I can hardly believe that Christmas is less than 2 days away!? Seriously, where did the time go? I feel like I was just making my goals for 2015. I am so thankful I finally got the last of my shopping done this past weekend. I got so far behind this year.

I had to get a few last minute things for my husband, but our families were complete Sunday. My husband and I set a limit this year for each other and decided we’d do small gifts. It makes it a bit more of a challenge to find small things that fit in the budget, but we’ve really enjoyed it!

This time last year, I had just completed the Kiawah Island Marathon in mid-December, so I was taking a break in training around the holidays. It came at the perfect time to allow myself to rest and recover. However, this year I’ve just started training with a coach and I’m several weeks out from starting Boston training. That means complete rest really isn’t an option.

It’s not a necessary say thing to train through the holidays, but if you are someone who has an upcoming race or doesn’t want to take a break there are a few things you can do to ensure you still get in your runs without interfering with other obligations.

Get Up and Get it Done

I’m always a morning runner. Sometimes by choice, but other times because it’s the only time I can get it in. It’s not always easy but getting it out of the way makes the day substantially better.

The holidays are no different. If I have a family obligation, I make sure to get up in time to get in my run before it. This way I don’t have it hanging over my head all day and I don’t interfere with other people’s plans. Even though it is early, sometimes these can be your best runs!

Plan Your Schedule Ahead

Sometimes your schedule is set in stone, but sometimes you can switch it around to help with your holiday plans. Instead of doing your long run on Christmas, move it a day and sub it for an easy run. One week isn’t going to kill you and sometimes you don’t want to be rushing through a long run.

I’m lucky enough this year that Christmas falls on a Friday, which is my rest day. However, there have been days in the past when I’ve had to move a long run or workout due to life. It happens, and being able to adapt can help you go a long way.

Enlist Friends and Family

If you are traveling for the holidays, try getting your family or friends involved. Sometimes this can help break up your training schedule and allow for extra time with those you care about most!

When we would visit out of town I would go to the gym with my mom. She did her thing and I did mine, but just having here there with me was always so nice!

Be Realistic

Running during the holidays can be a priority, but you have to be realistic about what you can and can’t do. Planning a long run on the morning of Christmas when you have to bounce between families probably isn’t the smartest idea.

Having your peak week of training during the holidays also might not be realistic for your schedule. We all have different commitments so it’s important to be realistic with yourself on what you can get done. Thankfully I am currently not yet in marathon training, so my schedule is very manageable around the holidays.

At the end of the day, the holidays are a special time. It doesn’t mean you have to cut all the running out of your schedule. Sure, it may mean getting up a bit earlier than normal but sometimes that is the perfect way to start a busy day!

I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful Holiday!

Do you run during Christmas?

What are ways you work to fit in your running during the holidays?