5 ways to keep up your running routine at Christmas

Christmas time means mistletoe and wine and plenty of opportunities to raise a glass or two. But as the emphasis on your social life increases, your running schedule takes a back foot. After all, what would you rather be doing? Pacing the streets on a cold, damp and generally grey night, or cosying up to the fireplace sipping on a glass of mulled wine.

But before you make this decision, consider the obvious advantages of training during the Christmas period. For a start, you’ll feel better in yourself come the New Year.

As for that Turkey dinner with all the trimmings and extra mince pie you scoffed at your mum-in-laws, well you will have already burned it all off before breakfast when you take the time out to run (not exactly, but you get what we mean).

From staying in condition to mentally giving you a break from the family, running can be a welcome escape from the whirlwind that is Christmas. Not convinced you’ll find the time? Well, we’ve pulled together five top tips for keeping your running up over Christmas.

Plan now, run later

It may feel laborious and not exactly what you want to do on an evening, but making a plan that you can stick to will help you identify when you can fit in a run. Obviously, a run first thing in the morning after the office party is a no-no, but there is probably some point during the week that you can dedicate to it. Aim for three to four half hour sessions a week, block those times off in your calendar and have a little me time on your run.

Prep for all weather

You may not feel like heading outside when it’s wet and windy, but you’ll feel all the better for it (we promise). Make sure you prepare yourself for all weathers and invest in lightweight layers, a pair of decent running leggings and a waterproof jacket. At least then you’ll not be able to make excuses and brave it in the knowledge that you’ll be dry and warm throughout your session.

Time it right

Not a morning person? Plan in a session after work. Too busy after work? Try a half hour speedy run at lunch. No matter how packed your diary, you can always squeeze in a quick session somewhere. Just decide when best suits you or you won’t be able to commit.

Challenge your friends and family

Instead of heading to the nearest pub with your nearest and dearest, why not challenge them to a quick sprint round the block? Not only will it remove all the cobwebs, but a quick race with your siblings could settle a few scores. Plus it’s a whole lot easier on your liver when you’ve well and truly pushed it to the limit.

Explore the area

Heading away for the holidays? There’s no point in staying cooped up inside. Go outside and enjoy what the area has to offer. Even if you’re going back to your parent’s place for Christmas, you can take yourself on a sentimental journey back to see what has changed since you left. Plus you’ll be glad of the break, we promise.