Making the Move… Going from “Working Out” to “Training”
Looking for something new to freshen up your fitness routine this spring? Tired of the gym workout rut that you’ve bored yourself into over the winter? If you like working out (or at least tolerate it based on the desire to stay slim and/or healthy), why not crank up your routine this year? Why not actually train instead of just exercise?
It may sound like semantics, but I believe that to train you need something to train towards. Sure, any goal is good and will help to keep you motivated. However, I think that training towards an event is one of the best (and most fun) ways to keep your fitness goals on track.
Believe it or not, at this time of year races and events are being announced, signed up for, and trained for. As more and more people discover how much fun participating in a race or an endurance event can be, athletic events are selling out very quickly. So get planning, sign up, and start training!
Step 1 - Pick an Event
Maybe you’d like to run or walk your first 5K, 10K, or marathon. Maybe it’s a mountainous trek here or abroad. Maybe you’d like to cycle your first century (that’s cycle-speak for a 100-mile ride) or complete a triathlon. Decide what you’d like to accomplish and start your research. I’d recommend picking a goal that seems a little daunting at first – picking something that scares you just a little both motivates you to get out and train, and makes the accomplishment all the more worthwhile. Notice I say a little daunting. If you’ve never run a step in your life and choose to run a marathon that’s only a month a way then you’re most likely setting yourself up to fail. Pick an event that seems out of reach, but that you can accomplish with smart training.
Step 2 - Which one?
OK, you’ve decided on, say, a 10K. There are 10K runs all over the country and the world. How do you choose? If this is your first big event, it’s not a bad idea to train with a group (perhaps run for a charity that provides coaching). You might, also, choose to plan a race close to home. It’s nice to wake up in familiar surroundings prior to a race if it’s your first. That being said, it’s even more fun to pick a race that features something that will inspire you. Love the sea? Pick a race that runs along the coast. Enjoy running with a crowd? Pick a large race, which will often guarantee a crowd of cheering spectators as well.
Step 3 - Fundraise?
I mentioned charity races above. Participation for a charity can add another dimension of training inspiration. Most charities offer race slots in exchange for a certain amount of fundraising. While you may sign up with the charity just to grab a slot in a sold-out event, raising money to help someone less fortunate really does make the event all the more meaningful. And it’s not just running races that work with charities- there are mountain treks, cycle events, and even swimathons where you can raise money for a very worthy cause and get yourself into great shape while doing it!
Step 4- Training
Now’s the hard part… How do you train for the event you’ve chosen? Depending on the event, there are all sorts of training plans available online. Check out Runner’s World BIG Race Training menu as a good start. Enlist a friend to train and participate in the event with you. How about joining a club? There are running, triathlon, hiking, and biking clubs everywhere that guarantee you won’t have to go it alone. The longer the event, the more hours that you’ll spend training, so having some company isn’t a bad thing!
The key to any training is consistency, so find a plan and stick with it. You will get there, and have a good time along the way!
If you choose to train towards an event this year, I can pretty much guarantee you won’t regret it. Yes, the training will get tough, but you’ll be prepared on event day. And accomplishing a goal that you never thought possible is a feeling that easily becomes addictive!!
Good luck and happy training!
Photos by Sarahnaut, Vicki & Chuck Rogers, jayneandd
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