Training during the holidays...Top tips for getting it done and cutting the stress

Cue music—

It’s the most craziest time of the year

With the lists always growing 

And everyone telling you now to be here

It’s the most craziest time of the year

Training during December as a mom who is also chief holiday magic maker is not for the faint of the heart. School parties and programs, family gatherings, shopping, wrapping, moving the elf, and doing all the regular things to keep weeknight meals on the table and getting people out the door on time means stress is rising right alongside the joy and excitement.

Time and energy are at an all time premium, making it more difficult to keep training consistently even though that alone time out on the run might be just what you need amongst the craziness. 

Here are my top tips for stressing less while staying on top of your training during the holiday hustle. 

Be realistic:  Ever missed a workout or cut a run short then spent the rest of the day stressed out and feeling guilty over it? Maybe it even makes you a little snappy with your partner or kids? Looking at your schedule and being realistic about the time you can allocate to training will set you up for success instead of guilt over missed runs or workouts. 

Prioritize and make peace: How much of a priority your training is right now is up to you. If you are in the middle of prepping for a race this will look different than if you just wrapped up your big events and have a little more flexibility. You do not need to train like you’re in peak race training all the time and still see progress as a runner. Decide what pieces of training are most important to you and what pieces you are okay with letting go of a little bit to let other things take priority. If you work with a coach, let them help you make adjustments. Maybe you decide you need a couple weeks where running isn’t much of a priority at all, that’s okay too! Making these decisions up front and planning accordingly will help cut down the stress and guilt factor of trying to do everything only to have things fall through the cracks.

Put it on the schedule and communicate: Once you know what you want to hold space for, get it on the calendar and protect it like you would a work appointment. Make sure your partner is aware of your plan to avoid schedule surprises like a longer weekend run planned during brunch with the in-laws or thinking you were hitting the gym after work only to realize you’ve got to get the kids to practices.

Make it easier to show up: It’s dark out and the snooze button is all too tempting as you lay in your warm cocoon or maybe you planned to get a quick lift in over lunch but are tempted to finish up that last little bit of online shopping and sip your coffee instead. Setting out clothes or making sure your gym bag is packed, lining up a favorite new podcast, or planning to meet a friend for a workout can make it easier to get out the door when you’re not feeling it. My other favorite trick is just committing to putting on your shoes and getting moving for 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes you still aren’t feeling it, take it as your sign that maybe you do need a little more rest. 

Adjustments are part of the plan: Needing to adjust and be flexible isn’t just a holiday thing but it is a skill that gets flexed a lot this time of year. Maybe it means moving your longer run to a different day, substituting an easy run for walking the dogs, or finding some strength workouts you can do easily at home instead of having to get to a gym. This is another situation where a coach can help you look at your schedule and make tweaks.

Check in with yourself: How’s your energy? How’s your sleep? Are you staying fueled up? Do you feel like you’re dragging yourself out of bed every morning? The holidays are a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re choosing to continue to train during this season, you also need to choose to recover. This might mean picking to sleep in after a late night or choosing a short mobility session and cup of tea over an intense strength workout. Feeling like you can actually sustain your routine instead of white knuckling training from week to week is key to being consistent. 

Above all, remember running is meant to fill your cup, not empty it. I wish you the ability to talk to yourself like you would your running buddy, a quiet cup of something warm, and a joyful close to your year of running. For me there is nothing better than a hot coffee by the Christmas tree after a chilly morning run (bonus if that first cup is with fur  babies only). 

If you’re looking to tackle a new running goal next year but have struggled with being as consistent as you’d like due to the challenges that come with motherhood or pain and injury, a custom program inside Run-Resilient can help. 

If you’re interested in learning more send me an email at [email protected] with your goal(s) for next year and I’ll get in touch with you. 

Keep Running Yourself Resilient!

Katlyn