How to Stay Motivated over the Holidays

The holidays are full of relatives, parties, shopping, and traveling. It is all too easy to let your routine slide over the holidays. However, it does not have to doom your progress. That is even if getting motivated enough to find the time for a run can be a challenge. There are plenty of distractions to get you off your game.

The trick is to find a way around the obstacles that naturally present themselves, as the calendar goes from November to December. This is often easier said than done. That is because it takes some true dedication. Additionally, proper planning is needed on your part, to keep the fire burning inside.

Here are just a few of the ways to help you get out there and continue your routine. It will not matter what the weather or your social calendar throws at you.

Look Ahead

A goal without a plan is merely a wish. Do not just wish to go running during the holidays. Make it happen by setting a plan. As more demands are made on your time you may see your dance card filling up fast.

Find those open spots on the calendar to set aside the time to get a run in. Establish dates and times about four to six weeks in advance. Doing so will ensure you have ample opportunities for keeping as consistent as possible throughout the holiday season.

Enlist Help

You are not the only one going through a potential drought when the holidays hit. You likely interact with a group of like-minded individuals. They are also are dedicated to their routines year round. Like you, they may find it tough to keep up the pace between family visits and trips to the mall.

Bring them into the fold. Also, have them provide the motivation to keep you focused on your running regimen. Chances are you will be doing the same for them, as the holidays get closer and the distractions become more prevalent.

Start Early

The days tend to get shorter even as they get busier. The best way to find the time to stay on track is to go running first thing in the morning. The earlier you go the better. Hitting the streets or the treadmill while the rest of the world is still asleep will free up the rest day.

You will, therefore, be able to meet all of those commitments that claim the remainder of your day. When the world finally wakes up, you'll be well ahead of schedule. Additionally, you'll feel better about yourself in the process.

Monitor Your Progress

The holidays mean food and lots of it, especially if you find yourself traveling. Maybe it is Mom's homemade stuffing with turkey. You may be trying out the local cuisine of an exotic new city. It can be all too easy to pack on the extra pounds.

While you continue to dedicate yourself to your running routines, you also want to be cognizant of indulging too much in between them. That means checking your weight and tracking your times. Give it the same attention to detail as you would any other time of the year. If you find yourself slipping in the opposite direction, it might help you decide to turn down that second slice of pie.

Adjust Accordingly

In a perfect world, all these steps may be easy to follow. Then, you can claim total victory. However, we all know that things don't always work out the way we hope. It can involve some fancy maneuvering to get everything finished that you need to accomplish in a day.

That might mean you opt for shorter runs when a week is particularly hectic. It can also mean changing the time of day you typically head out. A lack of flexibility in your routine is often the number one reason for missing some miles.

You should adjust accordingly from week to week. That way you can be sure to hit all of your goals as planned during this very busy period at the end of the year. There's no reason to take a hiatus until January. Follow these guidelines to get through the holidays. You will remain on pace for a healthy and fulfilling new year.