Can you believe that it’s already November? It’s that time of the year otherwise known as “holiday season”. Between Halloween candy, Thanksgiving meals and holiday events and parties, it’s super easy to get off track. As I mentioned in my November 2018 Goals post last week, my motivation to workout is pretty low. I’m sure it’s just a funk but it couldn’t have come at a worse time! Since this time of year is super busy and it’s easy to skip workouts, I came up with some tips to keep me on track. Hopefully these tips will be helpful for you as well!
Join a Holiday Challenge
This is probably the easiest way to hold yourself accountable. If you do a quick search on Instagram or Pinterest, you can find a bunch of holiday fitness challenges to join. The length of the challenges vary so you can find one that works best for you. What challenge am I doing? I’m joining another StepBet game for the next 6 weeks. This will ensure that I get my butt up and moving!
Write down workouts AHEAD of time
This month I’ve started to log my workouts in my training journal again. One thing I’m doing differently is writing down my workout in my training journal BEFORE I do it. For example, yesterday I knew I needed to do a 4 mile run so I wrote that down in my journal before going to work. As soon as I got home after work I changed into my workout clothes and knocked out my 4 mile run. Writing something down in pen makes it feel more permanent to me, which gives me more desire to actually do the workout.
Plan ahead for holiday parties
This is the time of year where you may get invited to multiple parties. Sure, they are fun but all of that snacking on appetizers and sipping on alcoholic drinks is a quick way to pile on the pounds. To combat this, try to plan ahead as much as possible. If you are bringing an item to a holiday party, bring a fruit or veggie platter. At least that way you know you’ll have something healthy to snack on. If you’re just attending the party, eat a healthy meal before attending the party. That way you won’t overeat a lot of the carbs or junk food.
Select a Winter Race
Don’t have any races scheduled for January/February? Now’s a perfect time to pick one! Having a race early in the year gives you incentive to stick to a training plan. Since most training plans are anywhere from 8-12 weeks, now is the perfect time to start thinking about that Winter race!
Volunteer
Although this may not necessarily be something that you would think would keep you on track, it definitely can! You’ll find a bunch of volunteering opportunities during the holidays. Here’s a thought – instead of throwing your typical holiday party, what about a holiday volunteer event? You can grab your group of friends and volunteer at a soup kitchen, food pantry, wrapping gifts for kids, etc. – the possibilities are endless. Not only will you do some good in your community, but you’ll also make great memories with friends AND you’ll feel good too. It’s a win-win!
Do you have any tips on how to stay on track during the holidays?
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m also linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Last but not least, I’m linking up with Lora from Crazy Running Girl, Marc from Train With Marc and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Jenny says
I usually take things a little easier in the winter. I donβt stop completely but I use it as a time for my body to recover and to focus on different parts of fitness other than running.
kookyrunner says
I think that’s smart, especially if you train hard the rest of the year!
Kimberly Hatting says
One thing that has worked for me, but is definitely for everyone, is the Runner’s World Winter/Holiday Running Streak (Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day). This is always my off-season anyways, so simply committing to a 1-mile run everyday is not a big deal for me. Obviously, some days I run longer (#5at5’s), but knowing I have this penciled in on my calendar gives me something to look forward to fitness-wise. I’m not an advocate for daily running, so this is one time of the year when I do things a little differently…and I’m always glad when New Year’s Day arrives and I’m done LOL
kookyrunner says
I know so many runners that participate in the RW runstreak. I did it one year but I’ll admit that I probably won’t do it again because I don’t like running everyday, even if it’s a mile lol.
Kimberly Hatting says
I just re-read my comment…I meant to say it is definitelyNOTt for everyone LOL Maybe that was a Freudian slip? π
kookyrunner says
lol perhaps π
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
It is always challenging to stay on track during the holidays! I have my birthday thrown in there too. Signing up for low key races helps me too
kookyrunner says
Yeah I think that signing up for races is key. If I know I have to train, it makes it easier to get in workouts.
Chocolaterunsjudy says
I have to admit I do my runs around the weather for the most part. So while I may have some idea of what I’ll do on what day, it has a tendency to move around as needed.
