Tuesday, December 10, 2019

5 Reasons You Should Keep Running Through the Holidays

This is an updated post from 2017.

Who doesn't love the holidays? All the food, the parties, the gifting... all the calories, the stress, the rushing....

I don't know about you but if there's ever a time of year, I need to run, it's December! Every year I say I'm going to start preparing for the holidays much earlier but it never happens. Coupled with my job in healthcare where we work holidays plus it seems like everyone is sick right now, there's not a lot of downtime. Heck, here I am blogging when I should be putting up holiday decorations. I ran this morning when I should have been doing my last minute shopping. But I just know that if I don't move and get my heart rate up, something's going to suffer.

Here are 5 reasons you need to keep running through the holidays!!


Food
Most of the year, I think we runners keep ourselves eating pretty healthy. But this is the time of year when so many folks celebrate as they graze at the troughs of highly caloric foods. We runners aren't immune to the temptations. Cookies are my kryptonite. Poor Santa. He's on target to gain 400,000,000 pounds (source). The average American gains 5 pounds over the holidays. Nope. Not this runner! We run! We burn calories!



Family
Everyone's got that "one" family member... am I right? The loose cannon? The one that you don't even set a place for because you can't count on them showing up? Maybe it's someone who gets offended at the most random comments. Maybe it's a relative who has the need to tell off color jokes or make inappropriate comments about politics, your clothing, your relationship (or lack thereof), your fitness habits...whatever. Not that I know anything about this. When it comes to getting together with family, I feel like running is my secret weapon. I go in, armed and ready. I ran today. Go ahead punk. Make my day. I'm ready for whatever you throw at me. I am calm. I am zen. Works like a charm.


Travel
This is the busiest travel season of the year and the airports are crowded. There's weather, right? Flight cancellations and delays? Running from terminal to terminal to make connections? Don't be that person who gets to the gate only to see the plane pulling away from the gateway. If you're a runner, you're on that plane. Because you have been doing your Yasso 800s and you've got speed in those legs. You visualize the gate as the finish line. You've got this!


Shopping
My mother-in-law was an epic shopper. She'd hit Black Friday and wrestle people to the ground to get the items she wanted. Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration, but she was a great gifter. Nowadays, people are relentless when it comes to grabbing the bargains. The malls are packed and if you are on a mission, you need to be able to weave through the crowds, much like at the start of a big race. You have to train for that, people! You need stamina and endurance. If you've run any long distance events, you know of what I speak.


Eye on the Prize
Do you have plans to run a big spring race? While taking a week or 2 off training for the holidays probably won't hurt you, staying on your training plan will help you stay focused and bring a sense of normalcy to what is an otherwise chaotic time of year. Plus, Santa is watching...



For me at least, running is a huge stress reliever. A new study recently released demonstrated the positive effects physical activity has on stressful situations. While runners don't need research to prove what they already know, it's nice to have our experience validated. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a little infusion of endocannabinoids?

That runner's high is our little secret...

Happy Holidays! Keep on running, my friends.

Running keeps me sane during the holidays! 5 Reasons to lace up and hit the road /via @oldrunningmom #running #runchat #holidaysweat #holidayfitness 

Do you keep on running through the holidays? Or do you take some time off? Tell me about your odd family member! Are you a shopping rock star?

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.











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66 comments :

  1. I'm running as much as I have been this year (which isn't much) but I'm definitely looking forward to some runs over the holidays when I can catch some sunrises. It's cycling I'm doing less of since that takes more primetime out of my weekends.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! <3

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  2. We actually don't have *that* family member. Even my SIL's ex-to-be, while an odd guy, we all got along with him (except for my SIL, eventually, of course).

    Usually I keep running. I was sidelined this week with some mild flu-like symptoms. Not enough to feel really bad, thankfully, but enough to know I needed more rest & I'm taking it. I think I'll still manage 3 runs this week (got in 2, it was the second one where it totally hit me -- it was horrible!).

    Have a very merry Christmas, Wendy!

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  3. Ha! I love any opportunity to use Griswald family GIFs!

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    1. I almost used Cousin Eddie emptying the sewer but I didn't think it would go over well...

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  4. You know I keep on running through the holidays (and all through the winter....outside, none the less). I have that streak to finish out, after all ;-) Unfortunately, my mom is that "one relative." She takes offense easily, and is usually the one saying inappropriate stuff. (womp womp) My MIL was another one when she was around LOL Best wishes to you for a festive Christmas!!

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  5. So I have a few of "those family members" and just this week they stressed me out. Seriously running and being with friends is the best stress reliever for me. Happy Friday

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  6. I think this is the hardest time of year to continue your fitness regimen. With the holiday parties, festivities, and all the yummy food that comes with those. I haven't been doing too bad since I am trying to do the running streak. But if I wasn't, I know for sure there would have been a few days I would have said no to running.

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  7. I definitely use running during the holidays to relieve stress! This morning I did my long run and I felt like I just ran off all the stress the month (so far). Now that Im done with work, I need to focus on the actual holidays and traveling thats coming up. Im sure there will be plenty more miles to get my through that over the next few days!

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  8. I LOVE these tips. I definitely run through the holidays and try to stay as active as I can. Like you said, dealing with THAT one family member drives me up the walls so working out makes it a bit more tolerable.

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    1. We are all on pins and needles wondering if our "one" family member will show up!

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  9. So true! I feel like running is a nice escape from the stress of the holidays :) And a good excuse to take a step away form family when needed.

