The festive period is a time to enjoy, offering a chance to unwind – but for cyclists, Christmas also presents an opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. It’s important to find a balance that allows you to stay active while enjoying the holiday spirit. To help you navigate this period successfully, we’ve put together ten top tips to keep you on track – and maybe even squeeze in a ride or two!
1. Make hay while the sun shines
Even though you might have some time off work and theoretically more opportunities to ride, the festive season often fills up quickly with unexpected plans. Therefore, it’s important to be flexible but also take advantage of any available time to get out and ride instead of postponing sessions. If your schedule allows and the weather is co-operating, make the most of it!
> How to get the most out of your limited training time
Something is better than nothing and consistency plays a crucial role in your cycling training, so make an effort to utilise the available time, even if it’s just 30-45 minutes. A short, high-intensity session may not seem enjoyable at the time but you’ll feel better after it!
2. Don’t over do it!
The prevalence of tempting food options increases exponentially over Christmas with Celebrations tubs wherever you turn. The festive period is a time to indulge and enjoy the seasonal treats but striking a balance is key.
Try and incorporate a balance of nourishing food to help support your energy levels and your recovery over this period.
3. Maintenance > progression
> How hard is it to train like a pro cyclist?
Following on from the idea of moderation during the festive season, December is the perfect time to focus on maintaining your fitness rather than pushing for progression.
It can be tricky to stick to your regular riding schedule over the festive period with parties, social gatherings and work commitments but rather than giving up trying to get on the bike altogether, adjust your routine to accommodate the busyness of the season so you can still enjoy yourself without compromising your fitness.
If you’re likely to have a lot planned, treat this month as a chance to sustain your current fitness level. You can then pick up where you left off in the new year.
4. Be easy on yourself. You’ve earned it!
The holiday season is a perfect time to hit the reset button and have some well-deserved time off the bike so be sure to incorporate rest days into your festive schedule.
The festive season can be hectic, so giving your body and mind a break will not only be appreciated by you but also, I’m sure, by your family.
5. The early bird catches the worm
While everyone else is enjoying a lie-in, take advantage of the quiet morning hours to get your training done. By riding early, you’ll finish before family events or other holiday commitments begin. You’ll feel much better getting it done in the morning rather than trying to find the energy later in the day, especially after settling onto the sofa and coming up with excuses to postpone.
If you’re riding outside, make sure to check that your bike lights are charged and that you’re properly layered up.
6. Get on the indoor trainer
> A complete guide to indoor cycling
When time is of the essence, don’t discount the value of the turbo or rollers if you are determined to keep riding through the festive period, particularly when the weather is poor. Getting on the bike requires less time, as there’s no need for layering up, and the post-ride routine is quicker, as you can skip the bike wash.
Instead of trying to replicate a long steady ride on the turbo, look to do a short interval session.
7. Invest in some winter gear essentials
> How to dress for winter cycling
It might be too late to add a winter cycling jacket to your Christmas list, but it’s not too late to pick up a bargain in the Boxing Day sales.
Despite the passing of the shortest day, cold rides remain a certainty in the UK, so it’s worth investing in appropriate winter cycling clothing to help make those winter rides more bearable as you build into next season.
8. Set a challenge
> How to increase your cycling motivation in the winter
For many cyclists, Christmas is a much-anticipated holiday that offers the prospect of additional riding time, especially for those who’ve tactfully planned their holiday days, so why not set yourself a challenge over Christmas?
There are loads already available that you can join, including the hugely popular Rapha Festive 500, which encourages you to join many other cyclists in trying to notch up 500km over the festive period.
9. Mix it up
The festive season doesn’t have to be all about cycling. You can incorporate a variety of physical activities into your celebrations to get out in the fresh air and stay active. Instead of cycling, consider taking long walks in the countryside, which are a popular choice this time of year and are perfect for enjoying with the whole family.
You can also opt for a quick 20-minute run around the block to work up a sweat or a mountain bike ride. Riding off-road in the mud and over challenging terrain provides a good workout and is great for bike handling skills.
10. Reflect & plan
Having some time off the bike over the festive period is a great opportunity to reflect on your cycling achievements in the past year and set yourself goals for next year.
It’s a good time to plan some challenges, races or sportives you want to target next year to help motivate you and direct your winter training when you get back on the bike.
Do you have any other tips for making the most of the festive period? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Thanks for using my picture
Thanks for using my picture of chocolate in your opening picture. The original can be found here, chocolate! | LongitudeLatitude | Flickr.