Juggling training and Christmas

This week someone asked to schedule a meeting with me next week. “How’s the 2oth?” they said to which I responded “That’s not next week is it?” With being off ill at the start of the month and a birthday in my household too, it’s scary how quickly Christmas has crept up on me this year.

Whether you celebrate it or not, Christmas and New Year have an impact on training – from gyms and leisure centre closing to social commitments and family visiting – there’s a lot to be navigated. This week I set my alarm for 6:00am and headed out for a 10 mile run before starting work at 9:00am, because I know that this weekend is going to be too chaotic to get it done then. This isn’t an option for everyone, I know. My partner was at home with our child and got him ready for school – not everyone has someone to share these responsibilities with.

If you’re looking at your calendar and despairing as to where you’ll find the time to get a workout or a run in, then my suggestions are:

Do something at home

To me there’s nothing like getting my running shoes on and heading outside for a run, but when that’s not an option I know there are plenty of things I can go at home that will supplement my running I’ve been doing a few 20 minute pilates workouts recently and though they might not get me out of breath the same way as a run round the block, they fire up my glutes and I know they’re having a positive impact.

Do less

Can fit in the run that’s on your training plan? But can you do less? Sometimes we have an ‘all or nothing’ approach to running when really a ‘something is better than nothing’ mindset would be more helpful. Even if you’ve only got 20 minutes, use it as best you can.

Do nothing

If you really don’t fancy doing your workout or run, or it’s making you feel more stressed trying to fit it in that is good for you, just skip it. The Christmas and New Year period should be a celebration and as relaxing as possible. If, for you, that means not training, then don’t. It’s only a week or two and won’t make all that much difference in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy the break and come back to training refreshed and with more enthusiasm in the New Year.