Week Five Sprint: Holiday Fitness Contest

Weekly Endurance Test: Phase 5 of Vacation Series

Hey there, folks! It's the last full week of the Holiday Running Challenge, part of Runner's World’s Holiday Running Streak, and I can hardly wait for a few rest days soon! But while I was home for the holidays this week, I managed to drag my whole family into the action - literally. There were plenty of runs around town dressed in Santa hats and jingle bells.

Thursday

Today, I was definitely not dressed for the three-mile run. I mean, who wears shorts and a long-sleeve hoodie in December? I swear, Mother Nature's got a personality disorder - remember when I was bundled up two weeks ago? She's got some serious mood swings!

Friday

I made a pit stop at the treadmill before picking up some last-minute gifts. This running challenge has seriously helped me appreciate the "dreadmill" and suck it up. Plus, I've figured out how to make it less boring.

Saturday

Santa Claus isn't just getting jolly at the North Pole. No, this year we kicked off the Faherty Family Christmas Eve Run around my hometown of Ewing, NJ. My sister was in charge of distributing Santa hats (some with more sequins than others), and my brother mapped out a 5K loop. Our little "Santas" (including my pregnant sister and a dude on roller skates) actually stopped traffic in some parts. Next year, we're probably gonna sing carols too.

Sunday

My bro joined me for a Christmas Day run to deliver a special holiday treat to Grandma. Mom Mom's a fan of Cake Boss, so I picked up a few crumb cakes on my way out of town. Fun fact: we managed to share them with our entire extended family. I think they've started to wonder if I've sold my soul to exercise or something.

Monday

My brother's been streaking for three days straight (Santa hat included), but I've been streaking for 33. Today, we went on a family jog with some cousins and the Michelin Man's doppelganger - i.e., Uncle Tim. Turns out, telling corny jokes and hilarious stories helps you up those tough hills.

Tuesday

I decided to leave the Santa hat at home for this four-mile run. I mean, I don't want people thinking I'm completely nuts or anything. That'd be unfair.

Wednesday

Time to get back to the daily grind. I'm returning to that half marathon training schedule I conveniently ignored over the weekend. I'll be doing a short one-mile warmup, followed by some cross training on the bike and maybe a bit of strength training. Those legs better be looking extra toned in my New Year's Eve dress and sparkly shoes!

See you all next Monday for the final days of this Holiday Running Challenge. I'm planning to force some friends to join me for a New Year's Day run - hopefully after they've recovered from the night before.

Incorporating family activities into your fitness routines can significantly impact your health and fitness goals. Regular exercise is important for children's physical development, mental and emotional health, social bonding, and even helps older adults stay motivated.

Family workouts promote a shared sense of accomplishment and reduce household stress. By making physical activities a regular part of family life, you strengthen the bonds between family members while improving your overall well-being.

Thursday

Despite my outfit choice, maintaining a balanced weight is crucial for my running performance. Following some weight management tips during holidays can help keep holidays indulgences in check.

Wednesday

To ensure my running fitness doesn't suffer during my holiday break, I've been incorporating short runs into my daily routine. Regular running during holidays can help maintain my fitness levels, making it easier to get back into my training schedule post-holidays.