Italian Vacation!!

sweetbn

So Thursday morning I am departing to ITALY. I am super excited (my first trip to Europe)

I am staying in 4 star resorts, but was disapointed to see that one of them (where I spend 5 nights!) doesn't have a gym.

Now, I am a runner so I do not lift weights, or do anything except, well, running (and an occasional swim).

I don't really feel safe running around the streets of Rome (especially after all I've heard about gypsies) so I was thinking about doing some calisthenics. The problem being that I do not want to lose my endurance while I am over there - what can I do? I was thinking of bringing a jump rope but don't want to make the other hotel inhabitants angry by jumping in my room.

As far as food goes, I am planning on eating what I am served. This is a once in a lifetime trip (well, hopefully not, but its definitely amazing!!) and I want to enjoy the rich, delicious foods Italy offers. I am planning on just eating smaller portions or EVERYTHING and on optional meals, eating the lowest calorie meals available.

The problem being I am having SEVERAL 5 course meals. Not so good for my diet!

Any oppinions appreciated.

McFatterton

My husband and I went to Italy a few years ago and had a GREAT time! We definitely indulged in all that Italy has to offer with the food, but, to be honest, you will be doing SO much walking and sight-seeing.....neither of us gained hardly anything while we were there (just maintained). Have a great trip!

Oh, and as far as the gypsies go, I never ran into them in Rome, just saw some at the train station in Venice. Also be aware of pick-pockets too! Thankfully my husband and I never had any encounters with either.

TuscanySun

I'm headed there when I hit my goal weight. Congrats on the trip.

I say, its a once in a life time thing. Do the best you can, maybe take a workout dvd to do in your room, but live a bit and enjoy.....

rebeccagreen

Rome is a great city to just walk around, so you shouldn't have too much trouble maintaining. As for not running because of the gypsies, I wouldn't worry at all. I was there for 5 days last year and didn't see any (and we went a bit off the beaten track even walking to the Olympic stadium for a football match), plus there are so many people around nothing bad will happen. Personally I wish I took my trainers to go for a run along the river.

bebhinn

Im engaged to an italian... 5 course meals are the norm. Here's the trick - try everything, finish nothing! (unless you love something THAT much!)

thumper44

I just went to italy last year in June. I don't know Rome, but I think walking around during the day should be ok with all the people there.

I was also worried about the food.
I did alot of walking, drank some beer, ate lots of pasta and pizza, some salads, and made sure I got my alot of meats in. I ended coming back with a loss of a couple lbs.

I think fresh pasta is alot better or you than the packaged pasta we use here day to day.
Their pizza crust is super thin.

Enjoy. It will be an awesome experience.

joyosplash

I'm very excited for you! I lived in Rome for 4 months. Never once had an issue with gypsies, you would be fine if you really want to run while you're there. But live like a true Italian, walk EVERYWHERE. I swear that's part of how they all stay so thin! That will keep your endurance up and the weight at bay. You will have no problem with the food, even if you're enjoy those 5 course meals. The food is so much healthier (its unbelievable what we Americans consume when we go out to eat). But I do like the advice to try everything and finish nothing. That's exactly the way to go about it.

So just live it up, do tons of sightseeing (aka tons of walking) and enjoy the food and drinks!

Sparksfly

I did two semesters in Italy in college, once in Rome. I ran all the time! Don't be suprised if you are stared down by the Italian men. They LOVE to look!

I planned out routes near my housing on walkjogrun.net, so I wouldn't get too lost.

Lots of routes already planned out for you on there!

As far as the food goes, enjoy lots of meats and sauteed veggies. Five course meals isn't as much as you think considering the portion sizes are MUCHHHH smaller than what we have here.

I was also walking 4+ hours a day touring. If you watch your wine, bread, and pasta intake you will probably lose weight!

Buon Viaggio!

sdwelk11

Just wanted to say that I am oh,,, so jealous of you!!!!!

Italy is my dream vacation and hoping that Hubby and I can start saving and go one of these years!!!!! have fun and try to walk to as many of the places that you want to go. That might help!! post pics when you get back!!!!

michlingle

I went last summer for a month to Italy, Spain, and Croatia. It was also right in the middle of training for my first marathon, Chicago '09. We backpacked, took flights, and rode trains. Walking everywhere, I didn't gain, in fact I lost. I visited the following in Italy: Rome (twice, our plane arrived and departed here), Pisa, Florence, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre, and Como. Did runs in Como (there's a path around part of the lake), Milan (ran from hotel to the Milan Cathedral), and Pisa (ran from hotel to the leaning tower). In Cinque Terre, if you go, I highly recommend it, there is a 5.5 hour hike you can do among all the five areas, it was very strenuous and hot, especially in July! I only did about 5 runs while abroad for the month, but with all the walking, I still was able to finish the marathon! If you go to Florence, rent some bicycles and ride up into the Chianti region. THAT was a workout. Have a great time! Don't worry about the "gypsies." I would just follow the same rules you probably follow at home when it comes to running outdoors. I'd bring a friend along just to be on the safe side. If no one is available, find someone who is running and join them! There were other people running in Pisa, a ton of runners in the early evening in Barcelona. No one bothers you, I liked to wear a pair of sunglasses, though, people like to stare...