You may have set up new fitness or weight loss goals to achieve in the new year, and we want to help you succeed. Often we have high expectations in the beginning, but as the year progresses we lose motivation. Setting up a plan ahead of time will pave the way for the results you want, and give you a little extra push to see your goals through to completion.

Top 5 Reasons to Sign up for a Challenge or Race

1. There will be a solid deadline.
   Having a set date that you need to be prepared for will help you stay on track when persistence begins to waver. With that date in mind, you'll understand milestones you need to reach along the way and how often you need to train in order to meet that goal.
2. You'll see your hard work in action. 
   All that training, the times you went to the gym when you really didn't want to, the days you laced up for a run when it was raining - you'll now be ready ready to reap the benefits. There is nothing more satisfying than not only knowing that you are prepared for a race, but you've done your absolute best through sheer determination.
3. You will embrace your community. 
   The other race participants are members of your community, and you will make great new connections. Signing up a team of people (such as work colleagues) will build camaraderie and strengthen relationships. You may even see an area of your town that you may not have experienced before in a whole new way.
4. You will get that race rush. 
   There is something special that happens when completing a race. You experience a rush of endorphins from the exercise itself, but another boost from hearing the cheer of spectators as you cross the finish line, the encouragement from other participants, and the excitement of completing a goal you've been working towards. It is quite a rush!
5. It's FUN. 
   Be a viking for a day and sign up for the Warrior Dash. Get a team together and cover a lot of miles by completing the Ragnar Relay. Sign up for The Color Run, which is also called "the happiest 5,000 meters on the planet." Wear a crazy costume, bring out your inner child, and give it all you've got!

There are times when races will not go as well as you had hoped, but its important to cut yourself a little slack. Remember that completing any of these races is an achievement in itself and you should be proud of how far you've come.

What are you waiting for? Sign up for a race or challenge today!

__________________________________________

[Credit: Kehoe, Dylan. 7 Reasons Why You Should Sign Up For That Race. Runkeeper Blog.]