The Joy of Running with Family
As the Holiday Running Challenge comes to a close, I’m excited to share my experiences of getting my loved ones involved in the fun. With Santa hats and jingle bells aplenty, we turned our holiday celebrations into a festive fitness extravaganza!
A Week of Holiday Runs
Thursday’s three-mile run was a balmy mid-50 degrees, a far cry from the bundling-up days of just two weeks prior. I was grateful for the mild weather, even if it did mean ditching my winter gear.
Friday morning saw me hitting the treadmill for a quick two-mile session before tackling last-minute gift shopping. The “dreadmill” has become a familiar friend during this challenge, and I’ve learned to make it more engaging.
Santa’s Coming to Town…and He’s Running!
Saturday marked the inaugural Faherty Family Christmas Eve Run, where a dozen of us donned Santa hats (some with extra sparkle) and dashed around a 5K loop. My parents led the way on their bikes, while my pregnant sister Claire and friend Nick even joined in on roller skates! The spectacle was enough to stop traffic, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.
Delivering Christmas Cheer
On Christmas Day, my brother Mike joined me for a special delivery run to our grandmother’s house, bearing a sweet treat from the famous Hoboken bakery. The two-mile jog was a delight, and I was thrilled to share the crumb cake with our extended family.
Family Fun Continues
Monday’s family jog with Mike, Uncle Tim, and cousins Katie, Christie, and Jake took us through Mom Mom’s hilly neighborhood. Laughter and corny jokes helped us power through the tough climbs, and we rewarded ourselves with extra helpings of Christmas cookies.
The Final Countdown
Tuesday’s rainy forecast didn’t deter me from squeezing in one last Ewing Township run before heading back north. I left my Santa hat and jingle bells behind, but the four-mile run was still a festive finish to my holiday streak.
Back to Reality
As the holiday season winds down, it’s time to refocus on my half marathon training schedule. A short one-mile warm-up and some cross-training on the bike are on the agenda, along with strength training to get my legs looking toned for New Year’s Eve.
Getting Your Family On Board
This week, I was grateful to have my family’s support and enthusiasm for my running goals. How does your family help or hinder your health and fitness aspirations? Share your stories, and let’s keep the motivation going into the new year!
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