What’s Your Fitness Challenge?
After a short break to get used to the idea of being a father (Oliver is now a year old and growing up fast!) I am getting back into serious running. My ‘Ultra” fitness challenge is to run the South Downs Way 50. Yes, a 50-mile run from Worthing to Eastbourne on Saturday April 7th!
I’ve run a few marathons before (including the London marathon twice!), many half-marathons, and the 38-mile Downs Link Marathon a couple of years ago. But after a long break, 50 miles is going to be a serious challenge!
I specialise in helping people achieve their fitness goals so I should be able to manage this! I have helped clients like:
- Robin, who ran the “Toughest Race on Earth” the 6-day Marathon des Sables
- Amy who overcame injury to achieve her goal of running
- Steve who completed the Chilterns Wonderland Ultra Marathon
Plus many others, whose goals were less spectacular but just as important to them:
- To lose weight,
- To recover from illness or injury
- To compete in a specific event
Preparing for the Challenge
The South Downs Way is an amazing race, covering 50 miles from Worthing to Eastbourne through stunning countryside along the South Downs Way.
It’s been a couple of years since I last did a long-distance run, so I need to prepare in a structured and disciplined way. It’s important not to overdo things, risking injury and burnout. I work to a plan, increasing the number of miles I run gradually and allowing my body time to recover with regular rest days.
How to Crack Your Ultra Challenge
Stay Motivated!
Staying motivated is the key. It’s easy to get excited about your challenge and to start your preparation full of energy and enthusiasm. But it’s not so easy to keep that excitement and motivation going after a few weeks! These three things can make a real difference to your motivation:
1. Goals
Set yourself realistic goals and when you reach them, celebrate!
It’s really important to give yourself a reward or some special treat to mark achievements along the way. Then get back to your programme, focussing on the next goal you want to achieve.
2.Support
It’s really hard to keep yourself going on your own. Tell supportive friends, family and colleagues about your challenge so that they can give you the encouragement and support you will need at times. And so they can celebrate with you when you get there!
You can’t do it on your own!
3.Fun!
If you don’t enjoy your fitness programme you won’t stick with it. Ring the changes – don’t get stuck doing the same boring routine. Swap exercises around and adapt your programme as your fitness levels improve. A personal trainer can help by giving you new ideas and techniques to try.
Goals, Support, Fun
Keeping you motivated and on track to meet your challenge!
If you need help getting fit or finding a programme to suit you get in touch for a free initial consultation. I offer one-to-one and small group training sessions.
You can call me on 01403 390193 or contact me here.
Check in next month to see how I got on! I love chocolate but I will be going easy on the Easter eggs this year!
What’s YOUR Ultra Fitness Challenge? Let me know.
Hope you have a great Easter break.
