Welcome to the holiday hustle. Ho, ho, hole in my training!

The holidays can be a frustrating time for runners. With fewer daylight hours and more commitments, less activity, but plenty of food and drink, training suffers. Rather than add more stress to the season, view holiday running as a pause, an antidote to hustle, a stress reliever rather than a producer.

With your training schedule on pause, running can be more relaxed and casual, not just another thing to check off the list or a guilt-producing failure. You may find that, at least for these next few weeks, you can run less, but enjoy it more.

You don’t have to give up running altogether for this season. There are ways to stay fit while having fun. Just remember to keep it casual and pressure free.

Cruise through Christmas. If you’ve run a major race (or races) this past fall or early winter, you’ll benefit from a little downtime. Although you’ll lose a little speed within weeks of detraining, it takes considerably longer to lose base fitness, especially if you remain active.

Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get in your weekend long run or daily five-miler. You should have plenty of time, even if you’re training for a spring marathon, to resume training through the rest of winter.

Even short jogs or walks are fitness boosters. If your schedule allows, try to maintain three days of running (or other aerobic exercise) that lasts at least a half hour.

Xmas is for X-training. Any exercise is better than none. Cross training doesn’t duplicate running, it complements it. Don’t discount the effects of stringing those lights above the windows or reaching to place the star on top of the tree.

You won’t want to see The Christmas Story in June. Watch a holiday movie from the comfort of your treadmill or exercise bike.

If you can’t get out, get strong. Roll your exercise mat out among the wrapping paper and ribbon for a few sets of lunges, squats and planks or a session of relaxing yoga.

Christmas is for kids. Kids seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy, especially during the holiday season. Take a short run around the block or through the park to blow off a little steam and get the wiggles out before going to Aunt Jane’s for a sit-down dinner.

Dress the kids and the family dog in jingle bells and reflective wear for a family jog or walk through the holiday lights of your neighborhood or downtown. Be prepared for stops along the way for oohs and aahs.

Grownups like fun, too. Invite friends for a nighttime fun run. In town, add a little more merriment by including “aid stations” along the way at your favorite pubs. Be sure to include plenty of real water, food and a designated driver.

Although the winter race schedule is sparse (for good reason), you can find opportunities to run in the company of others. Treat events such as Harmony’s Silvester 5k as pressure-free fun runs. There will be plenty of challenges when you are physically and mentally ready to race in the spring.

‘Tis the season for overindulgence. The key to managing holiday stress is to consume in moderation, not denial. A couple of Mom’s special cookies or a glass of holiday cheer won’t wreck the runner’s body that you’ve worked hard to build. Just don’t eat the whole box of chocolates.

Don’t let only visions of sugar plums dance in your head. Sit by the fire and dream of a comeback for the New Year when you’re fresh and eager to run. Choose a spring fitness or race goal a few months away and a plan to achieve it.

Upcoming events Dec.31, 3:30 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Harmony. Out and back course. Part of New Year’s Eve celebration with German food, music and more. Fireworks and New Year’s Ball Drop at 6 p.m. saltemus@zoominternet.net or online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/SilvesterDec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Walk starts at 5 P.M. through the lights of Lakemont Park’s Lights on the Lake. fkopriva@hollidaysburgymca.org or .blairregionalymca.org/index.php/race/2014-race-series/twilight-raceDec. 31, 6:30 p.m.: First Night State College Resolution Run, State College. 814-571-1960 or dhel@psu.eduJan. 1, 10 a.m.: ERC New Year’s Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Rotary Pavilion near Presque Isle State Park’s Beach #7. Dan.a@erierunners,club or erierunners.clubJan. 1, 11 a.m.: Soup Run 5k, Boston. Bring a snack to share or $5 for this potluck run. Soup and chili provided. localraces.com/events/mckeesport-pa/soup-run-5kJan. 5, 11 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/Fun Walk, Derry. Run around Keystone State Park Lake. 724-464-0900 or runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=27566Jan. 5, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Fairmont, WV. Run through Prickett’s Fort State Park. 304-694-6042 or www.runtoread.orgJan. 12, Noon: Community and Rec Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile Run/Walk, Upper St. Clair. Beanie hats to first 100 registrants. 412-221-1099, ext. 606 or mcleaster@twpusc.orgJan. 13, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5 Miler, North Park. Challenging run along North Park’s North Ridge. 412-490-0881 or www.lightspeed-racing.comJan. 19, 9 a.m.: PHUNT 25k/50k Trail Race, Elkton, MD. Bluesuade71@gmail.com or ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=51321Jan. 19, 1 p.m.: Greenwood Furnace Snowfest 5-Miler, Huntingdon. midinsmore@pa.gov or ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=60814

