Would You Rather
- Get up, get dressed, put on winter coat, put on gloves, find car keys, go outside, drive, park, walk in freezing cold, communicate with other humans, exercise, walk in freezing cold, drive, park, walk inside.
- Get up, get dressed, walk down a flight of stairs, go.
Clearly having a gym inside the building where you sleep is a clear winner. Sometimes I do love going to the gym and the motivation of other people and group exercise, but most of the time I’d rather just do my own thing and break a sweat in private. Whenever we do buy our next house, I hope it will have space where we can buy a piece of cardio equipment and get the best of both worlds. I think also whenever I have children this will be key.
Matt and I decided after debating about 5 different options that using the hotel gym would be the best decision this morning (other options included going to the Y at 6AM when it opened or going to the Y before going out to dinner).
We were right – I got in a great workout. 26 minutes on the treadmill, 2.26 miles. See a theme there!? I walked .66 miles and then ran 1.44 and walked in the last bit. I’m finding it hard to run here! Not sure if it’s elevation, the two times I’ve tried on treadmills or just getting outta the habit. I also tried out a stairstepper from the 80s so Matt could use the treadmill (what I dumb machine!) and did 5 vinyasa flows of sun A and sun B.
While I showered, Matt made HOT oatmeal in our microwave!! [Yes, I have told people to never, ever make oats in the microwave but this was a dire circumstance!] It was actually quite amazing. I think the key was still using rolled oats and not instant so they kept their texture.
In each bowl:
- 2/3 cup muesli
- 1/3 cup milk [*no water!]
- 1 whole super ripe brown banana, sliced
Microwaved for a total of 5 minutes on high with several pauses for stirring.
Toppings:
- Crunchy Buckwheat Granola
- Trail mix
- A huge spoon of peanut butter
It was DELISH and should keep us nice and satisfied through lunch.
Boy do my Decaf Starbucks Vias really help with the coffee issue!
And I can’t believe I didn’t notice the incorrect year on our mugs! No one did!
1.75 days of training left to go. It appears that our warm front is over and snow is expected today and tonight. Hope that doesn’t impair our travel on Wednesday evening…
Wheee!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I’m actually much more motivated to weightlift if I have to travel to the gym. It almost makes me feel like I’m accomplishing more than if I just exercised at home or in my building.
Does anyone else feel that way?
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Yes! I don’t know why, but I totally agree.
Nancy-The Wife of a Dairyman says
I’m also more motivated when at the gym….I love my Boot Camp class at 5:30 in the morning!
Jenny says
I don’t think I’d get anything done at my house! Which is why I’ve never bought those home workout videos. Even if its just cardio I would much rather go to the gym and work up a sweat.
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
I’m impressed you’re so motivated while at the hotel! I am lucky to have a pretty nice gym in my apartment complex, and it is SO convenient. This morning all of DC is covered in sheets of ice, but I still got my interval training in! 🙂
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
We’re getting snow tomorrow night, blah. Also, I would definitely choose working out at the hotel haha. Yummy breakfast! The mug is super cute, but that’s so funny about the wrong year. Who would notice, we’re too new to 2011!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I find that running on unfamiliar treadmills is so much harder as well. There’s something about “my” treadmill at the gym that just makes runs so much better. Looks like a delicious bowl of oats.. you know, considering the circumstances!
Evan Thomas says
I’m so much better at working out when I’m in an actual gym, but I can understand the commute always being a pain. Good thing I live so close to mine.
Blog is the New Black says
I never work out when I’m away. I tend be one of those people that doesn’t do anything extra when I’m not on my normal routine! Good for you.
Alaina says
I thought that mug was just from last year! 🙂
I love hotel gyms, except the one that I went to where the electrical charge almost zapped me off my machine.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I think it is funny how technique and product in cooking really makes all the difference in the world. I microwave my oats everyday and love them. I have recently changed from quick oats to rolled oats and I love the texture even with microwaving them. Have a great day Kath!
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
You made that breakfast in the microwave? Looks incredible! 🙂
Holly says
I actually always make my oatmeal in the microwave! I use rolled oats, and just barely cover them with water. 2 minutes in our ancient microwave gets them to the perfect consistency. HOWEVER, I do prefer to use the stovetop if I’m mixing in pumpkin, banana, etc.
Amy says
I know! I eat breakfast at work and I always make my oats in the microwave. I’ve got it down to a science.
