1O top tips to Surviving the Festive Period
Mince pies are on the shelf, Slade is already being piped into the shops and the festive period is now just around the corner. Here are our top ten tips for making the most of this wonderful time of year AND training successfully!
1) One of the wonderful things about running regularly is that it allows you to enjoy good food and the odd drink. Recognise, however, that diet, sleep and recovery are all closely linked to your progression. Make sure you ring fence the time in your diary and consider getting runs done earlier in the day to free up more time for evening festivities. If you know you struggle to run after a drink you may want to limit the evenings you’re drinking or eating the heavy festive meals. You’ll feel better for it and not hit January trying to chase missed training and fighting the weight gain.
2) Layer up. Several layers of running specific wicking fabrics will allow you to strip down as you warm up. Focus on hi-vis too, keeping you safe and seen. Running specific base layers are a good choice, and remember accessories such as hats, gloves, compression socks and arm warmers all keep you warm without weighing you down. A head torch is a worthwhile investment if you’re running early or late.
3) Keep up the frequency. Try and stick to your planned sessions during the week but cut back on the time out running if you need to make time for plans with family and friends. Use your sessions wisely to get the most out of the time on your feet. Speed work, hills and fartlek sessions are just a few ways to get the most out of a 30-minute run.
4) Get the family involved. Not all your training for the next couple of weeks has to be running. Take the family out for a brisk walk, get everyone out on the bikes, enjoy a swim with the kids or a home workout with your mates. Whatever it is, it’s getting you moving, and it all helps with fitness and supporting your running long term.
5) Be prepared. If you’re visiting family or friends, then take your kit with you and check local running routes or a park where you can do your intervals. You might want to warn the people you’re staying with in advance that you plan on popping out for a run (chances are they’re expecting you to do it anyway!) so that you don’t affect any plans they may have for your visit.
6) Whether you’re at home over the festive season or elsewhere, you can look up the local Park Run and see if they are running Christmas Day or New Year’s Day runs. You can go on your own or others can come and support or volunteer while you’re running. The atmosphere will be Christmassy, and you can probably be back and opening presents within the hour! Similarly, there are Santa Runs, Turkey Trots, Jingle Jogs, Mince Pie Runs and local running club sessions if you have a look online.
7) Testing out new kit. If you’ve been lucky enough to find some new trainers or a running jacket under the tree, then it should be expected you’ll be off out on a test run! Thank Santa profusely and find a good time (there’s often a lull in the day) to pop out and try out your new gear.
8) You a have goal. Between Christmas Day and the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon you have just over ten weeks! This is great motivation to keep the training up and working towards the big day!
9) Focus on strength and conditioning. If you really can’t get out, then do some strength work. Finger crusher, plank, side plank and single leg squats will all help with your stability and running form. Do it on the quiet or get everyone involved in a push up challenge.
10) Relax and enjoy! Don’t let yourself get stressed about missing sessions. With the best will in the world sometimes things don’t go to plan, so embrace the extra rest and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones.
11) Saucony Offer
Don’t forget, Saucony are offering you 20% off any of their shoes up until the 31 December 2019 – so why not treat yourself to an early present!
You can redeem this through Up & Running, Cambridge either in store by showing this confirmation or on their website using code CAM20 (please note this discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion).
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
The Running With Us team