10 tips for Christmas Day running – follow for maximum festive cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but you know what would make it even better? A Christmas Day run, of course. Obviously, some Scrooges will mutter about it being a 'mad thing to do' and 'today, of all days??' but we all know what happens to Scrooges (hint: it's not a visit from the Ghost of Future PBs).
There is no better way to combat the stress of the season, and escape from what can be, frankly, a less than relaxing day for many people. Just remember to stick to the 10 rules of Christmas Day running...
1.The Christmas Day run is the best run of the year
During the Christmas Day run, no one can make you peel sprouts, make awkward small talk, wrap a last-minute emergency present or enthuse about the itchy hand-knitted socks. So appreciate every glorious quiet second of it.
2. You must greet every runner or walker you pass with a cheery ‘Merry Christmas’
If you refuse, you should prepare for the imminent arrival of three ghosts. And none of them will be bringing you carbon plate shoes.
3. Novelty festive running gear is permitted
It’s not tasteful, and it’s not clever, but it is permitted. Our round up of the best Christmas leggings will assist you here.
4. Christmas Day is not for hardcore training
Seb Coe tells a great story about running 12 miles one bitterly cold Christmas morning before kicking back over a big lunch. Then, later on, he suddenly thought; ‘I bet Steve Ovett is out there doing his second run of the day,’ so he put his kit back on, and did another session. The lesson here is: don’t be Seb Coe.
5. Or for running twice in one day
When Seb Coe told this story to Steve Ovett, Ovett laughed and said; ‘Did you only go out twice that day?’ The lesson here: don’t be Steve Ovett either.
6. There shall be no 'burning off the Christmas calories'
Any magazine article that begins with a list of how many miles you need to run to burn off a mince pie is very useful. For kindling.
7. Go easy
An easy run will actually boost your energy levels and keep you sharp for the truly competitive event of the day: the lethal lunge for the last Quality Street green triangle and/or remote control when the 2569th Call the Midwife Christmas special comes on. Stay sharp, people.
8. Occupy the kids with some running maths
While you're getting your post-run shower, get them to calculate exactly how far Eliud Kipchoge would have got at his 2022 world record marathon pace if he had run for the same amount of time as you did. If they do not get the answer correct to within 250m, no more presents for them.
9. If running in company, Christmas cracker jokes are permitted
See point three. If running solo, do not recite them to yourself. There’s a fine line between festive jollity and alarming eccentricity.
10. You can be smug
If there is one solitary roast potato, a slice of cake or Cadbury’s Hero left and everyone is eyeing it beadily, you may now issue a smug sigh and say; ‘Well, I did run this morning… ’
Congratulations, you have won Christmas Day.
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