Thanksgiving 2013 has come and gone. This time of the year brings late night shopping, extended family time, heavier drinking, more eating, and less sleep. What about your training regiment? Did you forget about it? Did you say to yourself, hey, it’s the “fattening” season and I can pick training back up after the Holidays? Sure, you can BUT YOU’LL BE STARTING OVER!
Try this idea… Maintenance. I read these cool tips from Runner’s World that will help us keep our training up during this Holiday season:
HOLIDAY RUNNING SUGGESTIONS:
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Plan your runs in advance. Look at your schedule for the week and write them in. Having it in your planner makes it more likely to happen.
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Focus on maintaining your current fitness level rather than improving it during the holidays. Running three days a week for even 20 to 30 minutes will maintain your current fitness level, relieve stress, and give you more time for holiday obligations.
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Shorten your runs. Something is better than nothing! Some running is better than no running at all so rather than eliminate a run completely, cut it short. Base your mileage on the time you have available.
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Substitute intensity for duration. When there is no time for a long run, speed up the pace for a short run. This will increase the effectiveness of a short run.
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Go with the flow! Be flexible with your runs. Try running at different times of the day so it can fit into your schedule.
I think I’ll have a hard time with #4. I’m honestly scared to run faster. I know I can do it. I can run 7’s but my muscles will tighten during the run, and I have to be able to walk do I can take care of my kids!
Any way, don’t make any excuses to skip a run. I know I can’t afford to skip with a race looming in the near future. Make the time and get out there. Happy running and happy holidays!
Leg It Leilani 