From Cinque Terre we made our way to Florence with a quick stop in Pisa to visit some Italian relatives. So far we have been in each city for two nights. It hasn’t been working out to exercise on days that we travel, but we are making sure we get in a good work out on that second day. It’s obviously not as much as we normally do, but we are doing what we can without sacrificing our vacay.
Our sightseeing workout in Florence was incredible (and incredibly hard). We woke up early and put on our Lulu gear because we wanted to be towards the front of the line when the Duomo opened.
People must have thought we looked a little crazy because they were all in their normal clothes for the day and we were in workout gear ready to get to the top of the Duomo as fast as we could. It took about 15 minutes to get to the top and we were hauling ass. Along the way people were dropping like flies, and taking breaks and a few people were clearly not okay. It was a hard climb, and I can totally see how unfit people would really have a hard time with it. At the top the view of Florence was completely breathtaking.
The way down was hilarious because the walls are probably 5’7.5″. It was the perfect height for me because I’m 5’7″. Miles on the other hand, had a much harder time. His 6’3″ frame did not quite fit and he had to climb down completely hunched over and duck footed. The stairs were not very wide and his feet didn’t fit on them so he had to turn them out to make it work. It was pretty hilarious to watch him, and of course I had to take a pic.
After that we decided that we were ready for more, so we also hiked the Tower next to the Duomo. It’s about the same height, and much less crowded, so we were able to get up there even faster.
Again, I would have loved to have had my heart rate monitor, because I know I burned a ton of calories in the 45-60 minute stair climbing. We were drenched in sweat at the end. It was fun to get in our workout while we were sightseeing. Between Cinque Terre and Florence, my calves are incredibly sore.
We are still trying to eat pretty healthy, but make sure we are still enjoying the amazing Italian specialties. I had no idea that Italian food including so much seafood…so freaking good.
