November 26, 2025
How to Train Through the Holidays Without Losing Fitness (or Your Sanity)
Everyday UltraAbout this episode
The holidays are one of the most challenging times of the year for runners — not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and logistically. With travel, family dynamics, colder weather, stress, big meals, busy schedules, shifting routines, and social expectations… your training can feel like it’s getting pulled in ten different directions. In this episode, Everyday Ultra Coach and On-sponsored professional athlete Alyssa Clark , fresh off her incredible finish at Ultra Trail Cape Town 100K, joins me to break down exactly how runners can navigate the holiday season without derailing progress — and without losing their minds. Inside the episode, you’ll learn: • The most common hidden holiday traps runners fall into • How to adjust your training when your routine gets blown up • Why “all or nothing” thinking crushes holiday consistency • How to train when you’re traveling, hosting guests, or juggling family events • The smart way to handle Turkey Trots so you don’t start December injured • How lack of sunlight, poor sleep, and stress impact your workouts — and what to do about it • Why communication with your partner/family is critical (and how to do it well) • How to use creative solutions, micro-workouts & flexible planning to stay on track • When to turn holiday chaos into a perfectly timed “life deload week” • Why you don’t need to “earn” your holiday meals — and how to avoid guilt spirals • How to stay consistent without being rigid… and disciplined without being miserable This episode is packed with actionable tips, mindset reframes, and real-world strategies to help you stay consistent, stay healthy, and actually enjoy the holidays — while still moving toward your endurance goals. A must-listen for anyone training for winter or spring races, or anyone who struggles with routine during the holiday season. SHOW NOTES: SHOW LINKS: Want to work with Alyssa as your coach to help you crush your ultramarathon goals? Book a call with her here - if you do not see any times open, email akamos13@gmail.com and we will book a time! Register for our race, The Desert Peak Ultra 100K + 50K at desertpeakultra.com Want to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coaching Want to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit! Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/ Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupg Try CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.com Get your FREE TrainingPeaks account to track, plan, and analyze your training easier at trainingpeaks.com/everydayultra Try PlayOn Pain Relief Spray at playonrelief.com Try Bear Butt Wipes and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at bearbuttwipes.com Try Janji apparel and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at Janji.com