Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about motivation when it comes to health and fitness. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t knowing what to do… it’s finding the reason to keep going when life gets busy.
One thing that can make a huge difference is giving yourself something to train for.
It doesn’t have to be anything extreme. In fact, the simpler the goal, the better.
Recently I signed up for an 8K race that is about eight weeks away. I chose that distance and timeline very intentionally. It’s far enough out that I have time to build up my endurance, but close enough that it keeps me focused.
Suddenly my workouts have a little more meaning.
Instead of just thinking:
"I should probably exercise today."
I’m thinking:
"I’m training for something."
That small shift in mindset can be incredibly powerful.
Choose an Event That Feels Doable
The event doesn’t have to be a race. It could be:
A 5K walk or run
A charity fundraising walk
A local hiking challenge
A bike ride
Even a yoga event or fitness retreat
Many communities offer events 3–4 months out, which is a perfect timeline for getting into shape.
Four months gives you time to build strength slowly and safely.
And it also gives you time to create a routine that actually sticks.
Even Better: Do It With a Friend
One of the best ways to stay consistent is to bring someone along for the journey.
A friend can make all the difference.
Maybe you:
Walk together once a week
Share your weekly workouts
Encourage each other when motivation dips
Your training partner doesn’t even need to live nearby.
Technology makes it easy to stay connected. Apps like Marco Polo are great because you can send quick video updates to each other.
Imagine sending a message like:
"Just finished my 2-mile walk today! How did your workout go?"
Those little check-ins create accountability and encouragement at the same time.
Start Small and Build
The most important thing is not to do everything perfectly. The goal is simply to start where you are.
Maybe week one looks like:
Two 20-minute walks
One light strength workout
Stretching or yoga
Week by week you build from there.
Before you know it, the event you signed up for starts getting closer—and you realize something wonderful has happened.
You’ve become stronger.
More consistent.
More confident.
The Event Is Just the Beginning
What I love most about signing up for an event is that it gives you a reason to begin, but the real reward comes from the journey.
You create healthier habits.
You build momentum.
And you start to see yourself as someone who takes care of their health.
So if you’re looking for a little motivation, try this simple step:
Find something four months from now and put it on your calendar.
A race.
A walk.
A hike.
A charity event.
Then start preparing for it, one small workout at a time.
You might be surprised at what you’re capable of.
I will also tell you that in past, when I have trained for an event, when I look back on the weeks prior , it was always the training that I enjoyed the most even above getting to the finish line. Even MORE so when I have a buddy doing it with me.
Let me know what you might come up with to train for !
-Tanya