Running Through Hanukkah, Christmas, Holidays and Chaos: How to Protect Your Energy

Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT
12 minutes ago
3 min read

December is loud. It’s family, food, events, end-of-year work deadlines, and let’s not forget the pressure to “make the most of the season.” Somewhere in the middle of it all, you're still trying to run, stay healthy, keep a routine, or maybe just not lose momentum.

But here’s your reminder: you don’t need to do it all.And running shouldn’t be another source of stress. It should support you, not drain you.

Let’s talk about protecting your energy this month so that running actually helps you through the chaos instead of becoming another box to check.

1. Running Can Be Flexible

Some days it might be a few easy miles before the day gets busy. Other days it’s a walk, or a short strength session, or nothing at all. That doesn’t mean you’re inconsistent. That means you’re adapting.

When we get too locked into the idea that training has to look a certain way to count, we miss the point. You’re still a runner even if your holiday “long run” is half your usual distance, or you replace a workout with sleep.

2. Set Boundaries Around Your Energy

Not every event is mandatory. Not every “yes” is worth it. And not every plan has to come at the expense of your well-being.

The holidays can drain you fast, especially if you’re saying yes to everything and leaving yourself for last. Protecting your energy might look like:

Blocking off 30 minutes in the morning to move
Saying no to plans that drain you
Choosing movement that feels good over workouts that leave you fried

You're allowed to protect your own rhythm, even during the busiest season of the year.

3. Rest Is Not Skipping

Repeat that. Rest is not skipping.

You’re not falling behind. You’re not being lazy. You’re recovering, which is what allows your training to work. Sleep, walks, slower runs, mobility days, a full day off... they all count.

And if you’re feeling more mentally or emotionally fried than physically tired? That still counts as needing rest.

4. Move Because It Helps, Not Because You “Should”

Your run can be a quiet moment before the house wakes up. A way to shake off stress. A chance to reconnect with your breath or just listen to something other than holiday music for 30 minutes.

It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be structured. It just needs to feel like it supports you.

If you're feeling pressure to run because you’re worried about holiday eating, travel schedules, or guilt for not doing enough you’re missing the point. Let movement feel like freedom again.

5. Have a Plan, But Make It Forgiving

One of the best ways to protect your energy is to take the guesswork out of your week. Write out your plan, but give it flexibility. Missed a day? Shift things. Need more rest? Take it. Get in one run instead of four? Great, you kept your toe in the water.

Consistency doesn’t mean doing it all. It means staying engaged.