Branching Off Into Your Own Personal Challenges

There’s something special about signing up for a big race or event. The set date, the clear finish line, the buzz of the crowd—those moments matter. But what happens when you start craving something more personal? What if you want a challenge that’s truly your own, built around your strengths, your fears, and your wildest ideas?

This is where the real adventure begins.

Why Personal Challenges Matter

For a long time, I chased the typical milestones: races, competitions, medals. But after a while, I started to feel like I was ticking boxes rather than pushing my limits in a way that truly meant something to me. That’s when I started creating my own “labours”—massive, often ridiculous challenges that tested me in ways no organised event ever could.

My first big one? A 50-mile barefoot trek across the Brecon Beacons. No medals, no crowds, just me, the mountains, and a support crew that nearly didn’t make it. It was brutal, lonely, and at times, a little bit mad. But it taught me more about myself than any race ever had.

From there, the challenges only got bigger: the Welsh 3,000s in under 18 hours, the 496 Challenge (running the day’s number in kilometers, every day for a month), and more. Each time, the “rules” were mine to set. The only competition was with myself.

Designing Your Own Challenge

So how do you branch off and create a personal challenge that actually means something?

1. Start with your “why”

   What’s driving you? Is it curiosity, a need to prove something, or simply the urge to see what you’re capable of? The best challenges come from a place of genuine motivation.

   
   

2. Pick something that scares (and excites) you

   If it feels a bit out of reach, you’re on the right track. It could be running a certain distance, climbing a new grade, or stringing together a series of adventures over a weekend.

   
   

3. Set your own rules

   This is your journey. Want to run every street in your town? Go for it. Want to summit three peaks in a day? Make it happen. The only limits are the ones you set.

   
   

4. Plan, but stay flexible

   Personal challenges rarely go to plan—that’s the point. Build a rough roadmap, but be ready to adapt when things get tough (because they will).

   
   

5. Bring others in

   Just because it’s your challenge doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. A support crew, a training partner, or even a WhatsApp group can make all the difference when the going gets rough.

   
   

The Role of Community

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that even the most personal challenges are made better with support. During my “labours,” there were moments I wanted to quit. It was the messages from friends, the encouragement from my podcast community, and the shared stories from others on similar journeys that kept me moving.

Community isn’t just about having people to cheer you on at the finish. It’s about sharing the struggle, the setbacks, and the small wins along the way. It’s about vulnerability—being honest when things get hard, and letting others help lift you back up.

Helping Others Create Their Own Adventures

At Adventure Athletes, this is what lights me up: helping people design and conquer their own challenges, whatever they look like. Whether it’s a first wild swim, a multi-day hike, or something completely outside the box, I’m here to help you turn that idea into a reality.

We’ll work together to figure out your “why,” build a plan that fits your life, and surround you with the support you need to see it through. Because I know first-hand—these are the moments that change you, long after the finish line is gone.

What’s Your Dream Challenge?

If you’ve got a wild idea brewing, or just want to see what you’re capable of, I’d love to hear about it. Drop your dream challenge in the comments, send me a message, or book a free strategy session. Let’s make it happen—together.

Ready to branch off?

Let’s create something epic. Reach out to start planning your own personal challenge, or join our community for inspiration and support.

Final thought:

You don’t have to wait for permission, a medal, or an official event to do something incredible. The best adventures are the ones you create yourself.