Valentine’s is one of those holidays around here: we celebrate the day by trying to make it special in little ways, but we never really go all out. We rarely even go out to dinner just because it gets so crowded and the service usually isn’t all that fabulous.
As a runner, Valentine’s can be super fun – it’s a day for tiny treats, lacing up to hit the road, special sales and giveaways and just loving the run.
Who’s with me?
Love The Run
I love running on the holidays. Valentine’s Day doesn’t fall on a weekend this year, so it may be harder to find a themed race, but you can grab your spouse, partner, or friends and get out there for a fun run anyway. Wear red and pink and really put your heart into those miles.
Try running 2.14 miles in honor of the date, or even 2.14 mile repeats, if you need more distance.
Up the ante by trying to create a heart shape on your route. Check out Figure Running for some tips on how to do it!
Give A Gift Of Running
Sweet little gifts can be fun for both giver and recipient. Grand gestures are never necessary, but runners always appreciate a new pair of their favorite socks, a headband, fuel or even a gift card to their favorite local running shop. I confess to loving these Bombas right now and would not mind having an extra pair.
Obviously, race entries are a perfect gift as well. I’ve got my eye on a few local races right now, and would love to see a registration in my inbox 🙂
(Local friends can win an entry to the Ready. Set. Glow. 5K & Fun Run in a great Valentine’s giveaway, too! Check it out here!)
Treat Yourself in the Kitchen
Since we rarely go out for a Valentine’s date night, that means it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. A yummy recovery meal is just the the thing, and I love taking the theme to the limits. Heart-shaped strawberries and polenta help make this pesto shrimp meal just a little extra special. Little man is taking over the Valentine’s Day menu and I can’t wait to see what he creates for us.
And of course, we’ll spend the rest of the day enjoying and appreciating each other.
How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?
Do you love running and working out on holidays, or do you treat yourself to a rest day?
Wow, you are creative in he kitchen! For years we didn’t go out. And it’s my birthday! A few years ago I put my foot down — why does everyone else get to go out when it’s MY birthday?
So we do now. Of course now we’re on vacation so i’ve Upped the ante. I don’t always run on my birthday but I will tomorrow (last run before my race). Usually I treat myself to a massage.
Enjoy whatever little man makes you! How sweet!
Well happy birthday one day early!
A massage sounds lovely. Not my favorite thing, but I know so many enjoy them!
I can’t wait to see what he wants to make. I’m going to be volunteering all day tomorrow so I’m not really looking forward to hitting the store tomorrow, but on the plus side, he doesn’t have school on Friday so it’s not like we will be scrambling for bed. Maybe I’ll stay up a little past my bedtime, too 🙂
I will be celebrating tomorrow morning with my run crew and we plan to end up at a bakery. Yay!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Running Bad Habits I Need To Break ASAP
I may have to borrow one of your ideas for my run Thursday.
The heart-shaped polenta is a nice touch 😉
I like to try to get some kind of workout in on most holidays but I also sort of just roll with what happens.
We celebrate by making a heart themed meal with our kids, sometimes it is heart shaped homemade pizza or pancakes. 🙂
I’m definitely going to try that salad – thanks for the recipe!
Today I celebrated Valentine’s Day with a sweat hour long spinning session 🙂