I have no problem staying motivated to run and ride. But without being able to add in organized events I have found ways to create my own challenges.
One way I have found is to do point to point runs. You need a way to get back, hopefully a friend will cover you but this opens the door to all kinds of new adventures.
This last Sunday I did something I have been wanting to do a while and that is to get into the hills by my house and run a to the end of the trail. It’s only 8 miles but the elevation gain made it very challenging. Link to my Strava
Point to point trail run
If you are looking to create a challenge for yourself consider a point to point adventure.
One of my favorite fund raiser fitness challenges is the Memorial Day weekend Murph Challenge. I have done it the last 6 years and officially registered through the website the last two.
The challenge is comprised of a 1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats, and a final 1 mile run. There are all kinds of variations but I have settled on doing the strength stuff in rounds without assistance, but without a weighted vest. I like to do it for time so I have the comparison from year to year.
Last year I did not prepare well and I paid the price. This year I worked on my pull ups and push ups throughout the spring and it’s amazing what great conditioning these two simple exercises are. I also strategized better on my round count, which saved time and energy. My plan was to do 17 rounds of 6 pull ups, 12 push ups and 18 squats.
I am happy to report I was able to stay on schedule for the 17 rounds and with the runs I finished in a time of 44:36. I don’t know if that’s good compared to others but I do know it’s good for me. That’s a full 10 minutes faster than last year.
You get a great shirt with your donation. My plan and tracking saved time
As I get older it is important to me to stay on top my fitness and it’s these types of annual challenges that serve as a great measuring stick. Thank you #murphchallenge organization.
