Gear 2.0: Traveling and dealing with Jet-lag

I travel a fair amount for racing and leisure and people often ask me how I deal with time change and long trips. I have done short trips of a couple of hours up to traveling for more than 35 hours.  Some of these things work for me, so I figured I would pass it along.  First and foremost, the minute I sit down on the plane I change my watch to the time zone I am flying to and I will keep adjusting as I am changing planes for my final destination.  I also travel with melatonin which helps me to "turn myself around" quicker.  I will either take it on a long flight after the meal service or take it to my final destination to help myself go to sleep.  The nice thing about melatonin is that its natural and there is no after effects long as you follow the instruction.  I also never travel without my compression socks, and wear them religiously which help with circulation and not having blood pooling in your ankles while you flying.  It also helps after my workouts and after a race.  I even sometimes fly with compression shorts if its a long flight, I find my legs are fresher off the plane and I can get into a work out quicker.  I try to hydrate on the flight and will have a drink at dinner, especially if I am trying to sleep, I find it helps me.  Be weary of alcohol consumption while flying though, it will be hard on your system and will dehydrate you.  Same with coffee, I have  a cup if I need to stay awake but try not to over do it, the same goes with pop.  Depending of the time of the day that I arrive, I will try to have a light workout like a run or a swim.  Nothing too long but just enough to get my body going, that said if its night I just try to go to bed.  The next morning I usually build my bike and try to go on a ride.  The trick is to try to get in to a normal rhythm as soon as you can.   It is said that for every hour of time change your body needs a day to acclimates itself, so if it is an important race, try to give yourself enough time so your body is ready to perform at its best.  I hope this helps if you have upcoming traveling  races or if you're planning some in the future.  The last race of the season approach for me, Xterra World in Maui at the end of October.  Until then, happy trails!

Carpe Diem