How to Get Back Into Running After a Holiday Break

I’ve been hearing this a lot at run clubs recently. People tell me they took a break over Christmas and now can’t seem to get back into it. Honestly, I get it. I did the same thing myself this year. Life gets busy, festive food takes over and somehow running just isn’t a priority.

When the holidays are over, though, it hits – you open your running app or look at your kit and feel… stuck. Your usual routine feels impossible and motivation feels like it’s disappeared along with the leftover mince pies. But here’s the thing: it’s completely normal. Your mojo isn’t gone, it’s just hibernating.

Even the most dedicated runners need a break sometimes. Time off doesn’t erase your fitness or your love of running, it just shifts your momentum. Your body might feel sluggish, your mind a little resistant, and motivation might be hiding nder a pile of wrapping paper somewhere – but it will come back.

Here’s how to get back into it without hating yourself – or your running shoes.

Start Small, Not Heroic

After a holiday break, it’s tempting to jump straight back into your usual mileage or pace. Resist the urge. Start with shorter, easier runs. Even 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace is enough to remind your body what running feels like and rebuild your confidence.

Make It Fun

Running should feel good, not like a chore. Explore new routes, listen to a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable. Harry Styles has just dropped a new song, and you can tell he’s a runner now; that beat was made for running – or invite a friend for company.  Making your runs enjoyable again will help get your motivation back faster.

Remember the First Few Weeks Are the Hardest

It’s normal for the first two or three weeks back to feel tough. Your body is shaking off the holiday slump and your motivation is still warming up. Power through these early runs, and it gets easier -your rhythm and mojo will soon return.

Drop the Guilt

One of the biggest barriers to getting back into running after a break isn’t physical, it’s mental. So many of us waste energy beating ourselves up for “falling off the wagon.” Let it go. Every run you do now is progress, and guilt only slows you down.

Act Like the Person You Want to Be 

Even if you don’t feel motivated yet, act like the runner you want to be – put on your kit, step outside, and the rest will follow. Motivation comes after action, not before it. If you’re hesitating to get out the door, count down 5-4-3-2-1 and move. Often, just starting is the hardest part.

Focus on Routine Over Perfection

Don’t stress about pace, distance, or performance. Aim simply to show up. Building consistency is far more effective than trying to make every run perfect. The act of getting out there regularly will naturally rebuild your fitness and your motivation. Even a 15-minute jog or putting on your running kit counts as progress.

Be Kind to Yourself

Remember the post-run glow – the energy boost, the mental clarity, the sense of achievement. Thinking about that feeling can sometimes be enough to push you out the door when motivation feels low. Holidays, life, injuries – they all happen. Missing a run doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you’re human. Treat yourself with kindness and get back to it at your own pace.

A short break over Christmas doesn’t mean your running days are over. Your body and mind just need time to adjust and with a little patience and consistency, you’ll be back to feeling strong, motivated, and excited about running again.