The holiday season often means high-calorie meals. That is perfectly normal, and these little indulgences can do you good. Cold weather can also make you less keen to head out for a run or workout. Still, it is entirely possible to balance running and the festive season. Here are a few tips for training during the holidays.
During the holidays, we eat chocolate and, depending on where you live, seafood, poultry and other festive foods. Meals can sometimes be a little too rich or sugary, including the Yule log cake. Enjoy it, it is normal to give yourself moments of pleasure.
There is no need to restrict yourself too much. There will be other times of the year when you can pay closer attention to your nutrition, such as the weeks leading up to a race.
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Foods to Prioritize During the Holidays
As we said, treat yourself. Dark chocolate provides magnesium, while seafood and meat provide iron. Mandarins and exotic fruits offer valuable vitamins. That gives you plenty of good reasons to enjoy them, in moderation.
We also recommend eating vegetables, which are rich in fibre, and staying well hydrated between meals, especially if you drink wine at the table. Remember to drink water in the morning and afternoon, and consider having a digestive herbal tea after dinner.
The Benefits of Running During the Holidays
Go for an easy endurance run or do some short intervals to raise your heart rate. Running helps boost your metabolism, supporting calorie expenditure and recovery after rich meals. It is also a great way to support your immune system through regular physical activity. Cooler temperatures can help stimulate it too.
For example, after a big dinner, try running fasted in the morning. The day after a festive evening, it can often be hard to eat breakfast, and a run can feel great. During the holidays, morning is often the easiest time to run, either fasted or after a light breakfast. If you need to explain to your family why you are going for a run, voici quelques explicationshere are a few good reasons 😁
How to Train During the Holidays
Training during the holidays should not feel like a chore. If you have more time to run, make the most of it by adding a few sessions to your week. On the other hand, if family commitments keep you busy and prevent you from running on certain days, it will not ruin your training.
If your main goal race of the year falls close to the holidays, you will naturally need to stick a little more closely to your original training plan.
No Detox During This Period
Your liver is often already working harder with chocolate and alcohol, so do not put it under extra strain with a detox. Simply drink plenty of water and herbal teas, and sleep well to recover. Then you can te détoxifier après les fêtesreset after the holidays.
Whatever happens, do not put too many restrictions on yourself, because running should remain a pleasure. If you have more time, make the most of it. If things are complicated, allow yourself some extra rest instead.
Take the opportunity to review your past running year, plan your season for the year ahead and identify areas for improvement. If you are a Premium RunMotion Coach user, use the “Modify my week” feature to adapt your training plan whenever needed. Have a wonderful holiday season!