The answer to will I Go Running on Christmas Day is Yes if I can. I am aware that might cause a problem for some people but I have my reasons. Hear me out.
The Night Before
I have used that heading on another post. Where I live (UK) , at least in the circles I used to frequent, Christmas Eve is not only a time for spiritual enlightenment, but also a time for getting together and having a party. This could be in the form of visiting friends, family, the local pub or club. For many people including myself this involved quite a few alcoholic drinks on Christmas Eve before heading home to fall into a slumber until Christmas Day. My sister even used to collect me on Christmas morning to join my family for a few days. I would be not in a fit state to drive and had often only got home a little before she arrived. The day would be a blur of meeting relatives and only really surfacing to some wierd reality after a few drinks. This would continue through lunch until such time i’d depart for a nap. It’s not something which makes me particularly proud upon relfection.
The Night Before (Now)
The story is a little different these days. My family now visit me on Christmas Eve. We celebrate in a cosmopolitan style with a nod to my Polish wife by way of Wigilia. This translates as vigil or to keep watch and is an important time for the Poles. Traditionally this is a multiple course meal, blessings to family members, hay to represent the manger and even a spare place at the table for an unexpected guest should they arrive.
We have diluted this a little to allow all the family to participate comfortably, but is very much embraced by the English side and looked forward to with excitement.
The traditional varations of cabbage, carp and cakes have been replaced by a takeaway Indian meal. This also means less cooking so a more convivial atmosphere allround.
What Has This Got To Do With Running?
Thanks for sticking with me. The reason I wrote about the two nights above is that now I’m better prepared for a Christmas day run. While the diluted Wigilia also includes a few non traditional beers for me it is a few only. I have a good hearty meal and we are usually completely done by 10 p.m.
This means I do get seven hours or so of decent sleep before my kids burst in on Christmas morning. Once they have torn paper apart, scoffed down breakfast , chocolate etc I can usually find an hour or so to get out and run.
Running on Christmas Day
I’m a morning person by nature even with a small hangover. Get it done is my approach. Heading out around 9 a.m. there are a number of things to notice:-
Its quiet , oh so quiet – even if you live in a place like central London
You may see the odd dog walker or fellow runner but invariably no one else
Anyone you do see will have taken a “polite pill” and will actually make eye contact to say “Merry Christmas!”
There are so few cars moving around
You are offsetting the indulgences of later
For me that’s the day won. You might well win the day later in the afternoon if that’s your moment to get out. By that time i’ll be visiting family , have a belly full of food and will have a glass of something nice in hand. Most of all, i’ll be feeling settled.
What I Do
Here is a simple chart of the last five years. Nothing too strenuous in terms of distance as I want to be awake later in the day.
I have never really looked at my runs before writing this article but am suprised to see my distance creeping up year on year. That adds a bit of pressure this year to keep the trend going, we’ll see. I do at time of writing intend to get for a run. As I have mentioned previously, I prioritize the run. Lots of beers the night before or go for a run ? There is only one winner.
With that I wish you a peaceful Christmas if you celebrate it. If you don’t, I wish you well. Keep on running!
Before You Go!
As it’s Christmas you might be interested in buying somebody a gift. Check this previous article which has short reviews on some books which I have read and kept me going.
(shout to NSL for sage advice – I promise to implement more of your gems as I go!)
