Travel Tips

Before our European babymoon, I asked my doc what I needed to do to help minimize stress on my body during travel. Funny enough, everything she mentioned is exactly what I do for travel to running events!

Car, train, and plane trips over 3 hours require a little extra thought and effort to help you feel your best at the end of travel. Here are my 10 suggestions for you whether you’re a runner, pregnant, or both!

1. Wear compression socks. Maintaining blood circulation in the feet and lower legs will greatly reduce fluid build up and help prevent the dreaded “cankles”.
2. Hydrate before, during, and after. Take your own water bottle so you can drink whenever you want. Getting up to pee a lot is a good thing because it helps keep your muscles from getting too tight and increases your circulation. Each time you get up, spend a few minutes stretching.
3. Take 1 baby asprin to prevent blood clotting issues.
4. Get up every 1-3 hours.
5. Pack healthy snacks.
6. Do a shake out run, walk, bike, or swim upon arrival. (Keep your compression socks on until you get this completed!) Just 10 minutes of exercise will go a long way with freshening up your muscles and getting the fluids in your body moving.
7. Try some light stretching, foam rolling, or yoga to reengage your muscles actively.
8. Massage your calves, feet, and behind your knees to open up your lymphatic system.
9. Prop your legs up higher than your head for 10 minutes.
10. Take magnesium before bedtime to help calm your restless travel legs and promote relaxation.

If you try these tips, let me know! I would love to hear about your travels.

Happy adventuring!
NSG

*I am not a doctor, these tips are what has worked for me personally, but consult your doc if you have any concerns or pre existing issues.