I had a good week of workouts before travelling to Portugal and so I left the U.K. feeling physically good and ready for a nice relaxing break.
We travelled on Sunday, getting up at 04:30 for a 08:10 flight and arrived at our destination at around 15:30. We stocked up on some food at the supermarket and had a little look around the area before dinner.
On Monday we went to the beach and spent quite a lot of time just laying down so when we returned to the villa in the evening I did a 30 minute full-body circuit workout, using a combination of functional exercises using my own body weight. So things like squats, lunges, skipping etc. (I packed a skipping rope to take with me).
It was quite the sweat fest as it was 30 degrees every day, and even by the early evening it was still 26 or so.
I was intent on having a healthy holiday, eating well and working out a little everyday and I’ve definitely accomplished this. It’s been good whole foods; veg and fruit for every meal.
I made a plan for my week of exercise which would include on stand-up paddle boarding trip and 2 surfing lessons.
Giles and I went running on Tuesday morning. It was crazy hot so I figured we would take it nice and slow, but it turns out we did a sub-30! That’s my first sub-30 since picking back up the running a few weeks ago, so I’m pleased with that. Also, I was pacing it so it wasn’t just me trying to keep up with Giles this time!
On Wednesday I did an upper body circuit workout before travelling about 40 minutes away for our sunset SUP adventure. I’ve done SUP before but at a work function where I had drunk a bit too much! I fell in a few times and so was looking forward to doing it again on sober legs!
We spent the day on the beach and then did SUP as the sun was setting. It was good fun with no falling in this time. I really enjoyed being on the water, the beautiful scenery and stunning sun set.
We had our first surfing lesson on Thursday. It was really enjoyable but incredibly challenging. Physically it really takes it out of you and the conditions were a bit rough that day so I felt like I got a good battering! I managed to stand up quite consistently but also fell down, a lot.
We were so tired that evening we went to bed super early and lay in a bit the next morning too.
I did a leg and glute workout on Friday evening and we had our second surf lesson on Saturday. This time I had better balance and control on the board, managing to actually surf a few waves in to the shore. It’s definitely something I’d like to try again.
Overall I feel like I’ve had a really healthy holiday. I’m feeling good about my body, I have been active and eaten well and I think it is beginning to show.
I have also spent some time this week doing some self-actualisation activities which I will talk about in another post as it will take time to explain. But, I will say having the space and time to sit and think and write has given me a lot of clarity this week. There are some specific goals I now have around my personal growth that I am feeling really good about.
More on that next time.
