Sometimes getting started individually can be hard. Not always knowing where to start or struggling to find motivation to stick to your goals can be hurdles when you are training on your own.

But team sports or events or even just enlisting the support of a friend, family or colleague to commit to a health and/or fitness goal together can increase your chances of success.

It could be joining forces for a triathlon, such as the Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon which was held yesterday and is one of the longest running triathlon events in the country.

Another is teaming up for a good cause, like the Variety Spin 4 Kids which will again head outdoors for its fourth annual outing next month.

The event involves getting a team of up to 10 riders together and going hell for leather for six hours on a stationary bike.

Whoever travels the furthest in that time will be declared the winner. All funds raised go towards helping children in the Hunter who are sick, disadvantaged of have special needs.

This year it is being staged on March 27 at Harbour Square, Honeysuckle. I have twice taken part and it is a great day. Held from 10am until 4pm, it offers a team-building day for workplaces as well as an opportunity for businesses to promote the benefits of physical activity to employees.

But sporting groups, families and friends can also enter. Or, if you think you are up to the challenge you can also attempt a solo six-hour effort.

Entry is $650 for a bike and the event raises funds and awareness for Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT.

Prizes are also awarded for the best dressed, highest-fundraising team and individual, winning team and individual and spirit of the spin.

Variety NSW/ACT chief executive David Sexton is encouraging everyone to get involved to help raise funds.

"We are calling on Novocastrians to sign up for a day full of fitness fun with high-energy music, crazy costumes, fitness challenges and energetic spin instructors on stage," he said.

"Funds raised will help local kids overcome barriers such as isolation, financial hardship, disability and sickness to reach their full potential."

To register or for more information go to www.variety.org.au/nsw/event/variety-spin-4-kids-newcastle/.

Looking for another challenge, NewRun is six weeks away, on April 5. It offers a five kilometre flat course, 10km Herald Hill2Harbour, a hilly 21.1km and a flat 42.2km. The marathon can also be done as a three-person relay, each running a 14km loop.

Need more time to train, then set your sights on the Winery Running Festival on July 18 and 19. It has a 6km, 10km, 21.1km and the 42.2km Moon Marathon, held in the evening on the Saturday and also a team event.

Loop the Lake, Lake Macquarie, March 8: The main cycle ride is around 88 kilometres and from Speers Point to Lake Munmorah and back, including National Parks and some spectacular water views. There is also a team ride, short ride and family charity ride.

Variety Spin 4 Kids, Harbour Square, March 27: The charity event involves getting a team of up to 10 riders together and going hell for leather for six hours on a stationary bike.

NewRun, Newcastle Foreshore, April 5: Distances on offer include 5km, the Herald Hill2Harbour 10km, a hilly 21.1km and a flat 42.km as well as a kids' 2km.

Mix up training with a gentle bike ride, a cycle session at the gym or combine cycle with some strength exercises.

Session 1 (cycle intervals): 5 minutes x [40 seconds easy, 20sec hard]; 3-5min steady pace; 45sec easy: 15sec hard, 30sec easy: 30sec hard; 15sec easy: 45sec hard; 30sec easy: 30sec hard; 45sec easy: 15sec hard; 3-5min steady pace; 5min x [30sec easy: 30sec hard]; 3-5min steady pace.

Session 2 (cycle-strength combo): 3min easy ride; 5 x [10 squats, 10 push-ups, 10 dead lifts, 10 rows/pull-ups, 20 lunges, 20 ab rotation, 2min bike x (20sec easy: 20sec hard)].

Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au.

Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.