As we move into the cooler months, the "running events" season tends to start kicking off. These days, there are SO many fun options out there, not just "running" events. Events such as "Tough Mudder", various adventure races, "Spartan" and "Roc" races are also gaining popularity and the list goes on! With all this action, it's a very exciting time for people looking to add some variety to their current health and fitness journey. For some people, these events are now reality after successfully achieving their primary goal of weight loss or to increase fitness or for others they might just be looking to help spice up their current training towards their weight loss and fitness goals, either way, events are great for EVERYONE!
The first thing to do is to find an event that interests you and ENTER the event. It's amazing what extra accountability and motivation comes from paying to participate in an event. It's like when you purchase a new pair of shoes, the first thing you want to do is put them on and test them out! Motivation!
Once you've chosen your event, whether it be a run run, adventure race or an obstacle course style, do your research into what's going to be involved on the big day! It's also a great time to see if any friends, family or colleagues may be interested in taking on the challenge with you, again, a great way to get some extra motivation and/or accountability. Who knows, you might even make it a bit more exciting by having a side "bet" of some sort if you're the competitive type!
Now it's time to train for the event. I believe that the best thing about events is that it gives you a fixed date that can't be moved, you have a deadline! Chat with your trainer to prepare a realistic training plan for you to follow and to make sure that everyone is on the same page, you might even be lucky enough to have your trainer compete with you! The important thing is to enjoy the journey towards the event itself. The event is the reward for all of the training that you have done in preparation over the last few weeks/months. I can promise you that there is no better feeling than crossing that finish line and knowing that all the training has paid off, it's a great sense of achievement!
I honestly believe that anyone and everyone can compete in some sort of event and that each and every event is a great way to keep you moving towards your goals, or to make the most of the new energy and new body that you've created over the last few months. Either way, you're a winner for completing it!
So, in summary, find an event that interests you, get some other people involved, get your training plan sorted and enjoy the process! I guarantee that after you've completed your first event, you'll be wanting more!
I'll see you on the course somewhere......
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