Race results EQT 10 Miler, Nov. 4: Martin Hehir, 1st Overall M, 46:48; Monicah Ngige, 1st Overall W, 52:06; Courtney Schorr, 1st Masters W, 1:07:19; Kimberly Hohman, 2nd Masters W, 1:08:54; Andrew Mascio, 3rd 20-24 M, 56:46; Hayley Davis, 1st 20-24 W, 1:02:18; Erin Humphrey, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:13:44; Robyn VanDyke, 3rd 40-49 W, 1:16:50; David Spencer, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:18:20; Tim Flynn, 58:41; Mike Ferraro, 1:08:39; Andrew Harmon, 1:11:19; Jessi Drayer, 1:12:38; Darryn Zawitz, 1:12:44; Bob Pudlo, 1:13:19; Joseph Hudeck, 1:14:49; Matt Grossman, 1:15:27; Nikki Williams, 1:15:38; Roger Lutz, 1:15:39; Adrienne Harmon, 1:16:59; Gary Hayden, 1:17:06; Robert Waltrip, 1:17:17; T.R. Perry, 1:17:37; Lauren Wentz, 1:18:24; Dave Fetterman, 1:18:33; Adam Gustetic, 1:18:54; Michael Braunstein, 1:19:12; Karen Lyle, 1:19:21; Andrew Williams, 1:19:35; Michael Curren, 1:19:39; Jamie Kemper, 1:20:15; Orryn Sledge, 1:20:08; Geno Mell, 1:20:20; Erica Michael, 1:20:39; Jeremy Jarrell, 1:20:41; Emily Utz, 1:20:48; Michael Fitzgerald, 1:20:48; Kelly Skwortz, 1:21:15; Brittaney Lucas, 1:21:16; Daniel Klaas, 1:21:34; Holly Peterman, 1:22:50; Michael McCarl, 1:22:54; Joe Simoes, 1:23:06; Darla Ferraro, 1:23:11; Nick Barker, 1:23:13; Jim Stout, 1:23:15; MacKenzie Fagan, 1:23:35; Caroline Hufnagle, 1:23:40; Mario Dias, 1:23:57; Jordan El=Sabeh, 1:23:58; Terrilyn Tomaszewski, 1:24:05; Hannah Hugo, 1:24:24; Nicole Voll, 1:24:29; Dan Spears, 1:24:38; Kim Spears, 1:24:38; William Miller, 1:24:40; Renee Whiteman, 1:24:52; Stephanie Zentz, 1:24:55; Stuart Cashman, 1:25:22; Ray Huber, 1:25:36; Megan Wessel, 1:26:23; Jeffrey Wessel, 1:26:24; Alana Jensen, 1:26:29; Laura Gathers, 1:26:49; Sandra Zugell, 1:26:50; Susan Timko, 1:26:59; Curt Pfleeger, 1:27:13; Tracey Smith, 1:27:35; Kelli Flynn, 1:27:36; Patty Hudeck, 1:27:55; Allen Long, 1:28:07; Megan Lohr, 1:28:25; Erin Stonebraker, 1:28:40; Valorie Andreassi, 1:28:43; Allison Miller, 1:29:27; David Palmiotto, 1:29:32; January Scheidlmeier, 1:29:45; Johannah Scott, 1:29:45; Meghan Dillon, 1:29:47; Paige Wilczynski, 1:29:58; Chris Andreassi, 1:30:15; John DiLeo, 1:30:24; Kathy Hensler, 1:30:34; Casey Platt, 1:30:53; Kelly Graner, 1:31:10; Bryan Colonna, 1:31:12; Samantha Sheets, 1:31:16; Tina Benedek-Grimm, 1:31:24; Cory Wood, 1:31:31; Amy Cataldi, 