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  10. * Ding, DONG * (my reference to Christmas Vacation when all the relatives show up at the door!). All great tips! I love your title pic, btw. I'm not running as much this Christmas (no January marathon) and I'm more stressed. Go figure.

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    Replies
    1. It's funny how that happens! We've got a hilly half coming up so there's no slacking here!

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  11. Oh my gosh, this is the BEST list! YES, I 100% agree with ALL of these reasons to keep on running throughout the next few weeks! Running=Sanity for me so it's a necessity for sure!! I have a REAL Uncle Eddy in my family and it's hilarious how similar he is to Christmas Vacation's one! :) :) :) Ohhhhhhhh the joys of the holidays, right!? :)

    Have a fabulous day Wendy!!!

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    1. Oh, now that's funny about your real life Uncle Eddie! Until it's not...

      Merry Christmas, Chelsea!

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  12. I keep running through the holidays, AND still gain the 5 pounds... there is soooo much sugary goodness around at work every day in December that I just can't resist... and the tins of popcorn... sigh

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  13. I definitely keep running/cycling through the holidays. Especially when we're with family! We're on our own this year, we reached a place where we travel so much if people want to see us they need to stop expecting us to do all the travel (roads do go both ways, don't you know!) When I finally stopped trying to please everyone I started enjoying the holidays a lot more.

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    Replies
    1. Yep. I am already prepared for the comments on my bad dog, my dusty chandelier, and how we need to replace the carpet on the stairs. I know....

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  14. That meme with the sprinkles made me LOL!
    I definitely run/workout to burn off the crazy during the holidays. I feel like there is SO much to do and it can get overwhelming. Getting in a run, even a short run, is always appreciated!

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  15. I definitely indulge a bit more than usual during the holidays. Thank goodness for running and fitness overall to help make sure that I don't gain too much extra weight.

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  16. Yeeeeeup, nailed it! I started cycling just yesterday because all the stress is becoming too much for me!

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    1. I find cycling in the trainer to be way better than the treadmill, personally. Let me know if you need me to hook you up with some workouts!

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  17. I totally agree with all of this. The holidays are the best time to run because people are generally in a good mood when you run by them, and the extra time off work means running when it's light out instead of dark.

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  18. These are all really great reasons to keep running through the holidays! (Especiallyyyyy the food!) I haven't been able to do as much lately because hospital service has been really draining, but hopefully soon!

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    Replies
    1. hahaha, technically speaking, yes I will! (Until they ramp up my schedule to 100% :'( I will enjoy these days while I can though! :P )

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  19. I like to do the RW Run Streak to help keep me going through the holidays. :)

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  20. I love that Santa meme - I know when you've been running...

    Yes, ma'am, I run through the holidays! I couldn't imagine not.

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  21. I try to keep running year round (unless I'm sick, or of course something is hurting).

    I may just have something to runfess about cookies this month . . .

    My family all pretty much gets along. Although my sister's husband, let's just say he's a bit odd. :)

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    1. I don't take a break from running either unless it's due to injury... glad to hear you have a harmonious family!

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  22. There's no doubt that running, actually any exercise, keeps me sane throughout the holidays. There's just so much going on and so many things that add on stress. It's nice to take time out everyday to workout - it's my calming time during the day.

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  23. ODD Family Member?? How About Crazy Family Dynamics?? I Would Be Here All Day Answering & Giving Examples. Who Wants That??

    Been On The Saddle During The Sunny Days & Gym Bound On Snow Days. I Am Focusing On Super Sets And Powering Through With Leg Exercises At The Gym. Oh, And Loads Of H2o

    Anyway, Wishing ALL Of You A Happy & Safe Holiday Season,
    Cheers

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    1. Don't we all have the odd family member? Not the ODD family member...who could deal with that?

      It's why I run...

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  24. 400m pounds! An interesting statistic! And yes, you are right, that is one of the reasons why I keep on running through the holidays.
    THAT family member.... oh yes. We have a spectacular Drama Queen over here. It really takes nerves of steel and a good run beforehand. And maybe after, to calm down again. Enjoy the pre-holiday activities!

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  25. I am a pro at weaving through crowds, just ask my husband. I always leave him behind even though I tell him to stay close. I guess I've had lots of practice at race starts. Lol.

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  26. I just caught my earlier reply (from 2017)...and I was going to say the EXACT same thing, except my mom has probably gotten worse (or I have gotten less tolerant of people behaving badly LOL). It is what it is, and she's not changing. And I'm not quitting this running gig, no matter "how bad it is for my body." Onward!

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    1. There's always one misbehaving family member, that's for sure. Too bad it's your mom...

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  27. ha I just read my comment from 2 years ago and I still agree! Running and really all exercise keep me sane during this time of the year. It can be so stressful!

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  28. Running and working out is my sanity - certainly not giving it up during the holidays...especially not with some of my inlaws to deal with! ;)

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  29. I can't imagine NOT running through the holidays. In addition to it just being a habit, it's a great stress reducer and yet, it allows me to eat a few cookings. :-)

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  30. I run through the holidays to keep my sanity :P

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    1. Everything feels up for grabs this time of year and running is the one constant!

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  31. Love the endorphins of running and I think that is one of my favorite things about it! Not loving the cold temps right now, but inside at the gym is a great alternative for me. Thanks for the post! Chris

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    1. I'm still getting outside, even in the cold. It helps me, mentally, to get the outdoor light.

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  32. I definitely keep running throughout the holidays! The little bit of movement and fresh air feels so good after lots of eating and time inside.

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  33. Running keeps me sane year round. But sometimes the weather kind of ruins it. :-)

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