Have you ever looked up a hotel gym online before a trip and the place looked awesome and then you get there and there are 3 machines and you are pretty sure that the photograph online was some sort of mirror trick? Well I had the opposite delightful experience at my hotel this past week. The gym was killer! They had like 8 treadmills in addition to the many other cardio machines. I felt quite virtuous because I stuck with my plan of working out on my normal schedule (I always take Mondays off) and was able to do 3 miles each day on the treadmill. And I HATE the treadmill, in case I haven’t already mentioned that 1,000 times. But I’ve created a speed workout for the treadmill that gives me a good workout. Try it if you are like me and desperately need treadmill motivation.

3 mile workout. Start at around your normal pace. Every .5 miles increase the speed one tenth a mile in speed (e.g. 6.8 mph to 6.9 mph). The last .5 mile increase the speed every tenth of a mile and the last tenth of a mile increase about 5 notches. It’s a short but intense workout and speedwork isn’t something I do consistently when I’m running on my trail so it’s a good change of pace for me.

Here’s another thing I discovered and where being a mom comes in handy. What to do with those stinky workout clothes? You don’t want them stinking up your clean stuff in your suitcase or the stuff you don’t wash as frequently like sweaters. Solution – wet bags! These are bags used for wet diapers, baby clothes, potty training mishaps, etc. They are lined with a waterproof material so the moisture and stink is contained. They are also great for wet swimsuits. I bought mine from this etsy buyer, I love the ones I bought and the seller shipped pretty quickly, there are lots of etsy options if you just do a search.

This is from my new fave singer, Ray LaMontagne called Hold You in My Arms which after missing my little one this week was all I wanted to do when I got home. So I didn’t mind much when she woke up at 3 a.m. and needed some nighttime cuddles.