If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you ~ Fred DeVito

By Susan S. Paul, MS Training Program Director for Track Shack Fitness Club

For most, the New Year is a time to reflect upon the past, plan for today, and look forward to the future. I hope your future includes targeting a race or two this year. Targeting a race provides a specific distance to train for and a time frame in which to train. It’s one thing to say, “I want to start running”; it’s another to say, “I am going to run a 5k in three months.” In other words, a race gives your training structure and purpose; each run then has an intention. All runners know the hardest part of any workout is getting out the door, so a deadline can help keep your training on track. Also, races are an opportunity to both celebrate your training and a chance to come together with others in the running community. As the saying goes, “if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!”

Recently, some of our MarathonFest runners did just that by taking on a challenging running weekend in North Carolina. The weekend took us all way out of our comfort zone as we tackled trail running, mountains, hiking, and cold weather - not exactly Florida running! One of our trail runs had 1639 ft. of elevation gain, while running this I kept thinking of Tom Hanks’s line in A League of Their Own, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great!” If hard makes it great, then our weekend was absolutely grand!!Yes, it was challenging; yes, it changed us, and yes, it was hard, but it also proved a glorious way to celebrate our training!

I hope you find ways to challenge yourself this year. One way might be to join one of our training programs.

New Group Training Sessions Begin January 13

Cheetahs Running Club
A 10-week program for youth age 8 – 14 years old.   Cheetahs learn sportsmanship, good running technique, team spirit and healthy eating habits. 

Zero to Fit
A 10-week, group-coached program for adults ready to improve their overall fitness through running and walking.  The group meets twice a week in Orlando and Lake Mary.Target Race:  Winter Park Road Race 2 Mile on March 

Five and Dime
A 10-week speed-building program for adults who want to improve their 5k and 10k times.  The group Meets twice a week in Orlando.