Run Through the Holidays with These 7 Christmas Classics

I admit running is a monotonous way to try to stay in shape. Using Christmas music helps add a change of pace for me during December.

Christmas music isn't my first choice to listen to while I run, but for a few weeks each year it helps pass the time. All of my running lately has been on a treadmill. I ran several outdoor events in chilly weather this fall and I still see people navigating the slippery roads around town, but I will be staying indoors for the near future.

Not every song on my list is a high tempo number, but I am not sprinting through my workouts. However, I don't think I will be running to the strains of O Holy Night any time soon. Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen are high on my Christmas music running list. Elvis Presley and Burl Ives classics make the grade. When I want to pick up the pace a little, I'll pick Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Eve / Sarajevo. I will even listen to some fun songs like The Grinch or Christmas Time from the Chipmunks.

If I am feeling a little fatigued, I will fall back on the more sports-themed Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne or almost anything from AC/DC. If I ate a few less Christmas cookies, maybe I wouldn't need to run so often.