Having a goal to strive for is what keeps many of us on track towards achieving a specific ambition. The same goes for a fitness or sporting achievement – whether it’s losing 5kg or rowing 1000m in a fast time, a goal keeps us going. Training for an event is a great way of keeping a fitness focus and an end goal in sight!

These days there are so many fitness events throughout the year, and luckily a lot of them fall around the spring and summer, given the (usually) better English weather. Events should be tailored around your abilities and training levels. However, don’t be afraid to push yourself – try not to always choose the easier option. Below are some event types you can challenge yourself to, and how to prepare for them!

Running events
These are often the first events people think of entering due to the simplicity of just heading out for a run. However, if you are not a regular runner, it is always advisable to begin by having a musculoskeletal specialist, sports or physiotherapist assess you to advise any changes in footwear, or to direct a regular stretching/strengthening routine for you to follow. Training should follow a gradual approach, beginning with shorter runs or walks, and progressing throughout the weeks and months. Events should follow suit – for example, begin with a shorter 5km and progress upwards.

Cycling events
Cycling, whether on road or off, is always a good way of covering distance, often with the added bonus of spending some time in the countryside. Purchasing a bike is the first port of call, and having a proper bike fitting is beneficial in avoiding any postural injuries.

Similarly to running, training should be progressive in nature. Following a program can help in guiding a gradual approach, as well as introducing you to key training concepts such as higher intensity blocks. Cycling also has the added bonus of being a lower impact activity – ideal for those with underlying lower body injuries.

Cross events
Cross events are generally considered slightly more ‘hard-core’, involving more than one element to consider in your training. Triathlons are one of the most common of these, incorporating swimming, cycling and running. These vary in distance from super sprint shorter events, to long iron man distances. They are a good way to merge different training into a routine, which gives the body different stimuli, encouraging an all round fitness. Obstacle or ‘mud-runs’ are also a combined event, which add various hurdles to a cross-country run. These also encourage varied training, and are great fun – especially when you get a team of friends together.

Other events
Events don’t have to be based around the above. Many others exist which hold different challenges, such as longer off road walks that challenge orienteering along with fitness. Aquatic events also hold their own tests, such as outdoor swimming, or group or individual rowing events. Challenging yourself to different events is a great way of preventing boredom of the same exercise, and stimulates different energy systems. Plus, you’re likely to have a lot of fun!