Christmas music was already playing before Thanksgiving, which officially kicked off the holiday season. Between parties, traveling to family and pigging out on Christmas cookies, your running may get side swiped. Not to mention all the coughing and sneezing going on that makes runners the best consumers of hand sanitizer.
Here are some tips on making it to 2012, running intact.
1. Do not plan any important or long runs the morning after a party. Unless you have some serious willpower (won't stay late, eat too many goodies, drink cocktails) than go for it. Otherwise plan accordingly. I shift my long runs to Fridays this time of year. Yes, that means getting up earlier and in the dark, but I know I can enjoy myself, guilt free, Friday night.
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2. Get the family involved. Between Turkey Trots and Jingle Jogs, there is a festive way to celebrate that includes running. This year my family organized it's own Turkey Trot 2 miler with the neighbors. Runners and walkers of all ages participated.
3. Your sick. Ugh. The general rule is that if the illness is from the neck up, like a sore throat or head cold, you can continue to run. Just modify your runs slightly and hydrate a bit more. You'll actually find that running will open the passages, so bring a few tissues along. If you are sick below the neck, like a respiratory illness (bronchitis) or the flu, skip the run. You may need a few days off to rest and recover before working out again. Jumping back in too soon will likely result in a relapse. This is oft a more mental challenge than a physical one for the runner. But, I promise, you won't lose all your fitness.
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4. Food, glorious food, which is especially glorious this time of year. I actually don't have much to offer that you have not already heard a hundred times. Use common sense. Part of the joy of being a runner is being able to eat a darn cookie if you want to! But, running doesn't give you the green light to consume a tray of truffles and pint of eggnog . Just be mindful and conscious of what you are putting into your mouth. It matters.
5. Traveling is not an excuse to skip your runs. In fact, there is no better way to reconnect with the old neighborhood or explore a new area than by foot. Hook up with a local running club if you need some company or get on mapmyrun.com for route ideas. Be adventurous and don't be afraid to drag a family member along to catch up. Running is a great way to communicate.
Happy Running!