The end of the year is upon us (can I get an “amen”?), and the question is, how do we navigate fitness through these last days and finish 2020 strong?
Plan your workouts accordingly
Let’s face it. Many of us don’t want to work out on celebratory days, or wake up super early after a late night, so make a reasonable plan that works with your schedule. With COVID restrictions, our festivities may be a little more limited, but let’s not set ourselves up to fail.
I have no intention of running on Christmas morning or New Year’s Day (although I will probably walk), so I’m certainly not going to plan anything major for those days. Instead, I’ll run on mornings where I’ve been able to get a good night’s sleep, and won’t be dragging through the miles.
Enjoy, but don’t over-indulge
Christmas food is some of my favorite food, and I plan on digging in. We will have cookies, Chinese food, french toast casserole, stuffed shells, and all the charcuterie. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t treat myself to all these things during any kind ooo training cycle, but it’s the holidays, and I’m willing to make exceptions. I have no problem sampling a little bit of everything, but also stopping before becoming uncomfortably full. It’s rare that we make some of these special holiday treats any other time of year, and I don’t want to miss out.
Stay hydrated
I do love some cocktails and good wine at the holidays, and I have every intention of enjoying between Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Mr PugRunner’s birthday on New Year’s Day. Staying properly hydrated will help mitigate any negative effects from the alcohol. As an added bonus, good hydration is just a wise choice for maintaining proper fitness, so everyone wins!
Set a goal
While it may not be feasible for everyone due to restrictions or weather, I plan to stay on track by running a New Year’s 5K. The race will be small, but in a brand-new venue, and it’s extra awesome because it supports a small, local race company, which had to shut down for the past year. Having this race on the calendar helps me keep my eye on the prize, and it’s also a great way to start 2021.
Above all else… have fun!
For whatever it’s worth at this point, I want to try to have some fun this holiday season. I think most of us are looking at a much diminished season, and it’s hard to absorb those changes. However even with things so very different and awful, I’m hoping a positive outlook will help me power through the end of the year and get 2021 off to as good of a start as I can make it.
What are some strategies you plan to employ to stay on track for the next ten days?
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It’s so important to have some flexibility around the holidays! But I also like keeping up with my workouts because it makes me feel better. I was hoping to do a family stroller run on Christmas this year, but our stroller is still broken (also I think it’s supposed to be extremely cold). I might just do a few solo miles if there is time.
Flexibility is critical! Oh, your stroller! I hope you get that issue solved soon! I miss seeing pics of you out with G!
it’s going to be stupid cold here as well. In the 20s!!! What is that???
Oh, a New Year’s 5k! How cool is that!
We will meet my family over Zoom – so our holidays days will look very similar to a normal weekend. On the upside, it also means that I can continue my training without any interruption.
It’s always good to find a positive. Things will also be pretty low key here, so it won’t interrupt my training much at all.
I try to think of this time of the year as maintenance both physically and mentally. Kind of like cruise control 🙂
Pretty much! But I also want to stay on top of my game 🙂
I want to get to 1000 miles for the year.
I signed up for a free Virtual NYRR virtual 5k for NYs or after.
WFH makes me need to get outdoors to keep sane. I schedule it each day depending on my work schedule and the weather.
It’s so hard being stuck at the house, so I understand the need to get out and about. I am the same way.
Great tips! I actually love to run on Christmas Day because it’s the only day I can wear my Santa hat! I don’t have small kids though, so that’s probably why.
As a side note, I’ve been noticing so many people doing ALL the baking this week even those I know aren’t doing a lot with family for the holidays. I keep wondering if they’re going to eat all the cookies!
I will sneak out for a walk. I’m kind of a baby about Christmas morning – I love everyone to be surprised, and then enjoy breakfast together and hang out.
We just baked a ton. The boys will eat it at some point, and it saves us from having to buy snacks and treats. Plus, we can always freeze the leftovers.
I drink and eat more this time of year, so hydration and frequent walks are essential. Even if a run or lift is shorter, I make it a point to get it in!
Same. I find that it’s easier just get it done, rather than try to play catchup when the new year starts.