Guest Contributor: Coach Alli Felsenthal
Keep Your Running Routine Merry and Bright This Holiday Season
When the days get shorter, and the sun rises after your run or sets before you even leave work, staying motivated can feel like an uphill battle. While having a training partner or community is an incredible source of accountability, not all of us have that option all the time. And that’s okay!
Sometimes running solo is exactly what we need to stay on track. Whether you’re training for a race, maintaining weekly mileage, staying in shape, or simply keeping your body healthy through the holiday season, it’s important to reconnect with your why. That’s what fuels your discipline and gets you out the door.
5 Ways to Stay Motivated During the Holidays
1. Have a Goal Race on the Calendar
Nothing inspires consistency like having something exciting to train for. Especially a Spring race. It gives your winter miles purpose, clarity, and direction.
Check out SDRC’s full list of San Diego Running Events here!
2. Switch Up Your Routes
New scenery = new energy! For real. Whether you’re running solo or with teammates and friends, exploring different paths can make your runs feel fresh again and give you a new perspective.
Need some ideas for new running routes? Check out SDRC’s list of the top 5 places to run in San Diego HERE.
3. Lean Into Your Running Community
Both local and virtual communities can spark motivation. Personally, NYC is hard to beat for running vibes, but San Diego is a close runner-up! Surround yourself physically or virtually with people who just get it!
Find your run crew perfect match with SDRC’s list of San Diego Running Clubs.
4. Add Variety to Your Training
Mix things up! Cross-training, strength training, or lifting heavier can keep your body engaged and your mind excited. Training doesn’t always have to be strict or serious. Just have fun with it!
5. Make Running Social (When You Can)
Run meet-ups, holiday-themed workouts, explore new places while traveling, or convince a family member to join you. These little sparks can reignite joy in the process!
Takeaway
Choose one or two ideas from the list above and try them out! Or revisit something that used to motivate you in the past and bring it back into your routine. The holidays are a perfect time to shift, experiment, and reconnect with what makes running fun and meaningful for you! Find that WHY.
A Holiday Reminder
Give yourself some grace this season.
If you’re tired, rest.
If you’re overwhelmed, slow down.
If you want to indulge, do it, and don’t feel bad about that choice.
Rest is productive. Flexibility is healthy. Enjoying life is part of the process. Because when it’s time to hit training hard again, you’ll be more than ready.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, joyful holiday season with plenty of happy miles ahead!
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