The Power of A Fitness Challenge
The Austin Runners Club Distance Challenge is once again off to a great start this year. Two of the five running events are already completed, with three more to go. Generator Athlete Lab is proud to support all the runners and honored to be this year’s wristband sponsor.
The Distance Challenge’s five races include:
CASA Superhero Run 5K – September 2019
Run for the Water 10-Miler – November 2019
Decker Challenge Half Marathon – December 2019
3M Half Marathon – January 2020
Ascension Seton Austin Marathon & Half Marathon – February 2020
“The Austin Distance Challenge is a series of running events starting in the fall and leading up to the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon in February. The races increase in distance as the series progresses, making the series a natural component of many Austin runners’ training.” — Austin Runners Club
The Distance Challenge is not the only physical fitness challenge in Austin. There are in fact many opportunities to challenge ourselves in a wide number of athletic endeavors. It makes one wonder — what makes a physical fitness challenge so appealing to so many people?
There are the obvious physiological benefits.
Improve physical fitness. Pushing our bodies a bit further than our norm builds muscle and endurance. We end up with a new “normal” that is stronger, faster, fitter than our previous norm.
Kick-Start Fitness Goals. Sometimes a physical challenge is just what we need to (re)ignite the fitness fire.
Stay Motivated. Sticking to an exercise routine, especially one that is somewhat new to you, can be difficult. A fitness challenge can be your motivation and help you turn your exercise routine into a new, healthy habit.
Equally important are the psychological rewards.
Improve mental toughness. Planning, hard work and commitment are all required when tackling a physical challenge. Meeting that challenge is a great way to prove to ourselves that we can succeed.
Expand your horizons. Experiencing something new and testing our limits will train the brain to be open to new ideas and even bigger challenges in all aspects of our lives.
Feel great. When we accomplish a big goal, our brain releases dopamine. This chemical is often known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter because it does just that—it makes us feel good.
Gain Perspective. Conquering a fitness challenge can help put some of our smaller, daily life challenges into perspective, making them more manageable and even less significant.
Camaraderie. If your fitness challenge includes one or more organized events, you will inevitably meet people who share your interests and goals. It is exhilarating to be surrounded by others who are also challenging themselves with similar goals. You may even meet a few new exercise buddies.
Whether your fitness challenge includes walking, running, cycling, swimming, strength-training, yoga, or any form of physical endurance, don’t forget it should also include proper recovery!
Physical challenges are great for everybody and Generator Athlete Lab is here to support you in all your physical endeavors.