Happy Holidays Everyone!

Yes, the Holiday season is upon us, and everything that comes with it!  Christmas carols, family get-togethers, Christmas holidays, church events, decorating, lovely gifts, excited children, Santa Claus, recitals, shopping craziness at the malls, wrapping, organizing, Christmas baking...the list goes on and on!

With all of the craziness that comes with Christmas (and the joy!), don't forget about yourself!  If you can sneak in 30 minutes for yourself in a relaxing bubble bath, go for it.  If you have a little time on your lunch break to get a quick pick-me-up manicure, why not?   Only have an extra 5 minutes?  Spend that extra time in the shower and let yourself relax a little bit.  The shower is a great place to clear your mind and have a little peace and quiet amidst this busy season.

So far, I'm not finished shopping, house is only partially decorated, and not a shred of wrapping paper has been used!  Hey, I still have three weeks, so time is on my side...right?

I've been trying to run at least twice a week so I don't lose my running skills!  I'm a little paranoid that if I stop running for a week, I won't start again.  And, I've worked so hard to build up my distance, I'd hate to let a little cold weather steal it away from me.  Or snow.  Or ice.  Or hunters.  Yikes!  This past Saturday I ran the Santa Shuffle 5k in Waterloo.  It was so much fun!  We were lucky to have a nice, sunny day, but it sure was brisk.  It was between -8 and -4 while we ran.  Fortunately, I had a new running pullover to try out and it sure did keep me warm!  I had to take off my windbreaker while I was running, I was so hot.  I need to keep up with the running, since I'm signed up for the 10k Resolution Run on January 1st.  Why, you may ask???  There are days I ask myself the same question!  No, just kidding.  I find that having a goal to work towards keeps me motivated to keep running.  The winter seems to suck away my energy, and I find that running gives me a boost in my mood - so I kind of do it for my own sanity.  So far, it's working!

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about my upcoming January/February Programs.  I hope you like them!  To check them out, just click the Upcoming Classes tab at the top of the page.  Here's a sneak peek - I'm offering 40% off, and to make payments more convenient, I now accept PayPal on my website!

Lots of people make "New Year's Resolutions" that are related to diet and/or fitness.  If you are one of those people, don't wait for the New Year.  Start now, by decreasing the amount of Christmas treats you would normally eat (just a little!  :)).  Try to get a few extra minutes of physical activity in every day. If it's not too icy, head out for a brisk walk.  And, have yourself a nice glass of red wine, but try to skip the sugary coolers and drinks, that will leave you with a nasty hangover and case of sugar overload the next morning.  Making a few small changes can make a big difference in the long run

Here's wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays this year!!

Yours in good health and fitness,

Dawn  :)