If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or out of your routine this time of year, you are not alone. Our EDGE coaches have a few tips for their athletes - and for themselves - on how they stay sane and on track this holiday season.
Coach Worm // Keep your morning routine. For me, with 3 kids, that means waking up early to get in my runs instead of sleeping all the time. Also, continue some physical activity. It is easy to cheat during the holidays - don’t cheat yourself too much.
Coach Becca // Remember: The point of the holidays isn’t to build fitness, it’s to maintain fitness while focusing on the areas you often neglect during peak training: family and friends. You can maintain fitness with just 3 shorter workouts a week, like an easy aerobic run with some strides tacked onto the end. If you aren't able to get away for a run or a bike session, then a 10 minute core and mobility routine that requires no equipment is enough for the day. And if you can't fit in anything, it'll be ok if you miss a workout - you won't derail your goals!
Coach Matthew // Holiday travel and events may make workouts difficult so focus on fitting in a few key workouts, even if you can't fit in daily. Use time off to try something new, like a new fitness class, yoga, ice skating, skiing, etc.
Coach Robyn // Holiday time often means less overall activity. I like to plan an outside activity for the whole family. Pick a route or trail that is special to the season (lots of holiday lights, snow-filled trail) and head out for a 30-60 min brisk walk or hike - inviting your family with you means you will all get in a bit of activity before or after a meal and you will have a nice mental reset from all of that time in close quarters.
Coach Katie // Don't feel guilty for getting in your workouts - personal time is just as important as family time this time of year. Enjoy all the things this time of year - go ahead have a few cookies - it won't kill you!! (just leave some to share!)
Coach Chris // Always bring one healthy dish to the holiday dinner so you know there’s always something you can eat.
Coach Ed // Enjoy yourself and don’t go crazy over one day. If you’re concerned about over-indulging, food journal during this time period and try to be aware of what you’re eating during the holidays, but don’t beat yourself up over one or two meals off your typical plan.
Coach JRho // Don’t overextend yourself! It is totally ok to say “no” to maintain balance. It’s also ok and important to include self-care.
Coach Shawna // Avoid your family - that’s what I do (!) At least during the actual holidays ;) I see my family and celebrate before or after the holidays so it’s less stressful. Also I bring my running shoes with me so I can have some outdoor alone time on my visits.
As I trained for the Rio Paralympics, EDGE was the perfect place for me to recover in between my grueling workouts so I could perform my best day after day. It all paid off when I earned a bronze medal in Rio! Whether it's for bike, run or strength training, recovering in a pair of recovery boots, drinking a cup of coffee or chatting with the members about their past and current races, it is one of my favorite places to go - EDGE Athlete Lounge has become my second home!
I use EDGE for both training and recovery… having the Woodway treadmills and a room to do weights and other-related strength exercises when I need them is very helpful and convenient. Without question, utilizing EDGE on a consistent basis has helped me stay injury-free. In fact, as someone who has a history of being injured, since joining EDGE, I have yet to experience a significant injury. I attribute that largely to having ready access to state of the art recovery tools that EDGE provides its members with.
I will be racing the Boston Marathon in April, a race in which I am targeting a sub-2:30. Bearing that Boston goes according to plan, I intend on attacking a 2:25 clocking at the 2017 Chicago Marathon! Furthermore, I am planning on breaking 15:00 in the 5K and 1:09 in the half-marathon
EDGE helped me fight my way to the title of North American Cycle Courier Champion in 2016 and I’ve got 2017 in the crosshairs. As a full time bike messenger and a professional cyclist, my schedule allows very little time to give my muscles a break. The amazing staff and facilities at EDGE have allowed me to give my body the much needed recovery it needs between rides and have helped me ride farther, ride harder, and ride stronger than ever before. Fresh legs TRULY bring FAST TIMES!
