The first two weeks of December are a blur of parties, travel planning, last-minute shopping, and making merry. Your workout schedule? It usually takes the first major hit. We often think that if we can’t get in our perfect, planned-out 60-minute run, there’s no point in running at all. That all-or-nothing mindset is a consistency killer, and it’s exactly why so many people feel like they have to “start over” in January. Today, we’re here to show you how you can have the best of all words!
Why 15 Minutes is Better Than Zero Minutes
We are officially introducing the 15-Minute Rule for the rest of December. The goal right now isn’t to set any personal records; it’s to maintain your physical and, more importantly, mental routine. A 15-minute run or workout, even one that feels rushed or not as productive, delivers four critical benefits that a rest day might night.
- Maintains Habit: You show your brain and body that running is still part of your daily rhythm, not something reserved for “ideal” conditions. This is the core of consistency.
- Stress Relief: Even a short burst of activity breaks up the stress of holiday logistics and gives you a necessary mental reset.
- Lowers the Bar: By accepting a 15-minute effort, you reduce the decision fatigue around running. You don’t have to negotiate a full hour; you just need to lace up.
- Avoids the January Reset: If you stop completely for two weeks, the inertia you built over the fall can be reduced. A short effort preserves that momentum, making the transition back to longer runs in the new year effortless.
How to Apply the 15-Minute Rule This Week
- The Zero-Decision Run: Don’t plan your route. Just commit to stepping out the door and running for 10 to 15 minutes, then turning around and running back.
- Do What You Can: Can’t make it outside? Use those 15 minutes to do a quick resistance routine indoors, or even a fast walk around the neighborhood (with or without the dogs). The rule is about movement and routine maintenance.
- Embrace the “Not So Great”: It’s okay if the 15 minutes feel hard or awkward. You showed up, you executed the routine, and you kept your commitment. That’s the win.
This holiday season, be kind to your schedule, but be firm about your consistency. A quick 15 minutes today means a jumpstart on your 2026 goals!
What’s the shortest run you’ve managed to sneak in this week?
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A short run is better than no run! I have been keeping up with my workouts by doing them early, but next week it will be harder. I do hope to get in something short almost every day!
“Be kind to your schedule, but be firm about your consistency” – that’s a really good way to look at it. So far, it’s been quite easy for me to stick to my schedule, but next week we will be travelling to Switzerland and then everything will go haywire. Your tips come at the right moment, Jenn!
This is similar to my strategy! I am firm about the consistency of my workouts but sometimes need to change the duration. Helps to keep us in our routine and make it through this busy time
I love the idea of the 15 minute rule. I used to feel that if I didn’t run a minimum of three miles it just wasn’t worth it. Now, especially around the holidays, I take what I can get even if it’s just 15 minutes. That’s definitely better than nothing.