Sometimes if I’m procrastinating I’ll put it into my weekly wrap — if I type it out, I’ll usually do it — sort of similar to what you do. Although I am sad to say I have not yet gotten back to journaling my runs. I think I need to put that on my to do list for tomorrow!
kookyrunner says
I think there’s just something about writing it down – blog, journal, etc. Really helps to keep me accountable.
Chocolaterunsjudy says
Definitely! I agree!
Liz Dexter says
Oh this is interesting – I’m very lucky! Apart from icy weather, I have one Christmas party to go to and that’s with my BookCrossing group and involves no alcohol for me or over indulgence. We have the running club’s awards night in December but again no pressure to drink etc. And no Thanksgiving because I’m in the UK. Aaaaaand there is talk of Christmas Day arrangement and I might get to run the handily 13 miles to my in-laws’ for lunch!
So all good here but these are great tips!
kookyrunner says
Oh man you are so lucky! It seems like here there are so many gatherings to go to between work events, family obligations and hanging with friends.
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says
Somehow I usually find myself doing November marathons, which means December is a great month to relax and take it easy!
I do have a 10k in January so I will get some focused training in December, but definitely nothing long distance. Working retail, its a crazy season and I’ll be working uber long hours so it’ll be way too crazy to try and do anything major.
kookyrunner says
Ahh that works out really well! Definitely good to take December as a rest period after a November marathon.
Oh yeah, you will be so busy these next two months. At least you know you’ll get in a lot of steps working during the holiday season – you don’t even need to run!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Great tips! I’m signed up for a turkey trot and the Miami Marathon at the end of January will keep me running all through the holidays!
kookyrunner says
Awesome! I was thinking of doing the Miami Marathon but I don’t have enough time to train, maybe next year!
Jenn says
Fabulous tips! I do all these things as best as I can – the holidays are ridiculously busy for me (already, I have weekends booked up all the way until Christmas), so it’s a balancing act, for sure!
I need to pick that winter race.
kookyrunner says
Wow I can’t believe you’re booked for every weekend from now until Christmas! I’m sure it’s super busy but also fun too π
Laurie says
Yes! Great tips. I have 2 January trail races on my schedule. They will keep me going over the holidays!
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome! I have heard that trail races are so fun.
Zenaida says
What has worked for me is to simply do what I can. Life is stressful as it is and I don’t want to complicate it even more with running. If I can run then I do it but if I cannot then so be it. π
kookyrunner says
I like that approach! I worry that if I stop running for too long that I won’t start back up lol
Darlene says
Great tips.
I write in my blog so I have idea of what I have time to do.
I also sign up for a winter big race. That keeps me running even when the temps get cold.
kookyrunner says
Running through the winter can be such a struggle so that’s why I also try to find races to do just like you.
Wendy says
This is excellent. I will say that it is a lot easier for me to run in the cold than in the hot weather, so that is motivating for me. Except in the brutal cold, I do have much better pacing and running feels more satisfying. Go figure!
kookyrunner says
Me too! I really prefer running in cold weather vs hot weather. My body just responds to it much differently.
Marcia says
Love these tips and now i wanna make fancy journal entries like that pic! Except for the years I ran Boston, I have never been as motivated to train as I am right now. Getting to that starting line in Tokyo and then London pretty much trumps everything right now.
kookyrunner says
I love that fancy journal entry! I don’t have the art skills to pull that off, but I can admire it, lol.
It’s so awesome that you will get to run both marathons next year. I can definitely see why you are motivated!
Cari says
Planning ahead for the holiday parties is so key – I haven’t been around for last few office ones and I’m already a little anxious
Given that the holidays correlate with our busy time, using running as stress relief
kookyrunner says
This year we’re having a company holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. I’m happy about this because I feel like their won’t be as many and food choices lol
Cari says
Ours is at a restaurant but luckily it has distractions in the form of mini putt. Hoping it’s just passed apps
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Great tips! I think it really helps to eat something before going to a holiday party. Otherwise I end up starving and eat all the snacks!
kookyrunner says
I couldn’t agree more. I try to “fill up” on good stuff before going to a party so that I do’t overindulge
Farrah says
Great tips! I really need to start planning/writing out my workouts beforehand again!
kookyrunner says
It’s been very helpful!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
All great tips! I have been eyeing February races – I’m afraid if I don’t get something on the calendar I’ll hibernate π
kookyrunner says
Same! I am still debating on doing a Spring marathon.