I’ve been thinking that I need some type of big fitness goal to shoot for this summer. Having this goal should keep me on track and give me a huge sense of accomplishment when I finish it. It’s been shown that people on weight loss/fitness plans tend to stay on them and have better long term success if they participate in organized athletic events. So, thinking about that and what I would want to do, I started looking for events I may be able to compete in.
I was originally thinking of a 5K, and I may still do that in the late spring or early summer. But to me, running 3 miles isn’t that big of challenge. I need something more. Now, I’m not thinking of running an Ultra-marathon and becoming the next Dean Karnazes (read his book, it’s a amazing!) , but I would like to do something that will push me physically and mentally. After some research, I think I have found my goal.
Pedal-to-the-Point is a bike tour that goes from Berea, Ohio up to Sandusky, Ohio. That’s about 65 miles one way (according to Google Maps). You can stay up in Sandusy, home of Cedar Point Amusement Park, and then ride back the next morning for a round trip of well over 120 miles. I don’t think I would do the up and back plan, instead opting to just ride one-way. My father’s boat is about 3 miles from the park, so I could have my family drive up and meet me at my dad’s boat for a great cookout afterwards.
I’m still just thinking about this, it would cost me some money to get riding pants, a Camel Back hydration system and some other equipment, but I think this is what I’m going to shoot for. The event is in August, so I have plenty of time to get in great shape and work on my long distance riding. I enjoy cycling, and a 12 mile ride used to be nothing, what’s 65 miles but 12 miles 5 1/2 times over.
Besides being a good test of my overall fitness, this is for a good cause as well. The National MS Society is the sponsor and all money pledged goes towards MS research. You know I’ll be putting up a link to my pledge site on this blog should I choose to do this.
So, should I or shouldn’t I?
I say go for it. The summer goal is a great idea. I will have to start thinking about one for myself.
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I inadvertently deleted your comment. Sorry!
Just thought I’d come over and peruse your blog too
I am just going to have a proper read through now….
Have a great weekend
LL
Sounds like a great goal as it is something you enjoy. The kids and I wanted to do some local 5ks. Being a sprinter and not a distance runner the 5k is more than enough challenge for me.
I thought about a 5k as well as part of a team doing the River To River Run hear in Southern Illinois. I love running and in my younger days I was on the cross country team. Might not be that HUGE challenge. But it is something that I would like to do and to prepair for. Sounds like you have got a good ride in front of you.
OK, I guess I’ll drop the “maybe” from the post. I’ve decided to go for it, in part thanks to ya’lls support (and I’m not even from the south). This blog will still be going by then, so when I get my donation page setup after signing up, I’ll be sure to ask everyone for a pledge. It’s for two good causes, except I’m not a tax write off.