Kris says
I can’t imagine recommending not to use the microwave ever for oats. I used rolled, and micro for one minute w/ half the water, add the rest of water, stir and cook for the balance of time. I add in banana at the halfway point. Perfect every time. Def no need for stove cooked oats always.
Jenny says
And no dirty pots 😉
Amanda (Eating Up) says
I learned after a long time that rolled oats in the microwave are 2793 x better than instant!
Trish @I_am_Succeeding says
breakfast looks good and it is an easy answer…just walk downstairs for sure!! =)
MaryBe@AccidentallyVegan says
Good to know about the oats! They look great!
PS I’m having a giveaway on my blog!
Meg says
Mmmm what a beautiful breakfast and a beautiful way to start one of your last days of training! Enjoy it, Kath! Watch out for those onions 😉
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Gorgeous breakfast! Have a great day 🙂
cathyb.@brightbakes says
It definitely helps (if you have the room) to have your own piece of cardio equipment! No excuses for me 🙂
love,
cathy b.
Ellie says
Looks good! I have to say though, sometimes I prefer to get cold and get outside. This may be because my college had a brand new gym and it has been SO crazy packed so running outside gives me Me time
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
You must be the oatmeal whisperer; it even looks wonderful coming out of a hotel microwave! 🙂
Elizabeth@The Sweet Life says
Hope you’re hanging in there in that cold weather!
Jessa says
I am impressed with your workout diligence as well, working out when on the road at a hotel gym! I never seem to be able to do that, though granted I am usually never in a hotel for work, only when we re on vacation. I think I would be able to work out when it s on a work day.
Also…like you said, I m a mom, and having a treadmill in our basement has been so amazing. Especially since we live in the midwest, with frigid winters, when you can t go out with a stroller. However, things do change though…I now have to interrupt my morning miles to either fill a sippy cup, or take out the crayons, change a diaper, or to put in a Carebears movie 🙂 I guess I could get up super early to exercise for “me” though huh? 🙂
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food says
#2 is definitely the best option!!
Your breakfast looks awesome, I’m starting to crave bananas 🙂
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
It IS super nice to have a treadmill at home, I must say. We have a three bedroom house (and no kiddos yet), so in addition to our master bedroom, we each get to have “our room”… His is a writing space with a desk, chair, futon/couch, bookshelf, side table, guitar (!), etc. Mine has become the workout room with treadmill, Bosu ball, yoga mat, Step bench, TV and DVD player (for workout videos, and CNN in the mornings!).
Sometimes I wish I had a room of my own, like his – and then sometimes I wonder what on earth we are going to do when we have a baby – but for right now, it works. If I had to leave the house and drive somewhere to hop on a treadmill, I’m certain I wouldn’t do it! (Sad, but true).
~
Hope says
I am so impressed with the breakfast you cooked in your hotel. It looks so delicious! This weather is terrible. We had a really bad ice storm last night and this morning. I heard there is supposed to be a storm here Thursday night into Friday morning. I hope that doesn’t impact your travel!
Lori says
Why no oats in the MW?? Just wondering. I use rolled oats and use the microwave. I love them. But I do have a method and they sit while I get ready for the day. The only thing I’m not crazy about in oatmeal is bananas. Weird. But I love bananas elsewhere.
Heather (heathers dish) says
I bet the altitude is what’s messing with your running. It takes a couple weeks at least to fully aclimate to higher elevations…I’m just impressed how well y’all are sticking with the uual routine while you’re away!
Meredith says
We got a treadmill in November and put it in our finished basement. I love it! It’s so nice to wake up at 5am, put on shorts and a sports bra, and pound out the miles while it’s dark and snowing outside. After three days in a row on it I am itching to run outside, which I do no matter the weather, but it is such a luxury to be able to run without leaving the house. I agree, it will be especially great when I have children!
Heather says
I used to make oatmeal in the microwave all the time at work – is ok in a pinch but stovetop is much better!
I would love if the apartment gym was in my building – its a 1/4 mile away though – if it were closer, I would use it more often!
jen @ taste life says
I’m still catching myself writing 2010 instead of 2011, too! Your breakfast looks very enticing.
Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) says
I have workout equipment in the house and it really does make a HUGE difference. It’s so easy to just roll out of bed and hop on the bike or treadmill, without having to change or worry about making time to drive down there, shower there, and get ready for work.
