It’s the most wonderful time of year – for a run! (Photo credit: RVWithTito)
I know, I know, it’s just barely December. However, this time of year can be so full of holiday hustle and bustle that you need to plan ahead! Hopefully amongst all of the potlucks and parties, you can carve out some time to celebrate the season with your running friends. Here are a few ideas for ways to establish some new traditions – and make memories along the way!
The Santa Hustle series comes complete with Santa hats, shirts and beards! (Photo credit: BrentDPayne)
Do a holiday-themed race. This time of year lends itself to lots of fun themed races. Just look at any race calendar and you’ll see names like the Reindeer Ramble, Jingle Bell Jog or the Run-A-Latke. Get into the spirit and make one of these races part of your yearly tradition, whether it’s solo or with a group! You can make things even more festive by dressing the part. Time to bust out those reindeer antlers, or go simple and just wrap drape yourself in garland!
Go sight-seeing on your run. Plan the route for your next group run around a seasonal destination. Two ideas to get you started brainstorming are a night-time holiday lights run, through the neighborhoods with the best displays, or one that ends at your town’s Christmas tree. You may even decide to wear jingle bells or add a little caroling into the mix!
This bento is a healthy – and seasonally-appropriate – alternative to the Land of the Sweets. (Photo credit: Bunches and Bits {Karina})
Organize a post-run healthy treat swap. We’ve all probably done one of those office cookie swaps where you come away with a giant plateful of sugar-laden goodies, only to give it the side-eye or feel like you’ve over indulged. Why not change things up and swap healthy sweets and recipes with your running crew? (Rosemary’s Pumpkin Carby Cookies or Chocolate Nut Butter Bark may be a good place to start, if you need inspiration!) As for the actual exchanging, it’s up to you if you’d rather just trade off containers or nosh over coffee or post-run brunch.
Do you celebrate the holiday season with your running group? What traditions do you have?
I’ve been enjoying holiday lights on the runs in my neighborhood. Makes my 6pm runs in the dark much more entertaining. :)
Agreed! My morning run buddy and I always rate the displays at each house, and we scout out which houses have the best lights for driving by later. One year, I even stumbled upon a house in my ‘hood that had their lights synced to music.
Me too (on enjoying the lights). I have also been enjoying the temps. I love running in the cool weather (as long as it isn’t bitterly cold).
I LOVE those socks!!
Mint recently posted..Berbee Derby 2012
Mint, I think you and your boys need some festive socks like those!
I agree – anyone know where to get them?
These look like a pretty close match. http://www.christmasholidaysocks.com has lots of fun choices, too!
Love the idea of running through neighbourhoods with spectacular lights, i’ll def do this! I don’t have any running Christmas traditions yet…I think I need at least one. Going to think about it!
Cathryn recently posted..The bullet, the geisha and the Skytree
Cathryn, you’ll have to let us know what you decide!