Bytager the publication "Cycling and celebrations: is it really necessary to train at Christmas and New Year's?"
Between turkey, Yule log, and glasses of champagne, the holiday season disrupts training routines. With fewer kilometers on the bike and more unpredictable weather, one question inevitably arises: should you continue training on holidays like December 24th and 25th, or take a break from cycling? The answer often lies somewhere between athletic discipline and common sense.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: depositphotos.com
For many practitioners, Christmas falls at the heart of a pivotal periodThe season is over, the next one still a long way off, but winter training has already begun. Completely cutting ties with training might seem tempting, but maintaining a certain regularity is reassuring. However, The days of December 24th and 25th impose their own constraintsbetween family obligations, hearty meal and sometimes difficult weather conditions.
Working out during the holidays, a choice that has its advantagestages
Driving during the holidays is perfectly reasonable, provided you choose the right time and intensity.December 24th is particularly suitable. The morning or early afternoon often offers an ideal window before Christmas Eve. Minds are freer, the routeSometimes calm and with more generous available time. A long run at a controlled pace helps to boost endurance while preparing the body for the excesses to come.It also helps to maintain a training routine, which is valuable mentally, even when goals seem distant.
For me, it's been a ritual for at least 25 years.On the 24th, we're organizing a big ride with a group of friends. No question of racing each other on every hill, but of limit In terms of distance, I ride side-by-side in pairs. Back when I was an Elite rider, five or six hours were on the agenda. Today, I'm content with 100 kilometers, more than enough to celebrate the holidays with peace of mind.
The following day, a very light activity can also find its place.A short, easy ride, or simply a recovery run, promotes blood circulation and helps the body cope with two closely spaced holiday meals: Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch. In this context, cycling becomes more of a wellness tool than a performance instrument. Personally, I prefer a run on the morning of the 25th: 45 minutes in nature, without focusing on pace, just going by feel.
Limits not to be ignored in the middle of winter
However, training at Christmas has drawbacks that would be unwise to ignore.First, the weather can turn an outing into a real ordeal. Cold, humidity, routeSlippery surfaces and low light increase the risks and sometimes diminish the appeal of long rides outdoors. Added to this is the issue of recovery. Nights are often shorter, sleep less restorative, and diets richer. Overly intense training in these conditions can disrupt overall balance and leave lasting effects for several days.
In those cases, I prefer the indoor trainer, preferably a connected one.I once climbed the virtual Alpe d'Huez on Zwift on December 24th, while it was pouring rain outside. A good effort, which also allowed me to spend Christmas Eve with a sense of accomplishment. It's obviously not as convivial as a real ride with friends, but sometimes you don't really have a choice.
Digestion is also a key pointTwo consecutive festive meals put a heavy strain on the body. Imposing significant effort at the same time can lead to discomfort, heaviness, and excessive fatigue, whereas the goal should be to support, not disrupt, the body's natural processes.
That is why, For my part, I do the short session on the morning of the 25th, or on January 1st, on an empty stomach, with just a coffee.And I don't forget to hydrate properly, with water of course, especially if there was a little alcohol with the previous day's meal.
Anticipate rather than react
The most coherent strategy is to anticipate the constraints of the holidaysDecember 24th, like the 31st, is perfect for a long, easy endurance run. This type of session provides a good stimulus while leaving you feeling refreshed for the following day. It's also a good way to mitigate the effects of excess calories from New Year's Eve. December 25th, on the other hand, is best approached with restraint. Very light activity, or even complete rest, promotes digestion and recovery without unnecessary guilt.
This approach offers a dual advantagetage. It respects the physiological requirements related to meals and sleep while maintaining a link with practice. You remain active without compromising your overall balance.
So, is it absolutely necessary to drive during the holidays?
The answer is clearly no.The holidays are an integral part of the season, just like periods of training load or recovery. Allowing yourself to take it easy for a day or two will never jeopardize a year's worth of training. Conversely, insisting on maintaining demanding sessions can diminish enjoyment, recovery, and, paradoxically, long-term motivation. On Strava, you sometimes see people heading out to ride a hundred kilometers on the 25th at 9:00 AM. At that level, we're not far from... bigorexia.
In cycling, as elsewhere, consistency trumps excess.The holiday season reminds us that sustainable performance also depends on the ability to adapt, listen to our bodies, and preserve the joy of riding. Ultimately, It's all a question of balance..
