Do You Struggle to Train During the Holidays?
The holidays are approaching, and that means cooler weather, lots of races, and busy schedules. Are you hoping to keep on pace this holiday season, and to avoid the pitfalls that prevent you from reaching your training goals?
Holiday Training For Runners
St. Pete Running Company is here to provide helpful tips for running during the holidays. Here are 6 tips that will help you stay focused on your goals during the busiest time of the year.
Here are 6 Tips For How to Keep On Pace this Holiday Season
Tip #1: Rise Early and Wear Lights
The best way to start your day is with a run! Set that alarm to help you keep on track and not to skip workouts. Remember that sunrise is a little later during the holiday season, so if you are running or walking in the dark, be sure to wear bright lights. November is National Running Safety Month. Be seen and be safe! Check out the lights we carry at St. Pete Running Company.
Tip #2: Focus on Form
When the weather is cooler, it’s tempting to speed up the pace. That’s okay, but remember that regular running at a slow and steady pace is the best way to train, especially to keep yourself on track and to prevent burn out. Be sure to focus on form whether you’re speeding up or slowing down to help prevent injuries.
Tip #3: Hydration
During the summer, we often remind runners to hydrate a lot. Well, it’s also true for the holidays! With cooler weather, it can be easy to forget to drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. You might sweat less than in the summer, but you’re still sweating. Stay hydrated!
Tip #4: Remember the Payoff
Whether you have races to train for or you simply want to get in or stay in good shape, keeping the goal in mind is a great way to stay motivated. Every step will bring you closer to your goal, so keep your eyes on the prize.
Tip #5: Playlist Power
This is your time, your workout, so make it fun! Bring along a playlist that pumps you up and helps keep you motivated. If you’re looking for a great Bluetooth headset that stays put and makes it easy to hear your surroundings, check out Aftershokz at St. Pete Running Company. They are bone conducting and don’t sit in your ear, allowing you to hear what’s around you AND your music.
Tip #6: Cross-Training
This might seem like a contradictory piece of advice when we’re talking about holiday training for runners. However, cross-training is a great way to keep on pace by mixing it up. Your workouts do not have to be exclusively running workouts. It’s actually better if they aren’t, and when you add cross-training, you develop other areas of your body. Try out swimming, yoga, strength training, foam rolling, stretching. If you have another sport you love to do like volleyball, golf, or basketball, take some time for it and you’ll discover ways that it will help your running, too.
Have you considered joining Swim St. Pete? If you’re a swimmer, check out our schedule and come join us at Walter Fuller Pool.
What About Running Shoes?
The other question you may be asking yourself is how to find the best running shoes for this holiday season.
Get a Proper Shoe Fitting – Come in to St. Pete Running Company where our shoe experts will walk you through a StrideSmart Shoe Fitting. There are a variety of factors to consider when buying walking and running shoes. Some of those factors include neutral versus stability shoes, heel to toe drop differentials, cushioning systems and levels, all of which can be explained in detail by one of our shoe experts.
If you’re still wondering about more tips and tricks to help in holiday training for runners, come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