1:31:32; John Scungio, 1:31:58; Kimberle Castro, 1:32:12; Garrett Bontempo, 1:32:19; Gabrielle Hock, 1:32:41; Brian Hock, 1:32:43; Daniel Suorsa, 1:32:49; Jason Fawcett, 1:33:06; Bill Petulla, 1:33:13; Alyssa Anderson, 1:33:42; Lauren Jacisin, 1:33:57; Darren Klaum, 1:34:14; Shana Hutchins, 1:34:15; Sean Hutchins, 1:34:19; Leanne Finney, 1:35:01; Megan Kosar, 1:35:35; Marci Bontempo, 1:36:04; Jacqueline Maxson, 1:36:14; Ryan Sedar, 1:36:47; Anna Timko, 1:37:07; Zachary Heilman, 1:37:14; Robert Robson, 1:37:44; William Woods, 1:37:49; Andrew Breese, 1:38:42; Janet Pudlo, 1:38:58; Sbby Weis, 1:39:02; Amanda Hardt, 1:39:10; Jim Hardt, 1:39:11; Valerie Curry, 1:40:10; Brian Potoski, 1:40:20; Mike Zatchey, 1:40:51; Jocelyn Kimmel, 1:41:27; Cheryl Fox, 1:42:02; Kristy Keller, 1:42:14 Katherine Colton, 1:42:23; Ron Nyman, 1:42:36; Dan Uniatowski, 1:42:44; Amy Lutz, 1:42:48; Michael Griffith, 1:43:02; Jessica DeLano, 1:43:28; Cindy Waltemire, 1:43:37; Dawn Wells McClain, 1:44:41; Karlee Kushnereit, 1:45:08; Susan Kushnereit, 1:45:08; Andrew May, 1:45:24; Alfred Schnabel, 1:45:28; Erin Foley, 1:46:11; Maud Mayemba, 1:46:31; Maria Branagan, 1:46:41; Alena Smigla, 1:47:12; Nichole Mertz, 1:47:36; Robert Whittington, 1:48:08; Peggy Sibenac, 1:48:26; Megan Burg, 1:48:35; Nancy Thenthongkham, 1:49:25; Stephanie D’Abarno, 1:49:58; James Caruso, 1:50:29; Gregory Zetwo, 1:50:52; Amanda Zetwo, 1:50:53; John Borza, 1:51:18; Gabrielle Mueller, 1:52:13; Christa Campbell, 1:52:26; Jeremy Fusaro, 1:52:52; Ryan Parry, 1:53:13; Steve Martinelli, 1:53:17; Genevera Martinelli, 1:53:17; Sean Grimm, 1:53:29; Brandee Rentz, 1:53:39; Cyndie De Lucia, 1:53:41; Mike Peschong, 1:53:43; Jennifer Shondeck, 1:54:41; Sarah Wilson, 1:55:04; Matthew Ankrom, 1:55:25; Emily Stevens, 1:55:31; Ryan Miller, 1:56:21; Sean Curry, 1:57:09; Lori Griffith, 1:58:08; Erin Hage, 1:59:00; Adam Doyle, 1:59:34; Chuck Holet, 2:00:20; John Miller, 2:00:42; Hannah Darkey, 2:02:01; James Relihan, 2:02:56; Mary Relihan, 2:02:56; Laura Potoski, 2:03:43; Tasha Werner, 2:03:46; Sarah Martin, 2:04:10; Cynthia Rosequist, 2:04:39; Beth Whitehouse, 2:05:03; Mark Dublin, 2:05:25; Janelle Fumerola, 2:06:28; Kim Kapfer, 2:06:42; Cindy Miller, 2:06:42; Priscilla Green, 2:06:59; Eugenia Mangel, 2:07:50; Laura May, 2:10:23; Amy Hanuscak, 2:18:32;Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle