Holiday Burnout Is Real
Holiday Burnout Is Real
How to Train Through the Chaos Without Losing Joy
How to Train Through the Chaos Without Losing Joy
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One thing I see every December is runners feeling guilty for not doing more. But training doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. A short run, a walk with your family, a strength session squeezed in before dinner, or even just stepping outside for ten minutes to admire the christmas lights can help your body settle during a hectic week.
Movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. When the holidays start pulling you in every direction, sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is scale down instead of giving up.
Joy > perfection, always
Joy > perfection, always
There’s so much pressure to “keep on track,” especially if you’re someone who thrives on routine. But the holidays aren’t about hitting perfect mileage or checking every box. This season asks for flexibility. It asks for presence.
Running for the fun of it with no pace goals, no expectations, is sometimes exactly what your brain and body need. Let your runs be filled with fun and joy again. Listen to your energy. Let joy lead your choices instead of perfection.
When you focus on what makes you feel good today, consistency becomes easier in the long run.
Let go of the idea that you need to ‘earn’ anything
Let go of the idea that you need to ‘earn’ anything
No matter what you celebrate this month, it’s a season filled with gathering, connection, and shifts in routine. You don’t need to earn your rest, your favourite foods, time with people you care about, or the space to slow down. Training is part of your life, not a trade-off for it.
If showing up looks a little different this month, that’s okay. Your fitness doesn’t disappear because you spent an evening at a holiday concert or chose sleep through that a 6 a.m. workout.
Adjusting training isn’t failure, it’s strategy
Adjusting training isn’t failure, it’s strategy
Cold weather, icy pathways, and the emotional load of the season all influence how your runs might feel. Listening to that is what I call: smart training.
If you need to:
swap runs for strength
shorten a workout
add more rest
move workouts from morning to evening
or take things easy to stay safe in changing temps
…I don't want you to think of this as being 'weak' or 'slacking. Change that perspective to training with self-awareness.
Winter athletes learn to adapt, not grind themselves into the ground.
Use this slower season to dream a little
Use this slower season to dream a little
Even as December gets busy, there’s something exciting about looking ahead to the new year. Races, goals, fresh routines, new challenges. They all start with the spark of 'what if'?
While this week might feel chaotic, it’s also a great moment to think about what you want your 2026 running season to look like.
Not in a “new year, new pressure” way. More like giving yourself something joyful to look forward to.
If you’re thinking about:
building long-term consistency
finally chasing a race that scares you a little
strengthening your mindset
or wanting support so you don’t go at it alone
My coaching spots for 2026 are officially open, and I’d love to help you map out a year that feels aligned, sustainable, and exciting.
Remember: this season doesn’t have to drain you
Remember: this season doesn’t have to drain you
December can feel chaotic, but it can also be grounding if you let movement support you rather than stress you out. Training through the holidays isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy, presence, and showing up in ways that fit your real life.
Adjust your expectations, protect the spark, and trust that the work you’re doing, even if it’s a little lighter than usual, still matters.
Your running will be there in January.
So will your goals.
And so will I, cheering you on the entire way.
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