BEGINNER CHALLENGES

Exercise on the Hour

Rules for this one are simple. Complete 25-100 reps (depending on your fitness level) of a body weight exercise every waking hour of the day. Examples include: push-ups, sit-ups, squats, pull-ups, flutter kicks, jumping jacks, etc. It is best to alternate exercises throughout the day for a full body workout. 

Don’t over complicate it. If you have a 9-5 office job, that’s fine. Go to the bathroom every hour and knock out 50 squats or even better do them at your desk. Doesn’t matter where, just get them done. 

Bike, run or swim at a local state or National Park. 

Chances are you live closer to State or National Park than you think. In the rare chance that you don’t there is no doubt a green space, river, lake, ocean or trail to explore nearby. If you have already been to the popular ones, mix it up and look for somewhere new.

Cold Showers

Some might argue this one should be under the hardcore summer challenges but rest assured a cold shower for a week will not kill you. I did cold showers for the month of December and not only survived but found it quite beneficial. Don’t knock it, till you try it. You can read about it here. 

MODERATE CHALLENGES

Race on a Whim

One of my favorite ways of kicking my own ass. Simply, sign up for a race that scares you and go give it hell! If you’re already running 5 or 6 miles at a time you should sign up for a marathon with the singular goal of finishing and proving to yourself you can do it. If you’re just now starting off,  sign up for a half marathon or a 10K at minimum. Reach out to your local run club or visit a running calendar site for more information.

Farmers Mile

Having spent a few blistering hot summers in the Texas rice fields, this one brings back memories. Don’t worry, the challenge doesn’t involve putting on rubber boots and working in a rice paddy all day surrounded by snakes. 

This Farmers Mile is simple but surprisingly tough, especially when done for time. Farmers walk for 1 mile (stoping when necessary) with two 50 pound dumbbells or kettle bells. (35 pounds for women). By the end you will be covered in sweat and the weights will be much harder to hold!

Break the Routine

Only you know what your current fitness level is but I can bet you have a routine. You may be more of a runner and avoid the gym. You may be a climber and ignore your running shoes but it is time to mix it up with a unique summer fitness challenge.

Don’t let summer be a time of complacency. If you do a lot of hiking go for a swim or if you’re a swimmer find a bike to borrow for a day. Be careful though, don’t crash a bike like I did. 

Cross training is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and promote long-term mobility. Keep your body guessing this summer and don’t fall into a routine. 

HARDCORE

Take on a thru-hike

It is one thing to go backcountry camping for a weekend. Thats not hardcore enough for thru-hikers, who are out to conquer long distance hiking trails all over the world. The Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are the two popular trails in the United States. Both of which will take 4-6 months to complete in one go. 

I understand most of you do not have the ability to throw on a backpack and head into the woods for 6 months. However, I can’t let you off that easy. There are numerous other thru-hikes all over the country, most of which are more manageable for a weekend-warrior. 

For example, my home state of Texas has the 96 mile Lone Star Trail that can be completed over a weekend. There is also the Colorado Trail stretching 567 miles from Denver to Durango and for those not afraid of the heat there is the 800 mile Arizona Trail. You would be hard pressed to find a state that didn’t have some form of a long distance hiking trail. I have been planning the logistics to take on Vermonts famous, Long Trail covering 273 miles across the state. 

If you are looking for more thru-hiking inspiration give my friend Teddy a follow on instagram. He’s a beast and has completed New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail (1900 miles across both islands), Via Alpina (3100 miles across 8 countries in Europe), Norge pa Langs Trail (1500 miles across Norway). If that wasn’t enough, Teddy is now hiking from Melbourne to Cape York, Australia, which to my knowledge has never been done, if I had to guess it’s nearly 5000 miles. Looking forward to having him on the podcast to share more of his journey. 

Badwater 135 and Habanero 100

Some of you may be familiar with Badwater 135, dubbed the worlds toughest footrace! The race starts at Badwater Basin in Death Valley and finishes 135 miles away at the Mount Whitney Portal. Sound pretty tough? Well it takes place in July, the hottest month of the year. Last July when I visited Death Valley, the temperature was 122 degrees. Chris Kostman, the director for Badwater has pretty strict requirements for getting into his race, only allowing 100 participants per year. So running Badwater 135 isn’t exactly and option for everyone. 

However, the Habanero 100 is available and open to anyone willing to take on the challenge this August! It is by far the hottest race in Texas and is sure to test you both mentally and physically. When I attempted the race in 2017 it was 106 degrees when the race started. The race is put on by Trail Racing Over Texas (the best race directors around) and distances from 10K to 100 Miles are offered. This is one of the unique summer challenges that you will never forget you accomplished.

How brave are you?

If these unique summer fitness challenges are too easy for you. Feel free to send me an email at huntchallenges@gmail.com and I will gladly give you a personalized challenge based off your location/level of fitness. Be ready to be tested if you decide to go this route!