands every time you get in a car, taxi or cross the street. 

The flight over was unremarkable and I was able to sleep probably about 5-6 hours. This was wonderful because I was looking at about five hours of meetings straight after arriving. From touchdown on, my life centered on caffeine, caffeine, caffeine. After the meetings, I had an early dinner and climbed into bed before 8pm.

Halloween was my main day there. I had press events from morning until night. If I've learned anything while working with exhausted pro athletes after a race: bring loads of hot coffee. 

And a little for myself to stave off jet lag throughout the events.

The day ended with a simple (but tasty) dinner with the group.  We had ideas of going to a recommended Peking duck place but by the time all the events were over, we were too exhausted to do anything but eat at their hotel. By 9pm, I was walking back to my hotel and taking in the massive Beijing skyline.

I was supposed to have a day of events on the 1st but everything got canceled and I ended up with an unheard of tourist day. This literally never happens in my work, so I ignored the fact my foot was in a boot and took in as many of Beijing’s sights as I could cram into an afternoon.

I loved every twist and turn. I took in the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. I wish I had more time at the Forbidden City; this could easily take a day in itself. I was completely enthralled by it and for anyone visiting Beijing, start there.

It was a minor adventure getting home from the Forbidden City because of Beijing traffic. The first cab I got in tried to charge me 100 yen to go three miles, which was absolutely absurd. So I got out (he made sure he turned around and put me in the wrong direction/wrong side of the road before letting me out: see above note about the dangers of crossing the street) but then I found a new cab and was on my way. Twenty-six yen later and I was at the hotel. My foot was throbbing, so I took a tub and iced it before heading to dinner at the crazy hour of 6:20pm. I ordered what was the seasonal specialty - the tasty hairy crab and another early night to bed.

I got up early, snuck in some simple yoga and was on my way back to the airport, less than 65 hours since arriving. 

Favorite Things: October

October has been a strange month. I did a fair amount of travel (Japan and China) mixed with sitting on the couch trying to get my foot to heal. So most of my favorite things for this month were connected to the two polar opposites of my life: constant motion and complete stillness. The things that I fell in love with this month were almost all gifts or recommendations from girlfriends. Here are a few of my most favorite things from October:

Bubble Water Bottle

Both at home and on the road for the past few weeks, I've relied heavily on my Bubble Water Bottle. I'm always one of those people who carries around a bottle of water but it's been even more vital lately. I know staying well hydrated helps with healing and I'm also spending lots of time on airplanes, so I need to combat the dry air with water. What I love the most about this bottle is the replaceable filter. I travel to lots of countries where it is safe to drink the tap water (Japan) but I still prefer to run it through a filter. It also comes with a cap that closes the bottle completely, meaning I can throw it into my bag without worrying about spills.

Garden of Life Mood + and Garden of Life Ocean 3

A friend introduced me to the Garden of Life line back in April and I've taken them religiously ever since. At the time, I was suffering from what I can only call as brain fog. I just didn't feel like I had enough energy and my brain never could access information as fast as I wanted. It was such a strange and frustrating situation. I think changing my diet helped some but I'm sure adding the Garden of Life Probiotics for Mood and the Garden of Life Oceans 3 (Omega3s) for Better Brain really was what shook off the fog. I notice if I stop taking these for a week or so. Additionally, I love that I can travel with the probiotics. It helps keep my crohn's stomach in check.

Native Forest Coconut Milk Powder

My sister sent me this coconut milk powder in one of her fantastic care packages (because don't all adults send each other care packages?!) She knew that finding a non-dairy substitute is tough in foreign countries and I try to avoid soy when possible. Yet it would be stupid to have extra liquids due to weight and security. I told her I couldn't find any non-dairy powder and she went on her own hunt and sent me this coconut powder. It is super coconuty and a little goes a long way but I love it. It is great to mask some terrible hotel coffee, top off a cup of airplane coffee or even for coffee at home, when I get back after a trip and don't have any other options.

Swift Wick Compression Socks

I was gifted these socks from a good friend last year and have used them for every single flight since. Typically, I just wear them because it helps me avoid that cankly, swollen foot at the end of a long travel day. Yet since the surgery, I've been required to wear compression socks when I fly. These socks are the perfect combination of tight but comfortable. 

Scar Erase

I've been rubbing a scar cream (not this exact one, but an all-natural one from Belgium that sounds similar) and it is working miracles. My foot scar looks amazing. Once it fully heals, I think it will be barely noticeable. It is a little over a month old and already looks better than my 10 year old knee scar.

I definitely was not paid for any of these recommendations.