IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR when we often have a tendency to get distracted from a routine that keeps us active because of the falling temperatures, shorter days, and plethora of holiday festivities we RSVP yes to. With all these factors affecting our daily focus over the next month, making time for staying active can become challenging. There are ways to combat this type of interruption, though.
Not every (or any) activity this season needs to be a marathon. Instead, simply maintaining a basic level of fitness can be enough so that when the real training starts back up after the first of the year, it takes a lot less time to get back up to speed.
Consider running in place while watching the football games on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Or doing a set of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and arm exercises each time your favorite team scores—no equipment required. While we don’t recommend trying these substitute workouts during the corporate Christmas party or family blind-elephant party, we certainly will enjoy hearing about it if you do.
If you can go for a run outside, or on the treadmill, for even one day a week for 20-30 minutes, it’ll make a tremendous difference in your positive outlook around the rest of your jam-packed schedule. Don’t forget to set an alarm on your Garmin, though. We know how runners get once they start, and you don’t want to be late for the annual feats-of-strength at Uncle Jake’s just to get in an extra 0.17 miles.
Regardless of how much we’re able to do during the month of December, the key is making time to do something so we can maintain a base level of fitness ahead of our resolutions and/or recommitments starting on January 2nd at our spring training program kickoff. Yes, that’s right! If we’re going to be ready for the spring races and summer bathing suits, we’re going to have to get back to it once the calendar year advances. The nice thing about that, though, is we won’t be alone. We’ll have several hundred fellow fitness enthusiasts helping us stay motivated and holding us accountable for showing up to the indoor track or outdoor trails. And we’ll have access to great discounts on all the seasonal gear we’ll need to stay warm, stay energized, stay on target.
Join us in committing to making time to stay active in some way this month and planning to meet up again during the first week of the new year to ramp things back up. Head over to www.davesrunning.com and register for our spring training program designed to address every level of fitness, from beginner to weekend warrior, marathon maniac, and beyond. We promise to help you try to achieve whatever goal you set for 2023.
Dave’s Running Shop was the first running store in Ohio and the only locally owned and operated footwear store in Northwest Ohio. Founded in 1973, four area locations serve the community from Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta. Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s also carries a great variety of lifestyle footwear, seasonal apparel, gear and accessories, and provides many opportunities for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to get off the couch, get faster, go farther, and feel better with training programs, coaching, races, and events covering all four seasons. ✲
Don’t miss Dave’s races!
Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For more information, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesrunning.com.
Christmas Village 5K
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 4:30 p.m. (Reindeer Dash at 5:30 p.m.) at 6760 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. The Village of Whitehouse is thrilled to announce the expansion of their tree-lighting event with a 5K run/walk, parade, beer garden, kids activities, and more to help you get in the Christmas spirit. Come for the run, stay for the festivities.
Swanton’s Snowflake Shuffle
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 5:00 p.m. (Kids Snowflake Shuffle 1K at 6:05 p.m.) at 305 Chestnut St., Swanton, Ohio. Come and enjoy a festive holiday-themed race for kids and adults at Pilliod Park, located next to Swanton Public Library and home to Swanton’s red caboose, several gazebos, a paved walkway lined with candlelit ornaments, and Swanton’s festive light display. The course starts and finishes at Pilliod Park and travels though the beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods near the Park. Come and enjoy some hot chocolate and get a front row seat to the tree-lighting ceremony directly following the finish of the kids fun run. Then join us after at the Swanton Fire & Rescue Department for Santa, cookies, and cocoa.
8th Annual Jingle Bell 5K
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at 901 E. Main St., Leipsic, Ohio. Come run, walk, or jog the Jingle Bell 5k! The race will be pulled time. All proceeds benefit Putnam County Special Olympics. Prizes to be awarded for best holiday attire/costume, top male and female finishers, youngest/oldest male and female finishers, and top three in each age category: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-older.
Polar Paws and Santa Claws 5K by the Toledo Zoo
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 4:00 p.m. (Polar Paws Kids Cub Run at 3:00 p.m.) at the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio. The Cub Run is for kids up to age 12 and includes an ice slide pass. All participants are encouraged to wear Christmas-themed attire and light-up accessories as they run their own race. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org/polarpaws. ✲
