Normally I love to travel. But because I have specifically measured out different routes to run around town, leaving my comfort zone made me a bit anxious about working out. If it was a weight day, would I have access to the same equipment? If it was a longer mileage day, would I be able to find a suitable place to run? Would I have the time or energy to work out while vacationing?

I ended up not doing weights on any of my three trips. The little gyms in most hotels are just not going to work for a sprint workout and I don't want to hurt myself doing something I've never done before. I did do some sit-ups, push-ups and some lunges, which I think helped me just maintain while I was traveling.

I did, however, find time and places to run on vacation. The easiest was at my grandfather's house in Los Angeles. I took the car and mapped out two routes and alternated every other day. I had to be dedicated about doing it in the morning before anyone else got up because when you're with family, they want to see you. I admit this was the toughest trip nutrition-wise and I gained five pounds, even though I was running five miles or more each day.

The toughest trip to continue with my training was London. Not only did I have major jet lag and a completely packed sightseeing schedule, but I was a little nervous about running around a city of that size by myself. Here in Utah, I have the best, most protective running partner in the world — my dog. So I talked to some of the other parents on the trip (it was for my daughter's middle school), and several were interested in running. The good thing about involving others in your workout is that you are more likely to be consistent. And, in all honesty, it is a lot more fun to run with friends than alone.

The bad thing about involving others in your routine is that you're not always at the same fitness level. I don't mind going slower, but some of the other parents were speedy. Anyone who has seen me run knows this adjective can never be applied to me — not even when something or someone is chasing me.

In a foreign country, however, I was more than happy to run faster than normal in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with running in a group.

As the Ogden marathon approaches, I have found it much easier to be dedicated about working out, both with weights and running. Once again, I think this illustrates the importance of having a tangible goal when you're talking about fitness. I interviewed a trainer recently who told me he always tries to get his clients to get involved in an organized sport of some kind. Most people go to a gym for the first time because they want to lose weight. They have no idea it can change their lives for the better.

Getting involved in an activities will do far more than help them keep the weight off. I think it's the key to helping them integrate their new-found fitness into a healthier and happier lifestyle.

For me, having a goal is like having a deadline. It moves me to quit dreaming and start acting. It's much easier to blow off that workout if there is no consequence — and I find public humiliation is a very persuasive consequence.

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E-mail: donaldson@desnews.com