It takes some thinking ahead, but it is completely possible to keep up w/ your training when traveling. I’m headed to Austin tomorrow morning for the SXSW (interactive) conference for a week. As excited as I am about the trip, the panels, the people, and of course, the parties, I also want to make sure I don’t have to sacrifice my training b/c of it. With my first race only 8 weeks out, I can’t afford to miss my workouts.
Introduce yourself.
The triathlon community is extremely friendly. Reach out to them. I did a few google searches for professional triathletes who live in the area and wishfully emailed several of them. 
I asked for suggestions, advice, group sessions, etc. I was pleasantly surprised with a few quick (and very helpful) responses. I also looked up local tri-clubs and sent similar emails to them. In a matter of minutes I had most of my questions answered.
I was that I absolutely must check out Barton Springs and that “your jaw will drop at its beauty and amazing open water swimming”… sold. Looks like I’ll need to check a bag so that I can pack my wetsuit, but how can I possibly miss out on an opportunity to do some open water swimming?!
I contacted Bicycle and sport shop and set up a rental bike (+helmet and pedals). The staff was very friendly and helpful. All I need to do is pack my cycling shoes and I’m good to go.
I also found a free group ride that leaves Sunday mornings from a local shop, Jack and Adams Bicycles. My 3 hour Sunday ride should be no problem.
My friend Jared started a running group for sxsw, so looks like I’ve got no excuses. I think I’ll be doing more group training out of town than I ever do when I’m home!
Make a list, check it twice
A lot like a race checklist, a packing checklist is not to be skipped. There’s so much to forget, plan ahead.
Swim
• HR monitor
• Cap
• Goggles
• Suit
• Contacts
• Flip flops
• Wetsuit
• Sweatshirt/warm clothes
Bike
• Cycling shorts/jersey
• Bike socks
• Shoes
• GU
• Accelerade
• Waterbottle
Run
• Shoes
• Sports Bras
• Tops/shorts
• Windbreaker
• Socks
• Gloves
• Headphones/armband
What about food?
Relying solely on eating out is a surefire way to get derailed from your nutrition plan (and not to mention spend a lot of extra cash). Since I’m already checking a bag, I figure why not go ahead and pack some of the food that I want to eat. Check with your hotel and see what your room accommodations are- microwave, fridge, coffeemaker, etc.
For snacks, I stocked up on energy bars (my personal choices are Lara and Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate (yes, more added ingredients and questionable as to how healthy it is… but they are so good- tastes like dessert)). Those are quick and easy to keep with you while on the go. I also bought some fruit that packs well- apples, bananas, and dried fruit.
I’m not quite sure what the breakfast situation is (continental bfast at hotels is always questionable), so I’m bringing a big bag of oats and a good amount of protein powder. I’ll be able to get in my usual bfast w/o any problem.
Just for kicks, I might pack a carton of (non-refrigerated) soy milk, too. Hopefully that’ll keep me from spending so much on coffees… but let’s be honest, there’s just something so wonderful about someone MAKING your coffee and tossing it when you’re done. it just always tastes better when you don’t do any of the work :)
I figure most lunches will be done out and around the convention center, but I’m bringing along a couple cans of tuna/salmon just in case I’m able to make it back to my room. I plan on hitting a grocery store (there’s a whole foods 2 blocks away!) once I get there, so I’ll pick up a bag of spinach and a few other staples, I should be good to go.
As mentioned above, I’ll also toss in a few servings worth of Accelerade and a few GU’s to have on hand for before/during/after my workouts.
I guess that sums it up. If I end up stranded on an island, I think I could last for quite a while.
Seriously, if this bag gets lost, I’d be devastated…
