We have collated a list of top tips that will help you prepare for your fitness fundraising challenge, while ensuring you have the best chance of crossing the finish line.
The fitness fundraising calendar is well and truly underway, but there’s still an array of challenging activities that you can conquer while raising vital funds for Charlie House.
From the fun-filled Summer Sports Day and Ride the North cycling event, to the Dundee and Edinburgh based Kiltwalks, there is still ample opportunity to complete a challenge. Each of these will help you attain personal goals while providing a sense of fulfilment as you’ll have raised generous donations that will help Charlie House support children, babies and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions.
In this blog, we have collated a list of top tips that will help you prepare for your challenge, while ensuring you have the best chance of crossing the finish line!
Set realistic goals
We encourage everyone who takes part in a fitness challenge to set realistic training targets, and a defined goal for the event. When setting a goal, it’s important to make sure that this is achievable while being enough of a challenge to keep you motivated while you prepare.
You’ll need to consider your current fitness level and experience of the activity. For example, if you’re an avid runner then you may look to achieve a new personal best when taking part in a distance running challenge. If you are new to running, then you shouldn’t strive to complete the challenge in first place position - you should consider a more relaxed goal that will still encourage you to train and to get over the finish line.
You may also want to set a fundraising target that will ensure you stay motivated throughout the training and the event itself. To do this, again be realistic about the value of generous donations that you will be able to raise based upon your network of potential supporters.
Develop a training plan
We recommend that you do not underestimate how tough some of the local fitness challenges can be! How difficult you find the event will of course depend upon your own level of health and fitness, and your experience within that style of activity.
It’s a great idea to follow a personalised training plan that increases in intensity as the date of the fitness challenges draws nearer. For example, if you’re taking part in one of our Kiltwalks, then you may wish to increase the distance you walk every week in the run up to the event. This will get your body used to moving for longer periods of time, which will help ensure that you’ll be able to smash your targets!
Don’t forget to include rest days into your training plan, as this will allow your body to recuperate and adapt to the increasingly difficult physical demands.
Train in similar conditions
If possible, the conditions of your training workouts should match that of the event itself. For example, you may wish to run or cycle some of the routes that you’ll need to follow during the fitness challenge. Building familiarity with the trail or roads during training can help you feel more relaxed and confident on the day of the challenge as you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
Another idea is to train at the same time of day that the event is expected to take place. This will help your body and mind become adjusted to working hard during this time, which is a particularly good idea if your event is scheduled to start in the early hours of the morning.
Hydrate and eat well
The most obvious tip that will help you complete a fitness fundraising challenge is to eat well and hydrate! Fuelling your body with the right ingredients will increase your chances of completing the challenge, while aiding recovery during your training plan.
This means eating a balanced diet complete with nutritious foods and drinking plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated before, during and after workouts.
Get proper gear and equipment
Depending on the nature of your fitness fundraiser, you may require specific clothing or equipment to ensure you’re able to cross the finish line.
Don’t forget to get comfortable clothing and shoes that are broken into which will help you complete the challenge without discomfort while avoiding any injuries!
Dig deep, and help Charlie House provide vital support for the local community
By completing a fitness fundraiser and raising vital donations for Charlie House, you’ll be helping us provide support and care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.
To discover more fundraising opportunities, and to find out more ways to support Charlie House, please click here.
