The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and indulgence—but that doesn’t mean your running routine has to take a back seat. In fact, running during the festive period can be the perfect way to maintain balance, clear your mind, and set the tone for the year ahead. Here are some practical tips to keep you motivated and make the most of your holiday running.
Make It Flexible
The holiday period can be unpredictable, with last-minute plans, family commitments, and changes to your usual schedule. Embrace flexibility by shifting your running to times that fit around your day—early morning runs can be a great way to get some “me time” before the festivities begin. If a full run isn’t possible, even a quick 20-minute jog can make a big difference in maintaining your routine.
Get Festive
Incorporate the holiday spirit into your runs. Whether it’s a jog through the local streets to admire Christmas lights or taking part in a seasonal race like a Santa Run, festive-themed runs can be a great way to enjoy the season while staying active.
Use Running as a Reset
The holidays are full of indulgence, and running can be an excellent way to re-energise and reset. Use it as a way to carve out some time for yourself, clear your head, and enjoy the crisp winter air. Whether you’re tackling a long trail run or a steady park jog, it’s an opportunity to stay grounded amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
Make it Social
Running doesn’t have to be solitary—invite friends or family members to join you. A Christmas morning run or a New Year’s Day jog can become a fun tradition to share with loved ones. Even a slow-paced walk-run with non-running family members is a great way to spend time together while staying active.
Stay Accountable
If motivation wavers, having a plan in place can help you stay accountable. This could be as simple as setting goals for the week or committing to a seasonal running challenge. Partnering with New Levels Coaching, RunThrough’s official coaching partner, can provide you with a tailored plan to keep you on track and ensure you’re making progress, even during the busiest time of year.
Celebrate Consistency
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about maintaining consistency. Running over the holiday period isn’t about chasing PBs or taking on your longest mileage; it’s about keeping the habit alive and staying connected to what you love. Celebrate every run, however small, as a win for your health and wellbeing.
Start the New Year Strong
By maintaining your running routine through December, you’ll set yourself up for a strong start in the New Year. Whether it’s gearing up for your next RunThrough event or laying the groundwork for new goals, your holiday miles will help you begin 2025 with confidence and momentum.
Keep Moving with RunThrough
Looking for inspiration? Why not join us at one of our festive or New Year events to keep the momentum going? From 5ks to marathons, RunThrough’s calendar is packed with opportunities to lace up and stay active, no matter the season.
Keep running, stay festive, and enjoy every mile this holiday season.