Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and we’re a few days into December, the hectic holiday season is in full swing. We have our office holiday party this weekend, I’ve got two business-related holiday dinners on the same night next week, and I really will have to do some shopping soon. This time of year it can be hard to stick with your fitness program, but there are so many reasons to keep exercising.
- Endorphins. A good sweat session is the best way to counteract holiday stress. It’s even more effective if you get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
- Calories. I’m not gonna lie, knowing that I want to indulge in Christmas cookies and still wear my favorite jeans on New Year’s Eve helps motivate me to do at least 30 minutes of cardio every day, and squeeze in a long run whenever I can.
- Holiday cheer. Going for a run in the evening is a great way to see the neighbors’ holiday decorations and Christmas lights. It’s even more fun if you have holiday songs on your playlist!
Or you can appreciate decorations like this in full daylight!
If these reasons aren’t enough to keep you lacing up your running shoes, here are some more concrete ways of staying motivated to run through the holidays:
- Sign up for an early 2014 race. Having a race on my calendar always helps me think twice before I skip a run. Registration for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run lottery opened yesterday and runs through December 13. I am excited to have been selected as a blogger for their blog, so watch this space for posts from me and other great running bloggers coming soon. Although I won’t really start training for this April 6 event until mid-January, it gives me a reason to maintain my mileage base so I can focus on my pace when the time comes.
- Participate in the #RunChat scavenger hunt. Go for run, keep your eyes out for these items, snap a picture, and share on Twitter tagged with #RunChatHunt.
- Take a break from your in-laws (or other house guests).
What motivates you to stay active during the holiday season?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I’m on the injured reserve list now. Everyone has been saying that this is a great time of year to not be running. I couldn’t disagree more for all the reasons you listed! There are so many fun things associated with running this month. Have fun for me!
I’m sorry! You’ll have to do your own post on the advantages of being sidelined. I’d put sleeping a bit later at the top of the list. 😉
I’m ultra motivated right now. Just to be healthy, happy, and moving 🙂
My motivation this holiday season is to keep up with my half marathon training. With my first half just after the holidays end, I cannot afford to let my training slide. With a full calendar, its definitely going to be a tricky balance to fit in all the festivities and my training, but I’m up for the challenge!
Good luck! I find that getting in my workouts first thing in the morning helps keep me on track.
LOVE the ecard about the inlaws! How true!!!
My motivation is to keep my metabolism in check, but still enjoy holiday treats! That and leading by example for my little one. That’s always a motivating factor though. 🙂
My fitness doesn’t stop for the holidays! Although, I am tempted to quit the gym every January when it’s too crowded to even move…..
Ugh. Yes, I am worried about the January crowds at our small office gym/locker room.
I had to comment to say that I LOVE the last meme. Classic. Also that #runchat scavenger hunt sounds fun!!
Thanks! I think my husband learned to give me new running gear for Christmas so I had an excuse to go for a run to test it out!
That #runchat scavenger sounds super fun!!!
I think that if we had a bunch of family coming (besides the ones who were just here) I would bundle up and brave the cold!!!
As an only child, I really need my “me” time — even if I have to run in the cold to get it!
Nothing motivates me more than a race! I like to plan my races strategically so I do not lose my will to run! Ha ha In Canada, the Rooming Room (store) organizes a bunch of Hypothermic Half-Marathons in late February! That’s motivation to run faster! It can get as cold as -30C with the windchill!
How did I miss the runchat challenge? Looks like fun!
I signed up for a half marathon in march. This way, I know I have to keep running through the holidays and winter months.
Heather
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