As 2019 winds to a close and the new year looms large, you might be starting to think about what you want to achieve in 2020.
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One group of Novocastrians are looking to start the year with a bang by tackling a 100-kilometre run challenge around Newcastle.
Lyndsay Walker is the driving force behind the Newy100, an event he hopes will become an annual one and grow with every year.
You might remember Lyndsay as the guy who two years ago powered up and down Merewether stairs for 12 hours with the aim of clocking 50,000 steps along the way. That challenge raised funds and awareness for not-for-profit organisation Soldier On, which helps ex-servicemen and women reintegrate into society.
This time around Lyndsay and a group of like-minded locals will raise funds for Lifeline Newcastle/Hunter, to support suicide prevention and crisis support services.
Initially there was a group of 10 on board for the event, to be held on January 24 and 25. That has quickly grown to 13 and the participants are encouraging anyone from the community to join them in the latter stages of the gruelling test of physical and mental endurance.
"Everyone has their own personal story. I think that's what the community will identify with," Lyndsay told me.
"It's about everyone's journey but also promoting mental and physical health and Lifeline Newcastle seemed the perfect fit for us to represent.
"We'll start at Merewether ocean baths and go out to Nobbys breakwall, through the Foreshore, out through Islington to the park, turn around and come back around Carrington then back to Merewether. It's a 28-kilometre loop. The last one will be 16km and, on the last part, we're hoping to engage the community and let anyone to join in for the last two, five, 10 kilometres."
They will start at 5pm on Friday, January 24 and are aiming to be finished by 10pm the following day.
You can find out more about the Newy100 through @newy100kmrun on social media.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Making a splash on Australia Day
On the same weekend, Australia's richest open water swim will return to Newcastle Harbour on Australia Day with a record number of swimmers expected to take part. The 2020 event carries prize money of over $3500.
It will feature the single crossing of the harbour which is 700 metres kicking off at 10am and the double crossing of 1400 metres starting at 11am. The double crossing boasts a cash prize of $3500 split across male and female podium finishers.
Of course, not everyone will be doing it for the prize purse and it could be the challenge you are looking for in the new year. It is the one time a year you can legally swim across Newcastle harbour.
It is run by Stockton Surf Life Saving Club and president Callan Nickerson said it helped raise funds for their surf patrols and lifesaving operations at Stockton beach.
Swimmers can register for the event and find out more at oceanswims.com.
Upcoming Fitness Events
Nobbys 2 Newcastle Ocean Swim, Nobbys beach, January 25: A two-kilometre ocean swim between two of Newcastle's most iconic beaches.
Across the Harbour Swim, Newcastle harbour, January 26: It is the only legal way to swim across our busy harbour and a popular swimming event. Choose between the 700-metre single crossing or 1.4km double crossing.
Maximum Adventure Race, Lake Macquarie, February 15: This race is part of a national series designed to offer an introduction to adventure racing. It is done in pairs and features mountain biking, trail running and kayaking.
Summer Sessions Week #2
Add a warm-up and cool-down and work at an intensity that suits your fitness level.
Set 1: 20 squats with alternating single-arm shoulder press, 20 push-ups, 20 lunges, 20 pull-ups/bent-over rows, 20 ab rotation, 400 metre hard run/cycle/row or walk.
Set 2: 15 squats with press, 15 push-ups, 15 lunges, 15 pull-ups/bent-over rows, 15 ab rotation, 300m hard run/cycle/row or walk.
Set 3: 10 squats with press, 10 push-ups, 10 lunges, 10 pull-ups, rows, 10 ab rotation, 200m hard run/cycle/row or walk.
Set 4: Five of each exercise, 100m hard run/cycle/row or walk.
Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au.