Tips to Running During the Holidays

1. Schedule Your Runs

Schedule your runs in your calendar for the weeks ahead. This way, you’re less likely to plan something over them. Look specifically at times when you’re less likely to have other commitments, like early in the morning, or around lunch time.

2. Adjust Your Workouts

You may have to shorten your runs and workouts during the holidays. Maybe you’re unable to go for that two-hour-long run, but you have time for a 45-minute run. Don’t stress about doing less during your travels, because doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Shorter runs can still help you maintain your fitness, keep you feeling energized, and improve your mental health during what can be a happy, but stressful time.

3. Pack Appropriately

Traveling for the holidays?  Be sure you bring a few sets of running clothes with you, alongside 1-2 pairs of running shoes. It’s typically recommended to alternate your shoes each day, never wearing the same pair two days in a row. This can increase the lifespan of your shoes, and allow your trainers to stay softer, for longer. However, you may not be able to bring two pairs of shoes with you. It’s okay to break this rule during the holidays. Running in one pair of shoes is better than not running at all.

Don’t forget to check the weather of your destination before you travel too! This can impact what type of clothing & accessories you should bring.

4. Relax!

While the holidays can be a whimsical time filled with joy and nostalgia, it can also be a very busy, stressful time. Running can help relieve some of that stress, but it’s important to make sure running is not adding to it. It’s okay to skip runs to spend quality time with friends and family, especially those loved ones you see infrequently. Running may be an important part of your life, but it isn’t your whole life.

This holiday season, run when you can, run when you want to, or take some time off if it makes sense to you.

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