How to Stay Motivated to Run During the Holiday Season

nic7819
Dec 16, 2025
3 min read

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive treats, but it also challenges your running and workout routine. Shorter days, colder weather, and busy schedules can make it hard to lace up your shoes. Staying motivated to run during this time requires a mix of planning, mindset, and practical strategies

Set Realistic Goals for the Season

The holidays often disrupt your usual routine. Instead of aiming for breaking records, personal bests or long-distance runs, adjust your goals to fit the season. For example:

Focus on maintaining your current fitness level rather than improving it.
Set a goal to run a certain number of days per week, even if the runs are shorter.
Try new types of runs like easy recovery jogs or fun themed runs (holiday light tours, for example).

By setting achievable goals, you reduce pressure and increase the chance of sticking with your running habit.

Create a Flexible Running Schedule

Holiday plans can change quickly, so flexibility is key. Here are some ways to build a schedule that works:

Identify blocks of time when you are most likely to run, such as early mornings or lunch breaks.
Keep your running clothes and shoes ready to go, so you can run whenever you find a free moment.
Be open to swapping days or times if something comes up.

A flexible schedule helps you stay consistent without feeling stressed about missing a run.

Use Running as a Way to De-Stress

The holiday season can be stressful with shopping, cooking, and social commitments. Running offers a natural way to relieve stress and clear your mind. When motivation dips, remind yourself that a short run can boost your mood and energy.

Try these ideas:

Run in peaceful locations like parks or quiet neighborhoods to enjoy calm surroundings.
Listen to your favorite music or podcasts to make runs more enjoyable.
Use running as a break from holiday preparations to recharge mentally.

Dress for the Weather and Safety

Cold and dark conditions can discourage running outside. Dressing properly and staying safe makes a big difference:

Wear layers that wick moisture and keep you warm without overheating.
Use reflective gear and headlamps if running in low light.
Choose routes that are well-lit and familiar to avoid hazards.

If weather is too harsh, consider indoor alternatives like treadmill running or indoor tracks.

Find a Running Buddy or Group

Running with others adds accountability and makes the experience more fun. During the holidays, look for:

Local running groups hosting holiday-themed runs.
Friends or family members who want to stay active together.
Virtual running challenges where you can connect with runners online.

Sharing your running goals with someone else increases motivation and provides support when schedules get hectic.

Reward Yourself for Staying Active

Celebrate your commitment to running during the holidays with small rewards. This could be:

Treating yourself to a favorite healthy snack after a run.
Buying new running gear or accessories as a motivation boost.
Planning a special post-run activity like a warm bath or relaxing stretch session.

Rewards help reinforce positive habits and make running feel more enjoyable.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit in Your Runs

Make running part of your holiday fun by incorporating festive elements:

Run routes decorated with holiday lights and decorations.
Wear holiday-themed running gear like Santa hats or colorful socks.
Participate in charity runs or community events that support good causes.

This approach turns running into a celebration rather than a chore.

Listen to Your Body and Rest When Needed

The holidays can be physically and mentally demanding. Pay attention to how your body feels:

Take rest days if you feel tired or sore.
Avoid pushing through illness or injury.
Use cross-training activities like walking or yoga to stay active without overdoing it.

Balancing activity with recovery helps you stay healthy and motivated long term.