When you go on vacation as an endurance athlete, you usually exercise. After all, you don't have to work and that means you have extra time to train or even race.
Have you already planned your vacation? And will you be doing any sports? Then make a good packing list. In this blog we will give you some more essential items that you should not forget.
Peter from ASW is going to a triathlon hotel in Austria and has compiled a list of items he packed. Check below to see if you are missing anything on your packing list.
Packing your bike
Your vacation starts with packing of course! Are you taking your bicycle with you? Then hire a bike case from ASW. Especially if you go by plane. A cardboard box or even transporting your bike loose is not a good idea. Pack your bike properly so it arrives safely, even at home!
Sports nutrition
Are you going to a warm destination? Or are you going to exercise more often or for longer than usual, such as during a cycling vacation? Then it's wise to check whether you have the right sports nutrition packed. Also, the amount of sports nutrition is essential, because you don't want to have consumed everything before the end of the vacation.
When abroad, it is often difficult to buy your favorite sports nutrition. It's not certain that your destination has a sports store nearby. And it is almost impossible that this store will carry ASW's assortment.
Two things are important for your sports nutrition: hydration and the replenishing your energy with enough carbohydrates. Read what ASW has to offer you in the other blogs.
In general, it is fair to say that in warm conditions you should always electrolytes to your water. Only then can your body absorb the moisture properly, by replenishing the salts and minerals you lose through sweating.
Also for your energy, the conditions abroad may be different. For example, will you be cycling or running in the mountains? Then take extra gels or energy bars Because you'll be surprised how much more energy exercising in the mountains takes!
Drinking on the go
Fluid intake is very important during endurance sports. Are you going to make a longer trip during your vacation, also in warm weather and in an area that you don't know very well?
Keep in mind that drinking water is not always available everywhere. You will have to take it with you.
So you can carry more water in a special backpack with a water bagor while running you can also carry a portable bottle carry around. And don't forget to add electrolytes to your water!
Protection from the sun
Chances are, you're leaving for a sunny destination. But beware! Even if you're not in a warm environment, bright sunlight can be a game changer for your sporting activities.
Make sure you have sufficient protection against the sun and especially UV light. A good sunglasses is essential for cycling and running. When running, it is also best to have a cap or sun visor on.
Going for a swim? Then sunglasses with UV protection are also essential. But then of course you take them in the form of a pair of swimming goggles with you. Check to see if your goggles also protect against UV light through colored or even photochromic lenses.
Vacations in warm weather
The sun, of course, is also why you go on vacation. To enjoy it! With the right items, you'll enjoy the warm weather even more.
While walking, running and cycling, the right socks not only more comfort, but also special socks for warmer temperatures increase comfort.
The same goes for the rest of your clothing. Airy running clothes and special cycling apparel for warm temperatures make your activity more enjoyable. For example, with a special base layer under your cycling shirt will keep you drier and cooler, it's a must have!
Are you going swimming too? Then just before your vacation is a good time to buy a new base layer. swimwearfor men or Women purchase, such as a new swimming trunks, a swimsuit or bikini. Okay, that's totally not essential, but it's still vacation. After all, at the pool you want to look good, after all, that's what you've been training for all year....
Safety first
You don't always think about it, but of course your safety comes first.
That is to say, while riding your bike, you should always be a helmet use, but also keep in mind that in many countries a helmet while cycling is mandatory. And that's not all, because in many countries it is also bicycle lights for example in tunnels. So make sure you always have lights mounted on your bike, such as the easy-to-mount and USB-charge lights.
If you go cycling abroad, keep in mind that not everywhere you go is equipped with lights. bicycle tools or bike parts are available everywhere. Therefore take at least one good bicycle toola bicycle pump, outer tubes and inner tubes along. Then you can always repair loose parts or a flat tire yourself.
Do you know your way around a foreign country? If you are going to hike in the mountains or go on a long bike ride, it is a good idea to make a route in advance and take it with you on your sports watch or bike computer. This way you can be sure that you have the right route. Moreover, this also allows you to enjoy the surroundings more, because you don't have to search for the way every time.
Safety is also important when you go running. In other countries you cannot always run on a footpath and you will have to run on the street between cars. Then it is wise to have a highly visible running harness with lighting carry.
Finally, be careful when swimming in open water or in the sea, especially if you have not swum in that location before. Go with someone or arrange for supervision at the water's edge. Check the water temperature and wear a wetsuitbecause the water is not equally warm everywhere! And in all cases take a buoy so that you are clearly visible and if necessary you can stay afloat on the buoy.
Time to relax
Just exercising during your vacation? No! Your vacation is also for relaxing! That means you'll also have more than enough time to enjoy a good book read. For example about swimming, cycling or running?
Do you have any items you don't want to forget on vacation? Let us know below.
The entire ASW team wishes you a very happy vacation season!
