Holiday Training: How to Stay Consistent During Celebrations

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The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration—but it can also be a challenging period for anyone trying to maintain a consistent training routine. With packed schedules, tempting treats, and travel plans, it’s easy to let your fitness goals slide. The good news? With a little planning and the right mindset, you can enjoy the festivities and stay on track with your training.

1. Set Realistic Goals

During the holidays, it’s important to adjust your expectations. Instead of aiming for personal bests, focus on maintaining your current fitness level. Setting realistic, flexible goals will help you stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Plan Ahead

Look at your holiday calendar and schedule your workouts just like any other important event. If you’re traveling, research nearby gyms, parks, or running trails. Even short sessions—like a 20-minute HIIT workout or a brisk walk—can make a difference.

3. Embrace Shorter Workouts

You don’t need hours in the gym to stay active. Opt for efficient, high-intensity workouts that fit into your busy schedule. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or quick circuits can be done almost anywhere.

4. Get Creative

Use the holiday environment to your advantage. Go for a family walk after dinner, play active games with kids, or try winter sports like ice skating or skiing. Staying active doesn’t always have to mean structured workouts.

5. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection

Missing a workout or indulging in a holiday treat isn’t the end of the world. What matters most is getting back on track. Aim for consistency, not perfection, and remember that every bit of movement counts.

6. Involve Friends and Family

Invite loved ones to join you for a workout or a walk. Not only does this make exercise more fun, but it also helps you stay accountable and creates lasting memories.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. If you miss a workout or eat more than planned, don’t be too hard on yourself. A positive mindset will help you bounce back and keep moving forward.

 

Staying consistent with your training during the holidays is all about balance, flexibility, and self-care. By planning ahead and embracing a realistic approach, you can enjoy the celebrations and keep your fitness journey on track. Happy holidays and happy training!

Austin Marathon Hosts Exclusive Recruitment Session for 2026 Expo Staff

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Join the Team and Help Power One of Austin’s Biggest Fitness Weekends

High Five Events, producer of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and leading endurance events across Texas, will host an Expo Staff Recruitment Session on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the High Five Events office in Austin, Texas. The organization is seeking enthusiastic, people-focused individuals to join its 2026 expo team.

Expo staff play a pivotal role in the event experience, welcoming tens of thousands of athletes, families, and supporters who pass through the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Spurs Austin International Half expos each year. These fast-paced, high-energy environments are the electric kickoff to event weekend, where runners pick up their packets, grab exclusive swag, and feel the excitement begin. Joining the expo crew means being part of the buzz, helping participants start their journey, and experiencing some of the most thrilling days of the entire year. On top of the excitement, expo staff enjoy exclusive event gear, the chance to meet new friends, and opportunities to connect with industry insiders, sponsors, and vendors.


Ideal candidates are available for the full event window, including weekdays and weekends, and thrive in upbeat, fast-paced settings. They enjoy engaging with participants and are comfortable working in dynamic, high-volume environments.

“Expo staff are at the heart of every event’s energy and success,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re looking for individuals who want to contribute to an extraordinary race weekend and help us deliver an exceptional experience for tens of thousands of participants.”

The December 1 recruitment session will provide a behind-the-scenes overview of expo operations, including packet pick-up coordination, merchandise and shirt distribution, participant flow management, volunteer support, and event-day problem solving. Attendees will meet experienced staff, ask questions, and gain insight into what it takes to produce Austin’s largest endurance expos.

2026 High Five Events Expo Opportunities

  • Spurs Austin International Half – January 15-18, 2026
  • Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K – February 11-15, 2026
  • Statesman Cap10K – April 10-12, 2026
  • CapTex Tri – May 23-25, 2026
  • Kerrville Triathlon Festival – September 25–27, 2026

Join our Expo Crew for packet pickup – help runners start their race weekend, score exclusive swag, and be part of the most exciting days of the year! Flexible shifts, fun team, and a behind-the-scenes look at Austin’s biggest running event

Apply to join the Expo Team and RSVP to attend the Recruitment event here.

 

 

About The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon: Founded in 1992, the Austin Marathon has been owned and operated by High Five Events since 2017. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. The economic impact to the City of Austin is in the tens of millions of dollars annually and has provided millions of dollars in fundraising efforts to charities over the years.

Sleep and Recovery: The Overlooked Part of Training

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When it comes to athletic performance, most people focus on training intensity, nutrition, and technique. However, one crucial element often gets overlooked: sleep and recovery. If you’re striving for peak performance, understanding the importance of rest is just as vital as your workout routine.

Why Sleep Matters for AthletesA man in a white T-shirt and plaid pajama pants lies in bed on white sheets, covering his eyes with his arm, appearing tired as he focuses on sleep and recovery after a day of training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Sleep is the body’s natural recovery tool. During deep sleep, your muscles repair, hormones balance, and your mind processes the day’s activities. For athletes, this means faster muscle recovery, improved reaction times, and better overall performance.

Key Benefits of Quality Sleep:

  • Muscle Repair: Growth hormone released during sleep helps rebuild muscle tissue.
  • Mental Focus: Adequate rest sharpens concentration and decision-making.
  • Injury Prevention: Well-rested athletes are less prone to injuries and overtraining.

