I’m just coming to the end of my winter hibernation (also known as recovery from Christmas)… two days.

Christmas is always busy for us, as the clan gathers and between us we feed 22, plus entertain my dad’s friends who come for drinks. Boxing Day is a big party day too. This year I was pleased to fit in a parkrun in Gunnersbury on Xmas Eve (19:40, first woman), a 15 miler on Xmas Day, and then another parkrun in Black Park (20:35, off road, hungover!).

I watched a bit of the Gruffalo on Xmas Day and craved being cuddled up inside the tree with a little fire glowing….sleeping! So when I got home between Xmas and New Year, I knew that what I wanted to do was switch off for a day or two. And that’s what I’ve done. Running has been a speed session and 10 miles on the Downs in the wind (yesterday) and I’ve had coffees, written lists and enjoyed this unique period when most others in the world have also switched off.

I think we humans need our mid-winter break, when the days are shorter. And I find it reassuring that we don’t have to be doing anything, because the world officially shuts down. Unfortunately, most of us tend to use this time of year to feed up, drink up and surround ourselves with people and get wiped out from partying, standing in kitchens chatting about not much, eating nuts, and drinking! Maybe we really should use most of the two weeks to hibernate a bit more… As for me partying starts again tomorrow as all my family arrive and we celebrate New Year. But running never stops, and if I were a furry animal I’m afraid I’d be unravelling myself from my cosy ball and having a daily run up a tree or something!

Today I hope to run another 10 miles and tomorrow a parkrun, then the guests arrive and it’ll be a case of what I can squeeze in for the remaining few days….

Next week brings a whole new feeling, new beginnings, schedules to follow, marathon training to start. Our running group which was thin on the ground this week will be bustling and energy returned! Olympic year beckons and new goals are set.

So enjoy the rest of your hibernation or partying and visualise the month’s ahead. I’ve written 31 daily tips for www.therunningbug.co.uk to help get you going, read them here.