Another blog hijack by Melissa:
Have you ever sat down with a trainer, coach, or mentor, been asked about your health or fitness goals, and realized you didn’t have a good answer? A little over a month ago, Dr. Kent had a chat with Kim and me. He asked us point-blank what our goals were, and honestly? I really wasn’t sure.
At the time, I knew I was signed up for both the local Mud Run and the Foam Fest. But deep down, those events didn’t feel like real goals—at least, not the kind of transformative goals I was looking for. The change of season is weeks away and it’s time to put a game plan into place lest I look at hygge as my fall and winter plan (which doesn’t sound terrible!).
Anyway, back to the topic of goals. Don’t get me wrong. The Mud Run and Foam Fest definitely offer their own unique set of challenges for me. (For starters, I am not a big fan of heights!) But I wanted something loftier. Something that required a deeper commitment.
The Appeal of Obstacle Course Races
I think I keep signing up for mud and foam runs for a few reasons. First, there are the physi
cal challenges—like winging yourself over seven-foot hurdles, or climbing up a tower just to slide down a water slide that feels like it’s 34,856 metres in the air.
Second, they are fun and deeply social. People are genuinely happy to be where they are and they are often encouraging and helpful along the path. And third, if I’m being completely honest with myself, at this point in my “old ladiness,” I stillcan. And as long as I can, I want to embrace that capability.
Even with all the fun and fear-conquering, obstacle courses are usually one-day adrenaline spikes. I needed something that would test my endurance, my mental grit, and my daily consistency over the long haul.
Setting a Loftier Goal: 9 Days of Walking and Hiking
So, after some reflection, I finally found my next true goal: 9 consecutive days of walking and hiking, covering 17 to 27 kilometers every single day.
Talk about a pivot! Going from a few hours of sliding through mud to nearly a week and a half of sustained daily distance is a massive step up. It’s no longer just about surviving a single afternoon of obstacles; it’s about endurance, recovery, pacing, and mental fortitude. It’s about lacing up my hiking boots day after day, regardless of the weather, soreness, or fatigue.
Why Big Goals Matter in Fitness, But Also in Life
Whether you’re training for a 5K, planning a backpacking trip, or stepping up your daily step count, having a clear, inspiring goal changes everything. Here is why stepping outside your comfort zone matters:
- It Gives Purpose to Daily Training: Working out just to work out can get monotonous. Training for a 9-day trekking challenge gives every walk, stretch, and strength session a distinct purpose.
- It Builds Mental Resilience: Physical challenges are often 90% mental. Knowing you have to wake up and hike again tomorrow—even when your legs are tired—forges a new level of mental toughness.
- It Reminds Us of What We’re Capable Of: Like doing mud runs “at this point in my old ladiness,” setting ambitious goals proves that age is just a number. It’s a celebration of movement, health, and vitality.
What’s Your Next Goal?
Dr. Kent’s question really forced me to look at my health and fitness journey through a new lens. The Mud Run and Foam Fest will still be a blast, but now they are just stepping stones on the path to a much bigger adventure. Now, it’s time to start training, breaking in those hiking boots, and getting ready for the kilometres ahead. What about you? What is the loftier goal you’re working toward this year? Let me know in the comments below!