4 ways to keep running during the holidays

Read on for four tips to help you stay on track with your runs during the holidays, so that your stamina, speed, and distance capabilities don't backslide.

The holidays are full of parties, volunteering, shopping, eating and drinking, and end-of-year errands. With so much going on this time of year, it's tempting to let exercise take a back seat. After all, you truly are busy. It's easy to stay on track if you commit to running early in the morning, before you do anything else. Devote your first waking hour or half hour to going on a brisk run, and you'll stay on track and feel energized throughout the day.

Variety is the spice of life, and that's especially true for runners. Keep yourself motivated by varying your running routine. Head to a local school stadium and run the bleachers. If you typically run outside, try running on a treadmill while watching TV. If you normally run on a treadmill, run outside. Punctuate runs by interspersing them with core work like sit ups or planks. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (run at maximum speed up a hill for two minutes, then walk for two minutes, and repeat). Keep your mind and body engaged, and you'll be more likely to stay on track.

Don't be a creature of habit, because that's not inspiring. Keep motivated during the holidays by trying out new routes. Take your run onto city streets and check out the festive holiday decorations. Find a trail or path you've never taken and explore it on foot. If you're exploring a new route, you may log more miles as you'll be curious to discover what's around the next bend.

The holidays are about spending time with family and friends. Give them the gift of good health by introducing them to running and encouraging them to join you. If you mentally make yourself your family's holiday fitness trainer, you'll stick with your running regimen and hopefully create new runners in the process.

The holiday season is magical. Enjoy it to the fullest, but don't let your running routine suffer. Consider this the season to explore and expand your passion for running.