The best way to motivate you to train for a half marathon is to sign up for one. Once you have signed up, you have no excuse for not meeting your goal.

Training for a half marathon takes time, usually, a 12-week program works best. The 12 weeks will involve jogging, running, sprint training, core weights and yoga. By incorporating all of these types of exercise will help maximise your fitness, improve your stamina and overall health.

Another great way to stay focused and motivated is to get a friend to join in with you. You can train together and encourage each other throughout the journey. Running a half marathon is a fantastic achievement for yourself and if you can raise money for charity at the same time, it makes it that bit more advantageous too.

If you feel you are not ready to take part in a half marathon, try signing up for some fun runs first to help get you started and in the swing of things.

Fitness is one of the important factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are an avid gym-goer or you are thinking of starting a new fitness regime, during the warmer months the best place for a workout is the outdoors.

Not only are you exposed to fresh air, you have the opportunity to take long runs to places you haven’t seen before. Join a running group or do it solo, it really doesn’t matter, what matters is that you are challenging your cardio fitness and improving your health.

Outdoor fitness groups are becoming more popular over the years, with outdoor army style training. This is a great way to meet new people, get fit and be outdoors. Along with running and outdoor fitness classes, there are also other water sport options, such as rowing or kayaking, a brilliant way to strengthen your core muscles and work on your cardio too.

Sport can be a great way to get outside and enjoy the summer weather throughout August and September. It can be enjoyable to get a big group of friends together, or you might want a game that just a couple of you can play. Whatever it is you fancy doing, we’ve come up with some summer sports to help you enjoy the sun:

1. Croquet. As few or as many people can play as you like, and croquet sets can be found for quite a low price on the internet.

2. Golf. A gold course is a beautiful place to be on a lovely sunny day.

3. Football. This one tends to get everyone feeling pretty competitive, and it’s good fun with a group of friends.

4. Tennis. It’s always on television during the summer months, so if you’ve been inspired, pick up a racket yourself and give it a go.

5. Swimming. This is an especially enjoyable pastime in the summer if you have an outdoor lido nearby. You can do it with friends, or on your own.

6. Frisbee. Casual enough to play anywhere, a game of frisbee is lively, energetic and great fun.

7. Rounders. If you have a larger group of people to entertain, a game of rounders will go down well. Many people will have played it before in school, but if anyone needs reminding of the rules, they’re very simple.

8. Running. It’s a great way to get out and see some lovely places during the summer months.