theHword.com

Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated to workout, just to workout. Sure, you get all of the normal benefits, but sometimes that’s enough motivation. It’s easy to skip a workout when you’re not really training for anything in particular.

So, if you’re looking to spice up your workout and train for an event or two this summer, head on over to your computer and start searching. I typed in “road races in Nebraska” and tons of great websites popped up and the same with cycling. Those sites don’t even mention all of the fun runs and charity races that are abundant during the summer months. There are short 5K’s to long marathons, ultra competitive and recreational…whatever suits you. And a lot of those sites have training suggestions and ideas to get you ready for your race.

These competitions aren’t limited to running and cycling. There are triathlons, swimming races, weight lifting competitions and probably several others as well. One good place to start is the Cornhusker State Games website, they have a lot of different sports and events throughout the week to compete in.

Locally, there are a lot of fun runs and short races in the area. The YMCA has their triathlon in May, A Midsummer Nights Trail Run, which is run out at Prairie Lake is in July and the BFE team run, typically in September. There is also a Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) in June and the Market to Market Relay in October which is another team race from Omaha to Lincoln.

Training for an event of any kind increases your workout intensity and gives you a goal to work for as well as specific training to do to keep you on task. It’s harder to skip a workout when there is a goal in mind.

 

Here are a few websites I found while researching. The following two have road races listed for every state:

www.runningintheusa.com

www.roadracerunner.com

Then there are:

www.necyclingnews.com for the cycling enthusiast.

www.trifinder.com for those looking to compete in a triathlon.

www.runhastings.com for information on the Midsummer Nights Trail Run.

www.hastingymca.net for information on the YMCA Triathlon.

www.martkettomarketrelay.com for the Market to Market relay information

www.bran-inc.org for the Bike Ride Across Nebraska information.

Some other ideas to look into are the Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, and the Spartan Race, there is even a road race where people throw paint at you and you look like a crazy rainbow at the end. Also, for a change of pace you can look into Cross Fit which is becoming more and more popular every day.

With all of these ideas and the hundreds of others on the web, there is one out there for you. Sign-up with a buddy so you can compete together, train together and hold each other accountable!

HAPPY TRAINING!

 

About the author: Amanda McKenzie

Amanda is a 20-something resident of Hastings who found her way here via Hastings College. She is an Exercise Specialist at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. She coaches girls a competitive 8th grade girls basketball team called Nebraska Heartland. In her spare time she enjoys getting together with friends and family, watching and participating in sporting events, working out and shopping.