Traveling in the Box

Recently I was in Chicago, and earlier this week I was in Monroe.

It's a little difficult to be in the box with travel.  Sure, I pack up a mini-blender, and I make dozens of muffins to bring along.  But, the truth is... I'm out of my comfort zone.  I don't have my tools in front of me.  I can't just pop something in the microwave, or chop up veggies for a salad.  Plus, my exercise routine is thrown!

All these things make it very hard to stay on track, or in the box. 

Even though my Monroe trip was merely an overnight, it was still hard.  I had 3 dozen muffins at my disposal (which I ate most of).  I had a few premade shakes, which I also ate.  I even made an entree to eat on the way up.  Packed a banana for the ride, and one for breakfast.  I used the mini-blender and made more shakes in my room for the next morning and the trip back.  I got my PA (physical activity) in! We went to the mall that evening and walked for a couple of hours, and I spent an hour working out in the fitness center the next morning.


So, I was good.  I stayed in the box.  But, I almost think maybe I ate TOO much trying to stay in the box.  I would have never eaten all that if I was home.  And, I feel like my workout wasn't as strong as my usual ones.  It wasn't my fitness center, my machines or classes.  I don't know that I worked as hard. 

Now, that might sound dumb.  What's the difference between 4 miles on their machine versus the ones I regularly use?  I don't know.  But, it doesn't feel the same.  Perhaps it's a trust issue.  I do feel good that I went to the gym, and truly believe that it was more beneficial being there exercising than not going at all.  But, at the same time, I feel like it probably wasn't as effective as my normal exercise routine.  I'm not even sure why I think that.

In Chicago, I never went to the fitness facility.  Not once.  I walked the city instead.  Many times with a bag on my back that weighed forty pounds, too.  And even though I walked for hours my while there, I didn't feel like it was the equivalent to a strong Saturday at the gym.  And, maybe it wasn't. 

So, how do I give myself permission to be okay with these changes in schedule?  I usually come home and feel like I need to add 2 or 3 extra workouts in for being out of town.  It's like a guilt thing.  I seriously feel like I need to do another 20 miles on the bike tonight to make up for my overnight.  Why is that?

I know the schedule kept me from weighing in this week, so I don't know my stats.  And, I'm sure that's created a little anxiety.  I'm also VERY close to hitting the 40 pound mark.  Maybe I'm just wanting to stay focused?