The 80th Edition
December has a way of trying to pull us out of ourselves. The routine gets softer and the rhythm feels less important. Suddenly the days feel dictated by plans rather than intention. This is where rhythm matters most.
Something to Think About
Consistency isn’t about grinding harder in December, it’s about gently protecting the practices that keep you feeling like yourself.
Something to Ask Yourself
What rhythm do I want to carry through this month, regardless of how busy or social life becomes?
Personal Lesson
For me, holiday running has never felt like a task I must tick off. It’s something I genuinely desire. Especially when the year feels full and people-heavy, the run becomes an anchor. A return to something simple and grounding.
Christmas Day is the clearest example of this. Heading out for a run while the world is quiet, streets empty, fresh air from being cooped up inside. No pressure, or pace goals, just movement outside. Think about it, coming back from that run sets the tone for the whole day. You’re calm, positive, generous energy that your family needs.
It changes how I show up afterwards. I’m more present, more patient, and far more comfortable sinking into a guilt-free afternoon of food, games, and doing very little. It creates conditions for your rest!
Running – Life’s Metaphor
Running in December mirrors life beautifully: when things get busy, noisy, and emotionally full, rhythm keeps you steady. Not intensity. Not perfection. Rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Winter runs in December have a romance to them if you let them. Think of the cold air on your face, the mad sunrises at 8AM, adeep quiet you only get at this time of year. When you’re out there it almost feels almost sacred.
They also offer something else: space. A holiday run can be “me time” without apology. A reason to step outside, breathe, and reset when family dynamics feel intense or the house gets loud.
Setting expectations helps. Letting loved ones know that a short run is part of how you stay balanced. Sometimes you even rope people i, and if you don’t, that’s fine too. No one has ever regretted a Christmas Day run.
December doesn’t need heroic training blocks or dramatic sacrifices. It asks for something quieter: keep the rhythm. Protect the practices that make you feel good.
Move because you want to.
Return with better energy. Then enjoy the rest – fully, calmly, and without guilt.
Happy Holidays to all of you!
Thanks for reading and subscribing!
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself.
Tommy 🙂