7 Tips for Maintaining Your Running Routine Through the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and often, a packed calendar.

For runners, it can be particularly challenging to juggle festive activities with a consistent running routine. However, staying active is crucial not only for keeping up with your training but also for managing holiday stress and indulgences.

In this post, we’ll explore seven practical tips to help you maintain your running routine without missing out on the holiday cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, these strategies will ensure you keep moving through the most wonderful time of the year!

Tip 1: Plan Your Runs in Advance

When your days are filled with shopping, family gatherings, and holiday events, finding time to run might seem impossible. The key is to treat your runs like any other important appointment.

• Step 1: At the beginning of each week, take a few minutes to look at your schedule and identify the best times for your runs. Consider quieter times of the day, like early mornings or during lunch breaks.
• Step 2: Once you’ve chosen your running times, put them in your calendar. Use reminders to alert you an hour before, so you have time to prepare.
• Step 3: Check the weather forecast. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so planning around it can help you avoid icy roads or heavy rain.
• Step 4: Inform your family or housemates of your running schedule to minimize disruptions and ensure support.

By scheduling your runs, you’ll make them a priority, which increases the likelihood that you’ll stick to your routine.

Tip 2: Set Realistic Goals

The holiday season might not be the best time to aim for personal bests or high mileage weeks. Instead, focus on maintaining your fitness and enjoying your runs.

• Step 1: Reflect on what is realistically achievable considering the holiday bustle. Maybe this means shorter but more frequent runs.
• Step 2: Adjust your goals to focus on consistency rather than intensity. For example, aim to run three times a week instead of pushing for a certain pace or distance.
• Step 3: Celebrate small victories. Every run you complete is an accomplishment worth acknowledging during this busy time.
• Step 4: If you’re training for an event, adjust your training plan to accommodate the season. This might mean shifting key workouts or long runs to less busy days.

By setting realistic goals, you’ll reduce the pressure and increase the pleasure of running during the holidays, which is essential for long-term motivation and enjoyment.

Tip 3: Get Creative with Workouts

With time at a premium during the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative with your workouts. Mixing things up can keep your routine fresh and adaptable to the seasonal hustle and bustle.

• Think outside the box – or rather, the usual running route. If you’re strapped for time, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a great way to get a quick and effective workout.
• If you’re visiting family or traveling, explore new environments for your runs. A run can be a wonderful way to see holiday lights in a new city or discover local parks.
• Involve your family in your workouts. Plan a fun run, a game of tag, or a light jog that everyone can participate in. It’s a great way to stay active and spend quality time together.
• If you’re crunched for time, split your runs into two shorter sessions throughout the day. A quick morning and evening jog can be just as effective as one longer run.
• Incorporate strength training or yoga into your routine. These activities can improve your running performance and can be done at home amidst other holiday activities.

By being flexible and open to different types of workouts, you can keep your body moving and stay on track with your fitness goals, even when a traditional run isn’t feasible.

Tip 4: Recruit a Running Buddy

Accountability can be a powerful motivator, especially when it’s cold outside, and the holiday to-do list is calling. Running with a buddy can make all the difference in maintaining your routine.

• Reach out to friends or family members who also enjoy running and propose a regular running date. Even if you can’t meet for every run, having a few scheduled runs together can keep you accountable.
• Join a local running group or club. Many groups have holiday runs or challenges that can keep you motivated.
•  If you’re traveling or your usual running partners are unavailable, use social media or running apps to find a temporary running buddy in your area.
• Make it social. After the run, plan a small get-together for coffee or breakfast. It’ll give you something to look forward to after braving the cold.
• Be each other’s cheerleaders. Celebrate your accomplishments together, and encourage one another on those tougher days.

Recruiting a running buddy or joining a group not only provides motivation but also adds a social element to your training, making it a fun and engaging part of your holiday season.

Tip 5: Embrace the Treadmill

When the weather outside is frightful, the treadmill can be delightful—or at least a practical alternative. Don’t let the cold, ice, or snow derail your running plans; use the treadmill to your advantage.

• Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to keep you motivated and energized while on the treadmill.
• Experiment with interval workouts or hill training to keep your treadmill runs challenging and interesting.
• If you find treadmill running monotonous, try watching a TV show or movie to pass the time. Choose something engaging that you only watch while running to give you an extra incentive.
• Set small goals for each treadmill session, like increasing the incline or speed for a short duration, to keep pushing yourself.
• If you’re missing the outdoors, simulate your usual routes using the treadmill’s incline and speed settings to mimic the terrain.

By embracing the treadmill, you ensure that weather doesn’t become a barrier to your training. It might not be the same as an outdoor run, but it’s a valuable tool for maintaining your fitness and sticking to your running routine.

Tip 6: Participate in a Holiday Race

Signing up for a holiday-themed race can be a fantastic motivator. It gives you a goal to work towards and can be a fun way to celebrate the season.

• Step 1: Look for local races that might be taking place during the holiday season. Many communities host “Turkey Trots” on Thanksgiving or “Jingle Bell Runs” in December.
• Step 2: Once you’ve selected a race, incorporate it into your training plan. Having a race on the horizon can help you stay focused and motivated.
• Step 3: Get into the holiday spirit by dressing up for the event. Many holiday races encourage festive costumes, which can add an element of fun.
• Step 4: Involve your friends and family. Whether they cheer you on or run alongside you, it’s a great way to include your loved ones in your running journey.
• Step 5: Don’t stress about your finish time. The goal is to enjoy the experience and the accomplishment of staying active during the holidays.

Participating in a holiday race not only provides structure to your running schedule but also offers a celebratory atmosphere that can enhance your enjoyment of the season.

These sections provide runners with strategies to overcome common winter running challenges, such as inclement weather and a lack of motivation. The tips are actionable and can help maintain training consistency, ensuring that runners are able to continue their routines despite the holiday disruptions.

Tip 7: Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself

The holiday season is synonymous with unpredictability, and despite the best-laid plans, you might find yourself missing a run. It’s important to be adaptable and not too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.

• If you miss a run, don’t dwell on it. Look at your schedule and see where you can fit it in, or let it go and focus on your next planned session.
• Remember that some exercise is better than none. If you’re short on time, a quick 10-20 minute run is still beneficial.
• Listen to your body. The holiday season can be exhausting, and if you’re feeling run-down, it may be wise to take an extra rest day.
• Keep a positive mindset. Celebrate the runs you do manage to fit in and recognize that any disruptions are temporary.
• Reflect on your achievements at the end of the holiday season, and set new goals for the New Year.

Being flexible and kind to yourself helps maintain a healthy relationship with running and ensures that you bounce back more easily from any setbacks.