For the past few years, J&A Racing has hosted the Winter Solstice Distance Challenge as a way to help keep people motivated throughout the winter months. And you know what…IT WORKS! Ever since it was created, it has sold out every year. Want to know the secret sauce? Here are the top 5 Reasons I keep signing up for the Winter Solstice Distance Challenge
- Community – Once you sign up for the Winter Solstice Distance Challenge, you gain 500 new best friends! People all over the country…and some across the globe…are all committed to conquering their goal. No matter the distance you pick (89 miles for me!)…this team of folks are there to support each other, and encourage you to GET IT DONE! On the private Facebook page, people will share their strategies, what motivates them, etc…and even try and schedule some meet ups for people in the group. Needless to say, by the end of the challenge, you will have new running besties that hopefully you can connect with at Shamrock 😊
- Motivation- Some might say that getting in the miles in the winter takes a little more effort than the spring and fall sessions. And that might be true for some. But, once you are dedicated to the challenge, GAME ON! There is something about signing up and committing to the challenge that adds a little pep in your step and helps you climb out of bed to grab a few miles before work, or push past the afternoon slump, and log a run before bed. No matter when you get it done…by just signing up, you are already committed to making these next 89 days better than they would have been had you not joined in the fun.
- FUN! That is right…running in the dark and cold can be FUN! Once you commit to the challenge, there is a thrill in logging those miles, even in the dark! There are also some great contests throughout the 89 days to help keep you motivated.
- Swag- J&A is known for having some killer swag, and the 2023 Winter Solstice Distance Challenge is taking that to the next level! This year participants will receive a spinning medal that shows the sunrise to sunset, along with our favorite running gloves to help keep you warm when logging your miles. Bling Bling!
- Competition. Yep, I said it. But it isn’t what you think. Yes, there is a ‘Leaderboard’ which is awesome for people that are into that. But for me the competition is strictly with myself. I truly want to see how far I can go. I want to see how committed I can be to something that is JUST FOR ME. How quickly can I hit my goal? What is my strategy for getting to the finish line? All of these things are something that I can control. For me, as a mom of 2 young gals, signing up for the Winter Solstice Distance Challenge is something that I do for ME! You read that right…selfish? I don’t think so. Instead I see it as another way for me to stay committed to health and wellness…which not only benefits me (obvi) but also my family.
