My Plan For the Holiday Week

By the time this posts, I’ll have a little less than 5 hours until I’m done and off for Holiday break.  I could NOT be more excited.

 

Family and friends here we come!

Now of course, you know me… total freakazoid.  While I could not be more excited about the time off with family and friends, I know that moderation will be the name of the game. I did a post back before Thanksgiving about my healthy holiday tips,  and I absolutely plan to follow those same rules of thumb.

But — what are my plans for getting through the last bit of the holiday season without needing to get a new pair of jeans?

• Run when I can.

My priority is absolutely spending time with family and friends.  But during these relaxing weekends, there is often downtime.  While I may not have completely scheduled runs in, I don’t see it being a problem to fit multiple runs in as long as I’m flexible and just wait for the opportunity (hello naptime!)

• Start each day on a healthy note

With the possible exception of Christmas, I want to start each day with a healthy and nutritious breakfast.   I find that when I start the day healthy, I tend to indulge less as a whole through out the day.

• Eat what I like

I always have treats around . . . but I don’t WASTE valuable stomach space, especially around the holiday’s, on foods I don’t really like.  Sure, I am going to indulge,  but I am going to make sure those indulgences count.  No wasting my sweet tooth on something I’m not really going to like.  Hello homemade Christmas treats, not boxed cookies!

• Rule: One glass of water for every alcoholic beverage I consume.

Holiday party, or just Thursday afternoon.  The holidays often include more booze than your normal week.  Let’s just say Christmas morning coffee sometimes includes Bailey’s…that’s not normal for Wednesday.  But, I am here and not making a rule for myself.  I can have a drink, but make sure I have a glass of water for every drink that I have.  Not only will this help keep me hydrated, it will also fill up my stomach more than just the booze! Win-win.

• RELAX

Things have been crazy around these parts, so first and foremost, I need to RELAX during this week away.  Yes, for me that includes running and activity…but that is relaxing for me. I need to take advantage of being VERY far away from all the things that normally stress me out, and just ENJOY myself so that by the time 2014 hits, I’m ready to roll! 🙂

That my friends, is my plan for the holiday!

What’s your plans for the holiday?

Chocolate Medal Gift Ideas

I can’t believe I haven’t jumped on this wagon yet!

But you all knew I wouldn’t forget!  It’s the holiday season, time for gift giving and sharing the love!  My favorite!

Since we now have 13 days left until Christmas, I know I’m a little behind, but here are my top 10 Chocolate Medals approved holiday gifts 🙂

• Running Shoes

Obviously a good pair of shoes are any runner’s number one line of defense.  This here is the pair I want, and is top on my Christmas list.  BUT if you are shopping for someone else, make sure you either KNOW specifically which pair and size they want/need, or make a date out of it and give them a pretty little certificate for a date to a running store, on you!

• Running Gloves

After my tough race in Saint Louis, running gloves quickly JUMPED to the top of my list.  I’ve been using whatever gloves we have around the house, but I desperately want a good pair to keep these digits warm on cold days.

• Compression Gear

I honestly live in my pro compression socks.  Especially after long runs, or when I’m doing streak running like I am currently.  Compression socks makes such a difference in recovery, I literally wear mine 5 – 7 days a week.

•  Running Tights

Again, these are the specific pair that I would LOVE (I have had good experience with LULU clothes), but any warm tights are a high priority item for cold weather running.  I also use them for skiing and really any outdoor activity!

• Satellite Watch

This is the Garmin that I have, but there are many types of watches out there runner and biker friendly.  I LOVE my garmin, and have even converted my nonbeliever husband into loving it for his bike rides and runs as well!

• Books

Nothing motivates me like reading a good running inspired book. Honestly — when I was injured last winter, I read Born to Run AND Run Like a Girl and came back from injury ready to kick some tail…PRing in two consecutive halves.

• Road ID

This one I have no excuse not to have.  Every runner/biker should really have one!  Safety first, friends!

• Small Point and Click

I LOVE Zach’s DSLR.  It takes beautiful pictures and makes me appear to be a much better photographer than I am sometimes.  But for when I’m traveling or out and about, I LOVE my Nikon Coolpix.  With smart phones now a days these aren’t as important, but lemme tell ya I never leave home without mine!

• Foam Roller

Really, I can’t speak enough to foam rollers.  I primarily use mine on my back thanks to old injuries, but they are GREAT for legs and really ANYWHERE on your body that needs some lovin.  There are also great resources online and normally with your roller that show you how to use them!

• Homemade Baked Goods

Come on — we all know my love for the good stuff.   I have the worlds largest sweet tooth, so I am ALWAYS excited to receive cookies or baked goods in the mail (We got a Cheryl’s shipment from my Dad yesterday, THANKS DAD!) My favorite are when they’re homemade, because then they can be healthified, and honestly you can just taste the love 🙂

 

Question of the Afternoon: What’s top on your holiday list this year?