Poppin’ Smoke While On The Run
If the term “Poppin’ Smoke” is new to you, then at the conclusion of this, you will understand the motivation of Stephanie Montague. When her husband retired from the Army, they merged travel and exercise into a package. The best way to exercise is to be grounded. This turned out to be a challenge, but they can do it in a variety of locations.
It is time to buckle up and let us fly with Stephanie.
How did you manage your fitness training while traveling? What changes have you had to make in your life?
As my husband and I talked about taking a “gap year” to travel, even though it was my idea, one of my concerns was how I would exercise regularly and stay in shape. Also, I was running at the best pace of my life, and I was worried about losing that fitness.
Exercise is a major priority for my husband as well, so we planned and brought some resistance bands that we can use just about anywhere. Later, we brought our TRX with us. Of course, we always have our running shoes as well!
When looking for short-term apartments (our preferred lodging), we try to choose places that are close to a large park or trail where we can exercise.
One of the biggest changes I’ve had to make as it relates to fitness is exercising without a gym. Also, I’ve adjusted my expectations for what I consider a “workout.”
Now I focus more on making sure that I’m active on MOST days, but my exercise doesn’t need to involve weights or machines. It can be a run, a hike, a bike ride, a day wandering a new city, or a TRX workout on our balcony.
I’ve found that I need to make tradeoffs and break my routine if I want new experiences. We could have stayed comfortably in our life in DC, which was great by most measures, but it had felt like the same thing, day in and day out, and we wanted a change.
What are fitness goals which you have set for yourself?
Recently, I started working with a personal trainer here in Rota. She was a collegiate runner, and I’m working with her to improve my running form and increase speed and agility. I’ve already run a one-Half Marathon this year and I hope to do at least one more. I’ll determine my goal pace based on my progress.
What motivated the birth of “Poppin’ Smoke”?
After my husband retired from the Army, we were using these incredible military benefits to travel, and it surprised me how few military folks we met knew about their benefits, let alone how to use them.
I wanted to make more members of the military community aware of the benefits they earned and explain how everything works. Secondarily, I wanted to encourage retirees and transitioning service members to think about doing something “different” after the military.
All of what I term the “travel-related benefits,” including Space-A flights and lodging, MWR facilities, TRICARE Overseas, and the free year of household goods storage immediately after retirement, can make it workable to take a break, do some extended travel, or even live overseas, as we have done.
Essentially, my goals were to provide awareness, education, and inspiration!
What are the challenges you have faced?
The biggest challenge has been getting the word out. I’m trying to reach as many members of the military community as possible. It’s easy to target folks who are already looking for the information (for example, in Facebook groups for Space-A travelers).
The trickier part is getting my information in front of veterans and family members who do not know that these benefits exist or that they are eligible to use them.
What are some useful tips for traveling and fitness programs while in a foreign country?
I recommend doing as we did and bringing some light, portable fitness equipment with you.
Also, take every opportunity you can to get exercise while visiting a new place. Tour on foot instead of taking a taxi or public transportation. Climb those steps for the epic views. Look for a nearby hike. Take a kayak or bike tour.
We’ve also gotten day passes or joined gyms in various countries, which can be an interesting cultural experience, but if you’re only visiting for a short time, you can easily get exercise while exploring.
What is your fitness program of choice?
I love running, hiking, and simply walking. If we’re near a good hill or some outdoor stairs, I enjoy training on those. We trained for our climb up Mt. Fuji on the stairs of a hotel near our apartment in Japan.
I use our TRX and resistance bands wherever I can set them up. If I have access to a gym, I also use the elliptical and rowing machines besides weights.
Since retirement, what do you miss the most?
Running in the Washington, DC area. One of my favorite runs started at the Iwo Jima Memorial and took me past Arlington Cemetery, across the Memorial Bridge, and along the Mall to the Capitol and back.
Each time I did that run, I told myself how lucky I was, because I knew I wouldn’t live there forever! DC also has a great running community with dozens of outstanding road races and many running groups.
What are three key items which you can share with the readers?
- Travel does not have to be expensive. Using your military benefits will help you save a lot of money, and so will “slow travel.”
- If you have big plans for when you retire, whether right after the military or after a second career, stay fit and healthy so you can enjoy it! Injuries and ailments come up, especially in the military, but manage the things you can control, including diet and exercise. Travel takes a lot of energy, but it’s a very worthwhile motivation to stay in shape!
- If you’re planning to retire from the military, but you’re still a few years out, think hard about what you want to do next. Do you need to transition directly into a second career? Could you take a break to travel and reconnect with family? If you downsized and moved to a low-cost area, could you get by on your military retirement/VA?
Are you competitive when you approach an event?
I’m mostly competitive with myself because I have a certain pace I want to hit. In smaller races at the 10-mile or ½ Marathon distances, I can sometimes place in my age group, so I get competitive when I know that’s a possibility.
Did you have any influencers on your journey? (My fitness journey?)
My dad! He has been working out at the local YMCA since the mid-80s. He trained for marathons on the track, which was above the basketball court – 24 laps to a mile!
Growing up, I would go with my dad to the Y sometimes, but I didn’t run until college when I was on the rowing team and needed to get to practice. After college, I started doing road races regularly with my dad, and it has always been a fun thing for us to do together.
What is your philosophy for fitness?
Do something active every day. I strongly believe the human body is meant to MOVE daily, and that the amount of time most of us spend sitting down is unnatural.
I also believe it’s best to squeeze in whatever exercise you have time for. Just because you don’t have the full hour or two in the gym that you think you need, don’t stay home and sit on the couch.
During a busy week, you could end up doing nothing for several days in a row. Better to stay consistent and do at least a short workout daily.
*For more articles on running and military life, visit George Banker’s blog on our website.
