Training through the Holiday Season

by Coach Tessa Madison, Team Tempo Multisport

‘Tis the season for training to come undone. Between social gatherings (where overeating and drinking abound), family obligations, traveling, and the pursuit of the perfect present, runners often find it difficult to stick to a routine. And once the mileage plummets, so goes the body and mind.

While missing one or two workouts won’t hurt your overall training, missing weeks and months will. Not only will it set you back physically, your mental focus suffers just as much and usually more. Once you fall out your daily routine, it quickly becomes easier to justify sleeping through your next scheduled run/workout. They say it takes on average 66 days to form a good habit, but only a few days to break it.

Coach Tessa at Run for the Water, Photo cred: William Geisler

Fortunately, you don’t have to log mega-mileage during the hectic holiday season to preserve your fitness, sanity, and motivation. Here a couple of my favorite, often-used tips for staying fit during the holidays:

Go for a brisk walk a couple times a day. Take your dog for a long walk, or park further away at the grocery store or mall.

1. Go for a brisk walk a couple times a day. Take your dog for a long walk, or park further away at the grocery store or mall.
2. Take the stairs whenever possible, maybe even run up and down them a few times at home or at hotels. No one is ever in the stair well at hotels so you can usually do this with complete privacy!
3. Do core work. Sit-ups and planks are a great way to work your core and you can do them anywhere.
4. Stay sane. With all the holiday parties and presents, it is easy to lose focus and forget to make time for yourself as well. Remember exercise is a great way to keep the stress at bay, so don’t feel guilty for making some “me” time. Your family might actually appreciate this more than facing your cranky twin.
5. Get the family together for a jog. Even if they claim they aren’t “runners” your enthusiasm can be contagious. Even if it is only a couple times around the block, just getting those muscles fired up will ensure you don’t lose all that you have worked hard to earn! Plus you might even get a family member motivated.
6. Stretch. Maybe get up 15 minutes early to do some stretches or take extra time in the shower to stretch. Keep your muscles loose and active by stretching.
7. Have a work-out accountability partner. If you know it is going to be hard for you to stay motivated, buddy up with someone and keep each other accountable by continuing to check in or even coordinating a workout together. What better way to escape your in-laws than sneaking out for a quick run with a friend?

Tags: austin, austin fitness, holiday fitness, holiday workouts, motivation, triathlon