18 - Complete endurance events . . . test your fitness and get some bragging rights!

Reason for this Goal:    Endurance events and improving your heart and aerobic health to the point that you can complete is a great way to motivate you.  An endurance race can be associated with long distance running, an ultramarathon, an adventure race, or an endurance foot race.  

Choose an event or sport that already motivates you, whether it be long distance running, biking, swimming, rowing, or one of the numerous other sports, such as what you’d watch in the summer or winter Olympics. 

Select a distance for both target and outrageous goals that challenge you or seem outrageous or impossible.   Give yourself ample time to work up to this event, such as 5 years or 1 decade, or more.   We’re talking about lifetime goals, remember.  

Use this goal as inspiration to get into the best shape of your life!  Involve a friend to hold each other accountable.  

Endurance events to try . . . 

 Some examples of endurance events you can consider include:

  • A local 5Km or 10Km run
  • Marathon  
  • Triathlon
  • Kayaking 
  • Mountain Biking races
  • Ironman (outrageous goal)

There are hundreds or thousands of events worldwide that you could get inspired to set as your goal.   Spend some time researching before deciding, unless you already know precisely which event is right for you.  

Another great way to test your physical and mental stamina is through entering into one of the numerous endurance/obstacle events, which have been created in the last few years and are taking the world by storm, many of which involve mud.

  • Spartan Race
  • Warrior Dash
  • Mudderella 
  • Tough Mudder

Entering in one of these events will challenge you to get into top physical and mental condition before entering, and will provide an amazing experience with likeminded friends who you have persuaded to join you.  

No matter which event you choose, you will walk away a changed person, with new found confidence and courage that you can apply to your everyday life.   It is a great goal to aspire to as you develop your overall health and fitness. 

I completed the Tough Mudder event with my sister, daughter, brother in-law, and my niece and her boyfriend.  I’ve got to say that it was the toughest and muddiest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards was unmatched by anything I’ve experienced. 

Me (3rd from the left) plus daughter Karah, friend and sister Laura after completing a Tough Mudder event in 2013, the "toughest thing" I've ever done!!

Suggested Target Goal:   Run a 5Km local endurance event  
Outrageous Goal:   Complete an Ironman competition or multiple endurance events.

I generally don’t like running and have never been an endurance athlete.  For me, just completing a local 5Km distance run is a big achievement.  A former mentor of mine, Dave, who has completed multiple Ironman competitions, and that is my outrageous goal.

Research the events that come to your area, and pick the one that you get most excited about.   Choose to organize a group of friends, family, or work colleagues, and experience team building at its finest.

Return to health and fitness life goals


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Last updated: May 14, 2020