Day 24 and the start of a week of travel and unpredictability.

Day: 24 of 77
Date: 4/06/2013
Workout Day: Active Rest
Weight (lb): Not measured
Body Fat %: Not measured
Health: Fine 10/10

Ordinarily I do enjoy travel, but in this case I’ve not been looking forward to this trip. It’s not the journey or the destination, or even the work once I get there, it’s the unpredictability of what lies before me in terms of diet and exercise. I’ve worked damn hard so far not to stray from the plan and I’m paranoid about letting something derail this for me.

But before I sound too negative, I must point out where I’ve travelled to, Monte Carlo in Monaco. For those that don’t know it, it’s one of the richest towns in the world. It’s where most of the Formula One drivers live, and is a tax haven for many of the World’s elite. I’m there for a two day conference and the sun has been turned up to 11 to greet me.

I’m not going to discuss the work side of the conference as it will bore you, so I’ll talk about the food and training and how I’ve been trying to manage it.

Monster Breakfast

The day started at Heathrow Terminal 5. This is a great airport and terminal, definitely one of the best in the world and this time forwent my usual breakfast at Gordon Ramsay’s “Plane Food” restaurant and headed to Giraffe, a kind of Mexican themed world food restaurant. I had been concerned about what food would be available at the conference, so I thought a less posh restaurant would give me all the protein I demanded. In turn I opted for 8 scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, 6 rashers bacon and mushrooms. Together with a ladle of chilli sauce it was amazing, and just what I needed. I was very comfortable there, probably too comfortable, since by the time I reached the gate the BA stewardess refused to let me on the plane and said that the flight had closed. I’ve never been late for a flight before, and this time I had misjudged how far away the gate was from the main terminal. After a few minutes of persuasion, including getting my hold bags being put back on the plane (having been removed) I managed to get on the flight.

After that initial stress I reached Monte Carlo and was welcomed by an incredible hotel and blazing sun. Lunch was served and was a vast array of yellow food, all of it involving some kind of sandwich or sweet pastry dessert. I know it’s what people expect but that doesn’t mean every buffet should just wheel out a load of crap. But my plan to load up on good food previously had paid off and I just held out until the evening. The set menu couldn’t have been more perfect. It started with a prawn, asparagus and artichoke salad, followed by roast lamb and vegetables. Paleo AND low carb. FANTASTIC!! Dessert was some beautiful looking monstrosity of cream, ice cream, strawberries, sponge and meringue. It looked amazing but I resisted. This occasion was also my first ever work trip without drinking alcohol. Considering it was all free it should have felt more like a challenge but not drinking really didn’t bother me. This also gave me the excuse of an early night and the knowledge that I would not feel like death in the morning.

My Hotel in Monte Carlo

Before coming on this trip I had planned my training schedule to not need to do a “proper” session whilst I was out here. Today I did get a few spare minutes and used those to full effect with a quick HIIT session in the gym, followed by a swim in the heated outdoor pool and then a quick sunbathe in the glorious surroundings of the hotel. This is a seriously nice place (Monte Carlo Bay Hotel) and one that I hope to return to in the future when I’m fabulously rich.

Despite my apprehensions I have, so far, eaten well, done some unplanned exercise and had a good dose of vitamin D. I’m hopeful that tomorrow will also go well and I make my flight on time.