The holidays, with lots of food, travel, and family, can be disruptive to a runner’s training schedule. Here are a few ways to ensure that a runner can maintain their running routine throughout the holiday season.
Be Prepared to Run in All Conditions
While visiting family over the holidays, it is a good idea to bring different running gear for any running climate.
You may have to run outside, so it is a good idea to bring appropriate running gear for running in cold temperatures. This includes running tights, insulating and moisture-wicking layers, a hat and gloves, and proper running shoes and socks. Be sure to consult a guide to dressing for different temperatures to avoid overheating or feeling too cold.
Alternatively, there may be access to a local gym or YMCA on a visitor’s pass, so bringing a t-shirt and a pair of running shorts is always a good idea.
Run Early in the Day
The easiest way to ensure that a running routine is not disrupted is to run before family and friends begin their day. Running in the early morning ensures that training does not interfere with family obligations.
Furthermore, running in the early morning is a great way to get a break from the hectic routine of the holidays. Maintaining a consistent training schedule helps to manage the stress that can arise from spending a lot of money and a lot of time with family.
Include Family Members in Running
Running with family members is a great way to spend time with them and maintain a running routine. It can provide a much-needed break from the eating, drinking, and shopping in a way that allows for quality family time.
Moreover, if family members live close to home, they may be interested in joining a running club or becoming a regular running partner.
Create a Flexible Running Schedule
Depending on the travel itinerary or family plans, it may be easiest to create a more lenient or alternate running schedule for the holiday season.
If traveling, runs could be substituted for other forms of recreation that are easy to do in the local area. For example, if visiting family near the ocean, running could be substituted for swimming.
The holidays are busy time with many social and family commitments. While it is important to maintain a running routine, it is equally important to ensure that the training schedule is realistic and does not become another source of stress during the holiday season!
Allison McNeely - Allison McNeely is a Toronto based freelance writer. A recent graduate of McGill University, Allison is a political junkie and avid ...
