According to a survey conducted by Bodybuilding.com, 73 percent of people who set fitness goals as a New Year’s resolution give up before reaching them, and nearly half give up less than six weeks after starting. Forty-two percent think it’s too difficult to follow a diet or workout routine, 38 percent admit that it’s hard to get back on track after falling off and 36 percent believe it’s too challenging to find enough time to dedicate to health and fitness.
Many agree that setting a resolution is not enough—it’s better to set meaningful goals instead. In a blog post on Strava.com, Coach David Roche believes that the right goals will make you a better runner, such as exercising a certain number of times per month or planning a “big and scary” goal.
“Sign up for something (or choose an adventure) that makes you simultaneously giddy and nervous,” he wrote. “That doesn’t mean to go longer, just to do something that is deliciously risky. Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly in the end, you’ll be left with the knowledge that you had the courage to believe in yourself.”
Using a similar philosophy, the team behind Let’s Do This wants to help people pick races to reach their fitness goals. According to the company, people are 12.5 times more likely to develop a fitness habit a year after signing up for a race than merely joining a gym.
The company’s algorithm uses data points from fitness tracking, race history, social connections and other factors to personalise race recommendations, from 5k races and marathons to obstacle races and swimming events.
With over 30,000 races of all types, Let’s Do This claims to be the world’s largest marketplace for endurance events. The platform also provides important information and exclusive perks for users, including free cancellation protection.
A Y Combinator-alum, the company raised $5 million in seed funding. Superstar athletes Serena Williams and Usain Bolt were among the investors.
“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact these events can have on making people fitter, healthier and happier,” Serena said, as quoted by TechCrunch.
“I love that Let’s Do This is not only making events like these more accessible but also helping to support athletes of all different fitness levels. Women are especially less likely to participate in marathons and obstacle races, so it’s really important there’s a platform encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and make a positive difference in their lives.”
Let’s Do This has now raised $15 million in Series A funding in a round led by EQT, with participation from Trulia founder Pete Flint and Y Combinator, as well as Usain and Serena.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to inspire people to follow their dreams, get off the couch and get exercising…,” Usain said. “It’s a really natural fit with what I care about and what I believe in, so I am very happy to be supporting their mission to inspire more people to have epic experiences.”
