Want to take on something a bit different this year, rather than just plodding through the same old miles? Make 2020 the year you tick a challenge off your bucket list If you need inspiration, read on…

Words: Louise Pyne

Thrill seeking

Preparing for a race is so much more than racking up miles and focusing on speed. There are many factors to consider when you sign up for a challenge. And if you’re up for achieving a goal, the New Year is the perfect time to commit to an event to work towards during the coming months. Yes, of course you could curl up indoors on bleak winter days instead of lacing up your trainers to pound the pavements. But the buzz you’ll experience by pushing your boundaries makes for a far greater reward on so many levels.

Challenge your body and your mind

Embracing a fresh challenge allows you to change your mindset of what you think is feasibly achievable – boThphysically what is possible, but also mentally. Re-thinking how we can further challenge ourselves, reignites our imagination and inspires in so many ways. By putting yourself through your paces you’ll see noticeable physical changes in your body, from feeling stronger and fitter, but you will also experience the thrill of learning and growing mentally. Believing you can achieve your goal is half the battle and if you learn to trust your body and its ability to achieve things you never thought possible you’re halfway there.

You might not always smile through the training – after all it hurts sometimes, you’ll be aching in places you never knew existed and don’t be surprised if there are times when you feel like throwing in the towel. But if you can stick out the training, you’ll experience an internal level of fulfilment like no other. We promise!

Overcome a fitness rut

Sometimes we need a surprise element in life to avoid getting stuck in the rut of routine. If you tend to follow a familiar fitness programme, over time it may become repetitive and boring. You stop seeing results and slowly your regular routine begins to fade out – but a running rut doesn’t have to signify the end of something. In fact it symbolises the start of a brand new challenge.

“A race can be a great target for people to aim for. Sometimes it can be all too easy to become a bit complacent wiThyour running and stick to the same routine,” says personal trainer and running expert Chloe Bowler, (chloebowler.com). “A race challenge can really liven up your training, and also the way you look at running. There are lots of different events, which all offer a unique experience. It’s about finding the right one for you.”

Reap the rewards

So get prepared for the butterfly nerves as you get into your starting position, because the chances are you’ll discover a new you by the time you reach the finish line. A fear of the unknown can be a healthy thing and helps add a surprise element to your life.