Fitocracy.com is this really great website for "gamifying" fitness. You log and track workouts of all sorts, then the game system applies point values to your workout. The workouts can be weight routines, running, dance, even things like taking the stairs. The site was created by a couple if formerly out-of-shape geeks who found it easier to make fitness fun by thinking of it as leveling up their lives. There are quests and achievements to chase which provide bonus points as well as badges to show off your prowess.
It's a great site for encouraging people to get fit and the social network aspect builds support and encouragement. Personally I've found it to be great motivation to actually track my workouts, as well as encouragement to branch out and try some weights or yoga or other new activities.
The latest feature is the ability to challenge other members to duels. You pick a length of time and see who can run the most miles, lift the most weight or earn the most points during that time period.
This has been a great new tool and has created a lot if excitement on the site. Personally, I've taken the opportunity to throw down the gauntlet against one of the biggest names in running on the site, fellrnr, for a monthlong running mileage challenge. Fellrnr, aka Jonathan Savage, is an ultrarunner of no small skill. He cranks out marathon mileage like most people crank out three milers. I may be the first person to have the nerve to take him on. Realistically, I don't have a snowball's chance, but I think the daunting challenge will provide some kickstarting motivation to take my running up a notch or ten. And who knows what could happen in a month... there are few things I relish as much as a challenge!
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