What a year it’s been! We still have about 6 weeks left until the end of the year, but I know many people are ready to put this year in the rearview mirror. There were many challenges this year, but hopefully you experienced some positive things as well. Even if you feel like it was not your year for running, it’s not too late to finish your running year strong. Here are some ideas to make the most of the last few weeks of this year.
How to finish your running year strong
1. Run some virtual holiday races
Virtual races are a great way to get in a holiday run. Honestly, on Thanksgiving morning I don’t really feel like driving to a race or having to start my run at a certain time. You can do a virtual race anywhere, with your family members! You could also find a Christmas-themed race to do, which you don’t even need to do on Christmas.
2. Try a different kind of workout
If the weather is getting colder and you don’t feel like running as much, try something different! There are so many workout apps these days. You could do yoga, strength training, or just go for a walk.
3. Enjoy the changing weather
This one will probably depend on where you live! For some people, the weather may be getting colder and you may not want to go outside. But for others, maybe you are finally getting a break from the heat and can enjoy some cooler weather. Often times December weather can be pretty decent. Try to bundle up and get outside whenever you can.
4. Start setting your goals for next year
This is always a good time to start planning ahead. Sure, there are still many unknowns. But you don’t need to register for a race in order to start setting goals. If you are willing to be flexible you can work towards your goals no matter what the new year brings. For example, you can decide what distance you want to race in the spring, pick a race you would like to run, have a back-up plan, and know that there is a chance you may need to run it virtually. You can always wait to sign up if you don’t want to commit too far in advance.
5. Schedule a break from running
If you were do have done a fall race, then this would probably be your off-season. Have you given yourself a break this year? This may be a good time to back off, especially if you are busy and feeling stressed.
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6. Sign up for a running challenge
There are other ways to challenge yourself other than races. You could do a run streak or a distance challenge. Some of the challenges involve virtual teams. Find something fun that will keep you motivated.
7. Complete a running timed trial
Are you curious about where your fitness stands right now? Try a timed trial! You could do a mile, 5k, really anything you want! Then maybe plan to do it again in a few weeks or months to see if you improve.
8. Focus on non-running goals that will help your running
Have you been skipping your strength training more than you should? Or not drinking enough water? What about staying up too late watching TV? Think about some other things you can do to help your running. Sometimes there are little adjustments we can make that will ultimately lead to improvements in our running.
9. Support other runners
Even though we can’t be cheering on runners at races, there are other ways to support runners. Do you know any new runners who need some encouragement or some words of wisdom? You could even just leave some supportive comments for other runners on Instagram.
10. Reflect on your year of running
It may have been a year like none other, but there are always lessons we can learn from our experiences. What worked well for you this year? Did you have a no-pressure approach that led to huge fitness gains? Did you finally start lifting weights and stayed injury-free? Even if there are no “real” PRs to use to measure success, what other data can you look at? Make sure to recognize what went well, while using any challenges you faced as learning experiences.
While many of us wish we were coming off a big fall race or getting ready to train for a spring marathon, most likely neither of those things have happened this year. Many of us have learned to make the most of the situation this year and maybe even have a newfound appreciation for running just to run.
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- How will you finish your running year strong?
- Have you set any goals yet for next year?
- How did you adjust your running this year?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Very good and encouraging tips, Lisa! I am amazed at how the running bloggers rallied and made the best of 2020. So inspiring to see how every coped and came up with their own ideas!
For 2020, I have my 5k Time Trial and my yearly goal of 2’600km to reach. And I have an ultra on the plan for March 2021. So fortunately, there is enough to keep me busy and motivated.
Oh wow I didn’t know you were planning for an ultra! That’s really exciting!
It had indeed been some year! I can really relate to the ‘appreciation for running just to run’, I have found that running has been my ‘safe space’ in 2020, when I’m out running I’m not fretting about all the stuff around me…that said I am hoping to be able to run with real people next year 🙂
Totally agree with that! Even though I am usually a solo runner I definitely miss being able to do live races.
