Ever noticed how easy it is to just go through the motions with training when there’s nothing on the horizon? Having something to train for — whether that’s a competition, a charity event, or a personal milestone — gives your workouts purpose. It’s the spark that keeps you showing up, pushing harder, and staying consistent when motivation dips.
Why Goals Matter
When we’ve got a clear goal, everything changes. Training sessions suddenly have focus. Nutrition choices feel easier. Recovery becomes a priority instead of an afterthought.
Without that external target — whether it’s a date circled on the calendar or a skill you’ve promised yourself to master — it’s all too easy to drift. Having something to train for creates accountability, structure, and that extra 10% of effort that makes a huge difference over time.
My Story: From Injury to Competition Ready
Most of you already know I was a competitive Tae Kwon Do fighter for years — right up until life slowed down when I had children. But in 2023 I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do it. So I signed up for the 2023 World Championships.
Twelve weeks out, I tore my calf. That meant four weeks of recovery and a lot of frustration. But because I had that date fixed in my head, I stayed focused . I controlled what I could — nutrition, rehab, mindset — and when I was cleared to train again, I went all in.
I started arriving early and staying late to work on explosive drills, strength, and conditioning. My nutrition was spot on. By the time the competition came, I was the healthiest I’ve ever been going into a competition — 17% body fat, 27kg of muscle mass, and feeling strong, fast, and ready.
Would I stay at 17% forever? Absolutely not. But that 8–12 week focus was exactly what I needed. Without that event, I wouldn’t have trained or recovered with the same intensity or purpose.
(I came 3rd in the comp – not quite what I wanted but I had achieved so much that I wanted to in the process. Getting back on the podium after having children was a huge win)
Setting Smaller, Personal Goals
Since then, I’ve made a habit of setting smaller goals throughout the year — ones that keep me driven between the big events:
- 20 unbroken double unders (took me about eight months, but I got there!)
- RX the CrossFit Open (massive win for me)
- Deadlift & Back squat targets – I have ultimate targets for these but I set more achieveable goals each strength cycle to keep the progress and motivation going.
Each goal gave me direction and made training that bit more meaningful.
Find a Challenge That Drives You
Not every goal has to be about competition. The key is finding something that excites you. That might be a small comp, it might be a certain target on your Inbody scan, it might be a PB in a certain lift. It’s more inportant to choose something rather than have nothing to train for.
For me, running a half marathon wouldn’t spark much motivation — I’d probably just wing it! But a local CrossFit team comp with some of our awesome ladies? That would light a fire. Even if I entered just for fun, my competitive side would take over, and I’d find myself training with purpose again.
When the CrossFit Open rolls around each year, it always gives me that same drive. My first year, I couldn’t do a single kipping pull-up — and it bugged me! So I spent the year working on it. The next year, I could. Then it was double unders… and every year, something new to chase.
Having a clear challenge stops your training from drifting into “just get through it” mode. It gives you focus, energy, and momentum.
Events to Train For in 2026
If you’re looking for something to work toward, here are some great options — from CrossFit competitions to local fitness events:
🏋️♀️ 1️⃣ CrossFit Open
Feb 26 – Mar 16, 2026
The ultimate global fitness challenge! Everyone in the gym gets involved — it’s fun, supportive, and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do.
👉 Learn more here
🏆 2️⃣ Turf Games Winter Festival
Feb 14–15, 2026
Teams of 3 men & 3 women, with divisions for every level — Elite, Intermediate, and Everyday. It’s one of the most popular events of the year.
👉 Event details
🏃♀️ 3️⃣ Newmarket Half Marathon
May 31, 2026
A brilliant local event for anyone wanting a new endurance challenge right here in Newmarket.
👉 Register here
💪 4️⃣ Battle for Middle Ground
May 2–3, 2026
Same-sex pairs or teams of four, with Open and Masters categories. The qualifiers for pairs are in February — so start your prep early!
👉 Learn more
🚜 5️⃣ The Farm Games
August 2026
A unique outdoor competition hosted by Farm Fitness — details for 2026 are still to come, but it’s always an incredible event.
👉 Visit Farm Fitness
Don’t Forget to Rest and Recover
Competitions and training cycles are great motivators, but recovery matters just as much. I recommend no more than two comps per year — enough to stay focused without burning out.
Comps push you to your limits, which is amazing — but your body needs time to adapt, rest, and rebuild. Ignoring that balance is how little niggles turn into long-term injuries. Rest is part of progress.
Your Next Challenge Starts Now
Whether it’s mastering a new skill, entering your first comp, or training for a fun local event — give yourself something to work toward.
It doesn’t have to be about winning. It’s about showing yourself what’s possible when you train with purpose.
Pick a challenge, tell your coach, and let’s build your plan to get there together 💥
If you are a current member and would like some help deciding on the best target for you book a goal review with us today.
If you are new around here and want to get started, Book a free No Sweat Intro Here to get started