Don’t Quit for the Holidays
that’s runnable
The 27th Edition of your favourite Running Newsletter
Welcome back to your weekly dose of run chat.
A quick read of insightful tips and thoughts to help you with your running.
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The least active month of the year is December. Most people just want to chill by the fire with a beverage in hand. But let’s have a think about why you shouldn’t just “get started in the New Year” and why you should keep tapping away through the Holidays.
Something to Think About 💭
December is a month full of celebrations, indulgence, and the occasional ‘I’ll start fresh in January’ mindset. But consider this: the goals you’ve set don’t disappear just because there are twinkling lights and holiday parties. Every run, every workout you do now is a signal to yourself that consistency matters more than calendar dates. Training through the holidays isn’t about discipline for its own sake — it’s about staying connected to the version of yourself who doesn’t need a “new year” to keep moving forward.
Something to Ask Yourself ❓
How will I feel on January 1st if I stayed consistent versus if I waited to restart?
Article of the Week 📄
Winter might tempt you to stay cozy indoors, but staying active in the colder months is key to keeping your body and mind healthy. Exercise boosts your mood, strengthens your immune system, and helps fight off that seasonal slump.
Read the full article to discover why moving through the cold can keep you feeling your best!
Track of the Week 🎶
This is my friend Lukas’ top played song of 2024. Get ready for this one! Sorry for the album cover, it’s a great track though…
This week’s Track of the Week is:
a beat about a beat by jabeau (2022)
Personal Lesson
A couple of years ago, when I was training for the Transgrancanaria Classic, I had to commit to winter training. The race was in February, which meant that every cold, dark, and often rainy morning was non-negotiable. I couldn’t push my training off to warmer, more comfortable months — if I wanted to show up on that start line prepared, I had to grit my teeth and get out there. At first, it felt like a chore, but with each session, I discovered a strange sense of satisfaction. There was something deeply rewarding about logging miles when most people were still wrapped up in bed. It made me feel like I was quietly building strength that others couldn’t see.
By the time race day rolled around, I realised those winter months hadn’t just built my endurance; they’d built my mindset. I learned that progress doesn’t always come with sunshine and ideal conditions — sometimes, it’s the ability to push through the elements that makes us stronger. Winter training taught me to trust the process, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to find joy in the quiet determination it takes to keep going. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since: if you can embrace the grind when it’s toughest, the reward on the other side feels ten times sweeter.
Running – Life’s Metaphor
Training through the holiday season teaches you to keep going even when conditions aren’t perfect. Just like in life, pushing through discomfort builds resilience, consistency, and strength. Growth often happens when you show up despite the cold, the dark, or the lack of motivation — proving that effort during tough times pays off.
Final Thoughts
Training through winter and the holidays is all about balance. It doesn’t mean you’re skipping out on the festive spirit or being a robot — it just means you’re honoring the routines that keep you grounded. I’ll happily take a day off to soak in Christmas with family, but I’ve learned that when I skip too many runs, I don’t feel quite like myself. There’s a restlessness that creeps in, and I’m often less patient. A short run, even just 30 minutes, helps me reset and come back feeling present and refreshed. And who doesn’t want to feel like that around family?
It’s easy to feel guilty for carving out that time for yourself during the holidays, especially with loved ones around. But here’s the thing: when you take care of yourself, you show up better for others. That post-run energy, the cleared head, the extra patience — they’re all byproducts of giving yourself what you need. A quick workout or run isn’t selfish; it’s an investment in being the version of yourself that your family and friends enjoy being around.
So tone it down if you want, swap out a long run for something shorter, but don’t feel bad for lacing up and heading out. If training helps you feel more balanced and present, train. The holidays are about giving, and sometimes that includes giving yourself permission to keep showing up for yourself — so you can keep showing up for the people who matter most.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy 🙂