In spite of all the challenges that 2020 threw at us, so many of us had a year of good running. I know I did! Running helps me cope with stress and that might explain why I’ve had my highest mileage in years. I’m not going to plan ahead for 2021–we will still be dealing with COVID and the transition to a new president. I’m hoping that running will be there for me as it always has been!
I think I also had a good year of running because there was less pressure, and I had a more flexible schedule. Next year will definitely be an interesting one too. I am not planning on registering for any races, but I want to have something to look forward to.
2020 was definitely a year of learning to appreciate just running! I had some of my highest mileage in 2020 before I got Covid and now I’m slowly getting back into it. My main goal for 2021 is getting back my mileage, hopefully a marathon in the fall!
That sounds like a great plan! I really hope that things will be somewhat back to normal by next fall.
I always end the year with a running streak, and this year will be no exception. I’ll have a lot more 1-mile runs than in years past, due to my stress fracture recovery, but that’s fine. I’m just thankful for ANY run, no matter the distance. The streak ushers me through the holiday season, gets me past the Winter Solstice, and gives me cause for celebrating the new year.
That’s such a fun way to end the year! This would probably be a good year for me to do a streak since I’m not traveling like I usually do, but I’m thinking of backing off a bit at the end of the year.
I am thrilled to be finishing my year of running stronger than I started. A nice positive for this year! Runbet keeps me moving on non running days and I am doing a fitness challenge starting next week.
That’s so great! And the runbet seems like a great way to stay motivated.
This is hard. I just finished a real race. It is cold out!!!! My friends are not running much. It is dark out after work.
BUT I want to get to 1000 miles for the year.
Next year – more REAL races. Get back some of that lost speed.
Thanks for the tips.
Hopefully next year will be a better year with more opportunities!
So many great ideas, Lisa!
I always take this time of year to reflect on the past year and think about the next year. I haven’t come up with anything yet. Very hard to plan still. 🙁
I used to travel to family for Thanksgiving, so didn’t want the extra pressure of a race. Then I hosted for a few years, and yes, I’d squeeze in a turkey trot, which I always enjoyed, although my friends did different turkey trots — they never wanted to do the one I did (but granted, it was really close to me, which is part of why I did it).
I haven’t made up my mind about whether or not I’ll do a virtual turkey trot, or even if I’ll try to see my mom (outside) — it’s a long drive and it’s too cold for her to be outside for long now. Most likely I will run on Thanksgiving because one way or another, it’s just tradition now!
It’s definitely hard to plan for next year. We still have unknowns about Thanksgiving too. It’s such a tough time right now! But at least we have running!
Great tips! I need to get a new Believe journal for 2021! Being postpartum I didn’t really have running goals other than to get back out there! I’m doing a mileage challenge right now and adding up my running and walking miles, so I just hope to stay consistent for the rest of the year and get ready to rebuild over the winter!
It’s smart to not have big goals right away after having a baby! I found that last year brought so many unexpected obstacles. That’s great that you have a mileage challenge to focus on!
I’m signed up for one more 10K, but I ended up getting way more miles than I ever dreamed I would. Not sorry about that at all!
I also plan to run on Thanksgiving, even though I’m not taking part in an official race, and I’ll run on Christmas and New Year’s as well.
That’s awesome that you did more miles than expected! I’m trying to figure out if I will do my virtual race on Thanksgiving, or another day next week so I can run with the family that day. I might just see how the weather looks:)
All of this! Great ideas to finish strong. I’m even doing quite a few of your suggestions. I have a virtual half marathon this weekend (plus another I need to do before the end of the year), I’m participating in a running challenge, I’m signed up for my 40th marathon (hopefully it will happen, it’s in February) and I’m definitely enjoying the change in weather. Now I think I’d like to try a time trial. Just a mile to see where I am as we head into a new year.
You have alot of fun things going on! The mile is such a fun challenge, but so hard! It’s never something I would have done if I was training for marathons or other long distance races this year.