Running Around The Holidays

As we get farther into the holiday season, I figured it was time to share a post with you that was actually originally written over a year ago for a guest post on the famous Carlee McDot’s blog! You can check out the original post here. She was going away and wanted some guest bloggers to write posts for during that time. I was lucky enough to share some of my tips for running during the holidays and I’m going to share that same post with you all today! When you’re done reading my post, I highly suggest you head over to Carlee’s blog for her 12 Days of Carlee’s Christmas giveaways that started December 1st!

Plan out your running schedule ahead of time. Before things begin to get hectic, sit down with your schedule and map out when you want to run or do your workouts. This can either be done in the beginning of each week or if you're feeling good, for the next month or so. Having everything written down (or typed out) and it front of you will help keep you on schedule and allow you to plan around those runs. I like to plan and write my future runs in my Believe Training Journal because once it's written down I personally feel obligated to get it done. 

Run early. We've all been there. You tell yourself you will go for a run after work/dinner/a party/etc. When the time comes around, the last thing you want to do is slip on your running shoes and head out the door. You're tired, too relaxed, or too warm inside your cozy house to immerse yourself into the cold air outside. Instead of pushing your run off into later in the day, run as soon as you get up in the morning, before your body has time to find a way to stop you! Forcing yourself out the door in the morning can benefit you in more ways than one. First, you are getting your run over and done with before your busy day begins. Second, you will feel more energized the rest of the day. And third, you will start your day with some time to yourself. Just remember, if you are running early enough where it is still dark outside, where your reflective gear! Invest in a reflective vest, a headlamp, and any other reflective gear that you wish.

Make your workouts shorter but more intense. With busy schedules and shorter days, long runs may not be possible for you. When I only have a short amount of time to run, instead of just scrapping the whole run because I can "only get one mile in," I choose to run that mile at the quickest pace I can. This allows me to complete the run in a reasonable amount while also making the run effective.

Set a simple goal for the holiday season rather than a more complex goal. I always love to have a goal. Working towards a goal gives me a sense of purpose and is my go-to "why" for when I really don't want to lace up and head out the door. Big goals may be hard to focus on during the busy holiday season so I usually choose to give myself a more simple goal. These goals usually focus on the number of times I will run in a week. Setting a goal for distance is tough because I never know the amount of time I'll get to run each day. I can always manage to squeeze in a quick mile or two a few times a week, though!

Sign up for a holiday themed race to run with friends and family. There are such a wide variety of holiday themed races that range in mileage. Ask your friends and family in advanced if they would like to join you, allowing them the appropriate time to train, if needed. Most of these themed races are just for fun, making them possible for all runners and non-runners. My sister and I have done the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis where you tie jingle bells onto your shoes so you can hear them as you run the whole 5k. It is super festive and also supports a great cause! Also, it's totally acceptable to dress up for the race! If a holiday themed race is not offered in your area, or you would love to arrange your own group run...

...Arrange a "light run" with a group of friends! One of the best parts of the holiday season is Christmas lights, in my opinion. What better way to check out the beautiful light displays in your area than on foot? Gather a group of your friends and head out for a short run (or even walk!) around the neighborhood to check out the lights. Since this is just a fun run/walk, everyone can be included.

My number one running tip for any time of the year is to just have fun! While running may be an important part of your life (I know it is for me!), never let it feel like a chore, especially during the holiday season. Unless you are on a serious training schedule, do not let running come in the way of family events or some holiday shopping that really needs to get done. Do what you can and continue to love running!

Question of the Day: What is your favorite part of the holiday season?