Who better than running coach Martin Yelling, husband of Olympic runner Liz Yelling, to give you permission to swap your running shoes for slippers now and then this Christmas? From novice joggers to experienced athletes, this time of year is all about balancing and integrating your running with your festive commitments. When you're not exercising your body recovers, responds, and adapts to your training - leaving you fitter and stronger. Resting is a frequently overlooked, but completely essential ingredient in every runner's schedule. The harder you run the more important quality rest becomes. You deserve itThe Christmas holidays are the perfect time to reward yourself for your hard training and enjoy some structured downtime. Back off your running, drop the frequency of your runs, and cut down the distances - and you'll have time for those pressing festive jobs. Don't feel guilty, it's amazing how a bit of planned rest can leave you energized, refreshed, and ready to go again in the New Year. Kick coughs and coldsIt's not just presents that get passed around at those office parties, family gatherings, and other get-togethers - they're perfect germ swapping occasions. Being ill puts a damper on anyone's Christmas. To avoid the dreaded festive lurgy wash your hands regularly, stay hydrated (with water not alcohol!), and try not to get stressed or too tired. A breath of fresh airWork off a few Christmas calories with a light run on Boxing Day morning. First thing is a great time to enjoy some quiet and come home feeling energized and healthy. Even a short run relieves stress, boosts your metabolism, makes you look and feel better, and can even put a smile on your face. Let yourself go - relax! Try and put aside a little time each day to relax. As little as 10 minutes a day of downtime can help you feel ready to meet the demands of a busy Christmas. Stuff the turkey not yourself Too many mince pies, a little boozy indulgence, and turkey with everything - that's Christmas for most of us. Enjoy. But take care not to overeat or be excessive with your alcohol intake so you can look forward to leaping, not lurching back from your rest period.
Give yourself a real runner's present this year. Take the time to rest and revitalize yourself. Wrap up your running for a few days or plan in fewer shorter runs that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized and ready to tackle the kids, parents, crackers, presents and, of course, your Christmas dinner! Martin Yelling, is a triathlete and runner, with a host of qualifications in sports and education. www.yellingperformance.com
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Will you be resting this Christmas or training to the max? Add your comments below...
Keep myself ticking over this Christmas with some regular light runs, nice to be able to get out and run in daylight again, got a bit used to evening runs I think! Looking forward to starting training for the Brighton marathon in Apr.