Unfortunately, it seems to be the story of 2020, and when one of my training buddies asked, "What are we training for now?", I suggested each event was actually just the end point to a much longer journey.

To be honest, I love training for an event more than the actual event itself most of the time. That's because the training is with others and offers that social connection, which this year has been more important than ever. Knowing I am meeting someone else to train has many times been the reason I got up and out of bed when the alarm went off and I didn't always feel like going.

Last year, I put together a team for the Variety Spin 4 Kids charity cycling event, which involves going hell for leather for six hours on a stationary bike and raises funds towards helping children in the Hunter region who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. The best part of the day, other than being able to help others, was the social connections and encouraging your team to work harder.

This year, like many other events, the Variety Spin 4 Kids has had to go virtual. It will be staged on October 16 and offers workplaces, sporting groups, gyms or family groups in the Hunter region the chance to still take part and connect with others on the day and through training.

Veterans and their families are also being encouraged to keep socially connected as part of Veterans' Health Week next month, with funding available to community groups and ex-service organisations to assist with activities.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the coronavirus pandemic had made it difficult for many people to socially connect with one another and that was now more important than ever, particularly for the ex-service community.

"Social connection is one of the most important aspects for your mental health and well-being, and as part of Veterans' Health Week this year we are encouraging those in the ex-service community to remain socially connected, with family, friends and local community," Mr Chester said.

"This could include a fitness challenge or session, community meditation or yoga, community catch-ups or arts and crafts workshops to name a few - all either in person, or virtually."

There is more information at www.dva.gov.au/vhw.

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)].

Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three. r.valentine@austcommunitymedia.com.au.