Camille says
I definitely love that my apartment complex has a gym. While I do still have to walk about 3 minutes to get there, it is very nice on those pouring rain days!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
I agree– sometimes, I just want to do a quick workout in the privacy of my own home (or hotel, I guess, for you!). We got a treadmill last year at a garage sale for about 50 bucks, and it has been a LIFESAVER during the winter months!
Ashley (The Vegetable Life) says
Oh my goodness that Oatmeal looks like heaven!!!!! I have the biggest craving ever now!
Stephanie says
We only live about 10 blocks from our gym but so far have still been driving. I think we’ve committed to jogging there from now on at least 2x/week.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
We have an elliptical in our house and I LOVE it. Definitely worth the investment to get a gym-worthy piece of equipment, too- I see so many people buying cheaper machines that won’t hold up in the long run!! We’ve had ours for 6 years and someone uses it pretty much every day and it’s still as good as new.
Lauren Slayton says
when clients ask what gym they should join I always say “whatever is closest to home or work.” Proximity matters. I love the hotel eating tips, don’t know those starbucks thingys.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I pretty much always do my oats in the micro and they come out good! I’m just too lazy in the morning to do the stovetop thing.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
#2 is definitely the clear winner! Your breakfast looks so good! I’m impressed with all the ways you’ve adapted your meals while you are away!
Jessica says
That is the hardest part of my work-out… actually getting to the gym. My apartment’s gym is pretty awesome and only about a block away but it is still so hard to get there in the morning when it is 20F out.
Jessica
Allison @ Happy Tales says
I share your same sentiments about working out, Kath! I am very self-motivated and don’t need to be surrounded by a big group to exercise (although don’t get me wrong, I love taking classes… I even work at a YMCA and get ’em for free) but nothing beats just doing your thang immediately when you wake up! Love just lacing up my shoes and jettin’ out the door for a run…
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
The actual *getting* to the gym is definitely the tough part. I would love to have an elliptical in my house. It would be a nice switch off from running, perfect for whenever I have a running injury, and awesome when I just don’t feel like going out to run in the -2 degrees! 😉
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
My husband and I purchased a condo and have a gym in our building – down the hall! I have to say that I do miss having the option to go to classes, but it is awesome to have the gym so close by!
Kati @ Living Well says
I would love to have a treadmill at home…watching a 30 minute show during a workout is perfect! And your breakfast look BEAUTiful as always 🙂
Val @ Balancing Val says
Speaking of Would You Rather . . .
Have you ever played the game?
We take a deck of the cards on long road trips and go through them. Its so fun, it passes the time by and you learn A LOT about the people your with even if you think you knew them so well!
😀
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i actually prefer my oats in the microwave (only the rolled kind!) b/c i like them SUPA HOT
Jen says
#2 is easier but I usually get a better workout with #1
Christine (The Raw Project) says
Having a home gym has been a huge help for me, we converted our office into a half gym with cardio and weight because at the time I had a long commute to work and was in no mood to cram in a gym trip after a long day of work and traffic. It’s actually helped me workout more.
The breakfast creations look wonderful.
belinda says
Why no oats in a hotel microwave? Too yucky?
faith @ gracefulfitness says
I just thought the mug was from a GH training last year or something but was wondering why you brought it with you…o.k, that was maybe a little slow on my part too!
(I microwave oats all the time! As long as they are real, not quick or instant but you shouldn’t eat those anyway, I think it’s fine.)
Yay to coming home!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
I LOVE the “Would you rather…” game! That’s always my favorite way to pass time while travelling. The scenarios can get pretty outrageous!
LauraJayne says
I am totally a microwave oatmeal baker – I never have time to do true stove oatmeal, so if I want to make oatmeal I have to make do!
I would love a gym in my home – but since I have to drive to the gym, I’m glad I have one that has great locker rooms facilities, including clean towels – so I don’t have to drive back home to get ready and then back to work! Enjoy your last days of training and travel safe!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
My apartment building has a small exercise room on the first floor, so I don’t need to go outside to work out! It’s so convenient, especially on days when I just DO NOT feel like going out!
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
I absolutely love having a gym in my building for that reason!
Ashley says
Love that you guys have morning workout debates…too funny 🙂
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle says
yay for the training almost being over!!!!
Stacy says
Have to chime in on how terrific it is to have a treadmill at home! Even if you have to cram it into a tiny master bedroom like we do, it makes it so much easier to get in a workout. Particularly if it’s winter and the only time that you have to work out is early morning. There is no way I would go out for a run at 6 am in the middle of winter, but on the treadmill I always get it done.
