It’s three weeks into 2017 and many people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Other people never made any resolutions. Whether you did or not, I want to challenge you to do something new and fun in 2017.
So what will you do?
Start where you are today and then decide on what you could do as a stretch goal.
If you do 10Ks, how about a marathon? If you run marathons, stretch yourself to a 50-mile or a 100K. If you’ve done 50 miles, aim for a 100 miler or a 24-hour run. If you have done shorter adventure races, find a multi-day longer race. If you backpack a couple of days at a time, plan a week or two week trip. If you’ve done city runs, try trails. Stretch and push yourself to something new.
Here are several other suggestions.
Have you done a Spartan Race? These very popular races are obstacles course races of short to endurance length distances. Each race involves water and mud, and their signature obstacles that will test your physical, mental, tactical and team-based skills. The four endurance races will challenge you more than ever. Spartan Races are held throughout the country. If these races interest you for 2017, check out the Spartan website as well as the two books Spartan Up! and Spartan Fit! In addition to individual races, Spartan offers three types of season passes. Do a Spartan Race and you’ll come out as more than a runner.
Or how about a thru-hike or maybe a modified thru-hike? Thru-hikes are generally those on major long-distance trails, like the Pacific Crest or the Appalachian trails. Too long? The January Backpacker magazine is dedicated to the long trails. Pick up a copy and look at the two-page spread that shows almost 50 long trails, ranging from 111 to 3100 miles. The January 6 issue of Gear Junkie had a number of predictions for 2017. One was about the growth of thru-hiking as a sport. They asked, “… will it become even more “gamified” in 2017, with athletes attempting to best one another with faster times on big, difficult objectives such as the AT, PCT, and major mountain summits?” Many athletes have been running or fast-packing these trails for years. Running long trails has become even more popular as athletes look for new challenges. I fast packed the John Muir Trail in 1987 and will never forget the experience.
Of course, in order to take on new challenges for 2017, you have to be fit. Set a goal and make a reverse calendar to determine what you have to do for training and planning.
When you increase your distances or types of events, you also need to make sure your feet are healthy. If you don’t have a copy of the 6th edition of Fixing Your Feet, check it out at Amazon.
So again I ask, what exciting and new challenge will you do in 2017?
Disclosure: The book links above are Amazon affiliate links.
