On Sunday I finished my first ever, road running event.
This was my second fitness event – I ran the Mud Run back in winter. So a lifetime total of TWO events! In one year!
I actually can’t believe it!
The Skechers Women’s 6k was a game changer for me. After a cracking summer of running and a great autumn, winter became the massive mental hurdle I had dreaded. Entering my first road run 5 weeks out gave me the motivation to kick my ass back into gear and start taking my running seriously again.
The event itself was amazing. The Cloud played host to thousands of women and their families so well. There was ample room for everyone, a great warmup, plenty of accessible toilets and vendors providing drinks and food, JJ Harvey was a fantastic MC and the vibe was just SO good! Women as far as the eye could see, endorphin pumped ladies ready to run, run/walk or just walk the flat 6km course that is perfect for any level of fitness. I entered with three goals in mind and managed to smash 2 of them (I ran 6km in 32.32!!! My fastest pace ever!). Other women I know entered simply to see if they could complete the 6km. They did and they felt fabulous for doing so let me tell you!
Let’s talk about the course. I’m sure it was gorgeous – I mean waterfront Auckland is hard to beat, but the truth is, I didn’t look at the water once. Not. One. Peek. So you’ll just have to enter next year and check it out for yourself lol. The Skecher’s course is definitely a runners dream, wide pavement on one side plus an open lane on the road. Makes for a fast course if that’s your jam. Not entirely flat, there is an incline at about the 2 and 4 km marks which you can definitely feel when you’re running, it’s little but it nailed me!
The logistics of getting to The Cloud and ready to run by 8am were such a non-event. I was thinking about bussing but decided to drive and I’m so glad I did. For the first time in my life I got a park on the ground floor(!) of my fave Victoria St carpark and enjoyed a casual stroll though a very peaceful Auckland City on a Sunday at 7.15 am. Another first! Total parking cost $6.
So. Do it friends! Set a goal and make some positive changes. Having an event on a particular date to work towards definitely helps keep you motivated and on track, it’s also a little bit addictive – I’m already thinking about entering another event plus I know I’ll be back next year to run the Skecher’s again!
5 Reasons to Enter a Fitness Event……NOW!
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Trying new things is fun and super important. We are creatures of habit and I’m sure you’ve got a few habits that could use replacing just like I do right? Switch them out for some new, healthful habits and start a chain-reaction of positivity in your life.
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Giving yourself opportunities to make YOURSELF proud is a rare thing as an adult. Completing a physical challenge or distance for the first time is a sure-fire way to get you feeling good about being you!
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Your fitness and physical health is a great reason in itself to enter an event! It doesn’t matter who you are or what body you’re in, DOING MORE STUFF is always good for you!
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Find your tribe. Committing to an event is a great way to find and meet likeminded people all working towards the same goal. Friends are cool and working out together makes sweating and turning red and stinky a little more enjoyable!
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Goody bags! If nothing else so far has you convinced, remember; there are always goody bags full of awesome products to take home and try (or scoff in the car after you have finished the run like me lol!)
Here’s a pretty version for pinning or sharing to Facebook!