Maryann says
Option 2 definitely sounds better! Have fun with the rest of your training!!
Jess @ atasteofconfidence says
I love having a treadmill at home – it’s so nice! Being able to walk to a gym on campus is convenient, too.
Natalia - a side of simple says
I’m like you, I much rather do my own thing at the gym. Unlike you, though, I have to say I have NEVER had stove-top oats! I know. I feel like it’s blasphemy even visiting your blog! I always microwave my old-fashioned rolled oats in increments and constantly add water/milk to them. Then I let them sit for a little to bulk up and then repeat it. It may use a microwave, but it’s an art to me!
mary (what's cookin' with mary) says
LOL Kath! You crack me up… Is that a serious question?! Obv option TWO 😀
Namaste Gurl says
The microwave really isn’t that awful when it comes to making oatmeal…. I much prefer the stove, though, but that’s not always the circumstance. Have a good day!
j says
Having the workout equipment at home is vital once you have children. Some days, it’s impossible to get out of the house with the little ones in tow but you can always make it to the extra bedroom, basement , garage or wherever you keep your equipment. Now, my teens work out, too. I feel like I’ve set a great example for them! Safe travels…
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Too funny about the date on the mug!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I am the same way! If I didn’t have a gym in my building, I’d be lost. It’s also a great way to try out the workouts from those fitness mags – easy to follow in the small gyms. 🙂
melissa says
I actually just dropped my gym membership (to save money) and bought & borrowed quite a few walking work-out videos (along with a few cardio/yoga/strength training ones too). I have found that I am working out at least 5 days a week (when I was only working out 3 when I had to leave the house.) and I’ve lost weight! I know some people can’t get motivated at home, but saving the money & not having to go out in the freezing winter cold made it worth it to me!! Your oatmeal looks great. I just made steel-cut-oats overnight last night and love putting nuts & bananas in them. I don’t know if you have a stove to use instead of a microwave, but it’s easy to do them overnight!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Hotel gym, awesome
Having a “gym” at home is what I do…that involves 2 exercise balls, a yoga mat, a pair of 12 lb dumbbells and some creativity. It saves me….almost daily. I have to have at-home options w/ my busy life or i’d never workout some days!
Amanda says
I agree with you on working out in private. This morning I went down to our gym in our condo building and the lights were still off! I had the place all to myself (and the remote control). On another note, I’m sorry you got the wrong mugs! I work in the industry that produces promotional items like the mugs…we actually just had the same mistake (a $1800 mistake) this week in our office. Someone here better be thanking their lucky stars my boss is in a good mood in 2011 – NOT 2010!
Kath says
Re. Microwave: I just don’t like the texture. It gets gummier and less creamy.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I agree, I think it would be so worth it to have a treadmill or elliptical at home for the days when time is tight or it’s just too cold out. If only I could fit one into my student budget right now! 😛
lauren says
My mouth literally just started to water looking at your photos of such a delicious breakfast! I’m usually anti-microwave, but the other day for lunch I needed something extra and made oatmeal using one — it wasn’t so bad, but there’s something about using the stove that makes it feel more…nostalgic, perhaps? I love the smell of oatmeal.
Lu @ Done Dieting says
I like to work out on my own too. That way no one’s looking at me. Your oatmeal looks great. I like mine made on the stove as well. I also like the way hubby makes it. I just can’t seem to get it right. 😉
Kiran says
Believe it or not, I’m craving for warm oatmeal at 6pm 🙂
Hannah says
Gosh, I *always* make my oats and oatbran in the microwave! Whatever must you think of me? 😛
stacey-healthylife says
Sometimes you gotta have oats the quick and easy way and take what you can get.
Lori says
funny, I noticed a couple of days ago that the mug said 2010 but I thought you were using one from a previous training session from last year.
Charise says
Oh, I make oats in the microwave the three days a week I’m in the office instead of working from home. I do think the texture is a bit different, but I still prefer a nice, hot, filling bowl of oats to something cold. We can’t all have the benefit of having our kitchen at our fingertips for breakfast every work day. 😉
I definitely use regular oats and not instant (iiiiccccky texture!), and cook with half vanilla soy milk, half water, some cinnamon, and frozen berries thrown in toward the end of cooking (2.5-3 min total), then topped with a sprinkle of walnuts and dried cranberries. Good enough for me!