A black analog alarm clock showing 7:00 sits in focus on a bed, symbolizing recovery, while a blurred person sleeps in the background, partially covered by a white blanket and pillow. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KThe Science Behind Recovery

Recovery isn’t just about taking a day off. It’s a strategic process that includes sleep, nutrition, hydration, and active rest. Studies show that athletes who prioritize recovery experience fewer injuries and reach their goals faster.

Tips for Effective Recovery:

  • Prioritize 7-9 Hours of Sleep: Consistency is key—try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Listen to Your Body: Rest when you feel fatigued or notice signs of overtraining.
  • Incorporate Active Recovery: Light activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can boost circulation and aid healing.

A woman sits on a bed looking tired or stressed, with her head resting on her hand. An alarm clock in the foreground shows 5:30. The dimly lit room highlights the importance of recovery and sleep for overall well-being. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KCommon Sleep Mistakes Athletes Make

  • Ignoring Sleep Quality: It’s not just about hours in bed—deep, uninterrupted sleep is what counts.
  • Overtraining: Skipping rest days can lead to burnout and decreased performance.
  • Poor Sleep Hygiene: Using screens before bed or consuming caffeine late in the day can disrupt your sleep cycle.

How to Improve Your Sleep and Recovery

  1. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  2. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Wind down with reading, meditation, or gentle stretching.
  3. Monitor Your Progress: Use a sleep tracker or journal to identify patterns and make adjustments.

Conclusion

Sleep and recovery are not optional—they’re essential components of any successful training program. By making rest a priority, you’ll see improvements in performance, mood, and overall health. Remember, the best athletes know when to push hard and when to rest.

Speed Work vs Tempo Runs: When & How to Use Them

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Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. To become a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner, it’s important to incorporate different types of workouts into your training plan. Two of the most effective workouts are speed work and tempo runs. But what’s the difference between them, and when should you use each? Let’s break it down.

 

What is Speed Work?Athletic woman in sportswear leaps in midair against a concrete wall, casting a strong shadow. Dressed for running training, she wears a black sports bra, black leggings, and orange sneakers, looking focused and energetic. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Speed work refers to short, intense bursts of running, usually at a pace much faster than your typical run. These workouts include intervals, sprints, and repetitions, often with rest periods in between. The goal is to improve your maximum speed, running economy, and anaerobic capacity.
Examples of Speed Work:
  • 400m repeats at mile pace with full recovery
  • 8 x 200m sprints with walking rest
  • Hill sprints
Benefits:
  • Increases top-end speed
  • Improves running form and efficiency
  • Builds strength and power

 

What is a Tempo Run?A woman jogs along a seaside promenade at sunrise, the sun low behind her. Dressed in athletic clothing, she appears focused on her running training as she runs near the water. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

A tempo run, also known as a threshold run, is a sustained effort at a “comfortably hard” pace—usually about 80-90% of your maximum effort. This pace is often described as the fastest you can maintain for about an hour. Tempo runs are designed to improve your lactate threshold, which is the point at which fatigue rapidly increases.

 

Examples of Tempo Runs:
  • 20-minute run at threshold pace
  • 4 miles at tempo pace within a longer run
  • 2 x 15 minutes at tempo pace with short recovery
Benefits:
  • Increases endurance
  • Raises lactate threshold
  • Teaches your body to run faster for longer

 

When to Use Speed WorkTwo people in dark athletic wear are jogging side by side outdoors on a paved path, trees and buildings blurred in the background, suggesting fast motion—perfect for a tempo runs session during their running training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Early in a training cycle: Build speed and power before focusing on longer efforts.
  • Race-specific prep: For shorter races (5K/10K), speed work is crucial.
  • Breaking through plateaus: If you feel stuck at a certain pace, speed work can help you break through.

 

When to Use Tempo Runs

  • Mid to late training cycle: As you build toward a goal race, tempo runs help you sustain faster paces.
  • Half marathon/marathon prep: Essential for longer distances to improve stamina.
  • Improving race pace: Tempo runs help you get comfortable running at your goal pace.

 

A person in red athletic shoes and shorts jogs along a beach at sunrise, the sun casting a warm glow on the sand—a perfect scene for running training or tempo runs by the shore. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KHow to Incorporate Both

A balanced training plan will include both speed work and tempo runs. For example, you might do speed intervals on Tuesdays and a tempo run on Thursdays, with easy runs and long runs on other days. Always listen to your body and allow for adequate recovery.

 

Sample Week:
  • Monday: Easy run
  • Tuesday: Speed work (e.g., 8 x 400m)
  • Wednesday: Rest or easy run
  • Thursday: Tempo run (e.g., 20 minutes at tempo pace)
  • Friday: Easy run
  • Saturday: Long run
  • Sunday: Rest

 

Final Thoughts

Both speed work and tempo runs are essential tools for runners aiming to improve performance. By understanding when and how to use each, you’ll be able to train smarter, avoid burnout, and reach your running goals faster. Happy running!