Let’s do lockdown right...
As many of us are plunged into a lockdown 2.0, it can be easy to become disheartened. However, this is simply not the SunGod way and we are proud of the creativity and ingenuity our community has shown through a summer of quarantine! We’ve all proved that not only can we survive it, but we can thrive if we do it right. So, as we enter lockdown number 2, we share our favourite goals and challenges you can set yourself to stay motivated throughout…
1. For Runners
As the evenings draw in and the temperatures plummet, heading out for a run is often the last thing we feel like after a long hard day! Ironically for many of us, going for a run is the perfect way to clear a busy mind and get a hit of endorphins. Running challenges you can set yourself include exploring new routes, running further distances or driving your times down. For tips on motivating yourself to run this November, head here.
Get inspired: We all know that smug feeling when returning from a run, but how about running every day for an entire year? SunGod Ambassador Rich Williamson (@richwillrun) is on a mission to do just that. “What began as a 100 day run-streak challenge has transformed into something bigger! It’s given me something to focus on during lockdown and I’ve been taking my time over it!” Rich is over 230 days in and is still going strong… Why not try a run streak of your own? How many days can you manage?
2. for cyclists
Many of us have had to adapt our cycling adventures this year. From online community events to multiple ‘Everesting’ efforts, the creativity and determination from the SunGod cycling community has been incredible. Similar to running, cycling challenges to motivate yourself this month can be time or distance related and you can explore new routes if daylight allows! If you’d rather stay inside this November, invest in a turbo trainer and keep those legs spinning from the comfort of your own home. Apps like Zwift can help you set goals and ride with other app users to keep you accountable.
Get inspired: As cycling has increased in popularity, so has the Everesting concept. According to Everesting CC, “The concept of Everesting is fiendishly simple: Pick any hill, anywhere in the world and complete repeats of it in a single activity until you climb 8,848m – the equivalent height of Mt Everest. Complete the challenge on a bike, on foot, or online, and you’ll find your name in the Hall of Fame, alongside the best climbers in the world.” This summer, SunGod Pro Team the Internationelles (@internationelles) Everested as a team with each member completing the 8,848m climb, to raise awareness for gender equality in cycling. All you need is a hill and some determination – go on, you know you want your name in that hall of fame…
3. for Fitness
We all have different motivations for staying fit and no matter what these are, increased amounts of time at home presents the perfect opportunity to ramp up your fitness. Maybe you have a big challenge to prepare for, or you simply want to feel healthy in a time of uncertainty - there are lots of free online classes you can participate in, and apps to help measure your progress. Set yourself the challenge to work out for longer, stick to a set frequency or add weights to your workouts – set yourself a goal and stick to it!
Get inspired: We may be uncertain about when we can ski this year but if you do get the opportunity to hit the slopes, you’ll want to make it count. Basi Coach, personal trainer and SunGod Ambassador Tom Waddington (@tomwaddington_skier) is an advocate for getting ski ready early and staying ready: “Starting a fitness program now so that you can be ready at any time to hit the slopes is actually better. You now have the time to make something that works for you and that you can use more sustainably for all aspects of life, not a program that you will just give up after your holiday is over.” Check out Tom’s tips for winter fitness here.
4. for Hikers
If you’re after a more relaxed pace for this lockdown, why not start ticking off the hikes in your local area? Hiking is the easiest way to explore your local area and it’s good for the soul too - is there anything more satisfying than a circular walk on a crisp autumn afternoon? The challenges you set here can range from upping the distance of your hikes, to ticking off a different route each time.
Get inspired: This summer, SunGod Ambassador Liam Wright (@liam_exploremoregetoutmore) completed his mission to hike all 214 Wainwright walks in 1 year. An ambitious task, these walks published by celebrated author Alfred Wainwright, take the hiker on an unforgettable tour of the Lake District’s fells. Not one to rest on his laurels, Liam has now turned his attention to hiking all 282 Munros. So, no matter where you’re based, there will be good hikes - grab a map and start plotting your routes! How many hikes will you manage this November?
No matter how we choose to fill our time, goal setting is a great way to stay motivated. Remember, we’re all in this together and we will be adventuring again before we know it. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, reflect on 4 things we learned from the last lockdown here.
What challenges will you set yourself for lockdown? No matter how big or small, we want to hear about them! Share your lockdown challenges on Instagram and make sure you tag @we_are_sungod in the image so we can see it - we'll share the best ones!
