Running through the Holidays: Give Yourself the Gift of Fun

snowFor many of us, sticking to a regular running routine will be harder during the next few weeks than at any other time of the year. Kids are home from school, family may be visiting, or maybe you’ll be traveling yourself. With so many holiday distractions, following a training plan is hardly top priority.

But if you’ve been running long enough to have a routine, you know how disastrous it can be to stop when you’re busy or stressed. (Hello, dark chocolate!) That’s why it’s important to make a holiday running plan and stick to it. What exactly that plan entails is entirely up to you. Here are a few good options:

Be a Couch Potato

This is perfect if you’ve been training hard, you just hit a running milestone, or real life has recently thrown you a curve or two. Embrace the limits of cold, dark December mornings and sleep in. Binge on Netflix or whatever makes you happy.

The key is to fully commit to your sloth. Don’t decide you’re going to take a break and then spend half the day thinking about how you really should be running. A couple weeks of rest won’t ruin your health.  In fact, rest might just jump start your 2016 training season.

Run Like a Kid

If you don’t feel the need for a long rest, try running like a kid instead. Go out for a mile – or 10. Leave your watch at home. Jump over puddles. Sprint to the corner, then stop and chat with a friend. Stay in if you’re tired or would just rather play Candy Crush.

This approach is guaranteed to help you kick the training blues and rediscover the simple joy of moving. One of my all-time favorite winter runs came courtesy of a fresh snowfall. I didn’t set any speed records, but I got to listen to the crunch of my shoes – and make the first footprints in the snow.

Go Steady

Another option is to run at least a little bit every day during the holidays. (Or if you’re feeling really ambitious, make it a 30-day challenge.) Set a realistic minimum distance knowing that you can always run more if time and energy allow.

Committing to a daily run can boost your motivation, provide flexibility on busy days, and help you carve out some much-needed personal time in the midst of family activities. Plus, research shows that even short bursts of aerobic exercise can boost your mood and improve your sleep.

Whatever You Do…Commit!

Over the years, I’ve tried everything from running hard through the holidays to gluing my glutes to the sofa. I’ve never really found the perfect balance. I’m usually too tired to benefit from running hard and too guilt-ridden to enjoy the couch.

I realize now that’s because I’ve always let my type-A inner coach run the show. I’ve never really committed to rest or even to being flexible. No more. I’ve been in a major exercise rut recently, so I’ll be running like a kid this year. And this time, I’m committed to having fun!

By Meredith Lai

 

What are your holiday running plans? Share your thoughts with your KCE friends on Facebook.

 

 

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