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Reflections of Coastrek 2015

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I am continually inspired by our wonderful Beauty of Exercise team who put their heart, sweat and tears into training and preparing for various events. This year’s Coastrek – 55km coastal walk from Palm Beach to Balmoral – is another example of true camaraderie. Below is a heartfelt insight from one of our ‘BEXI Trekkers’…

As I sit in my cosy warm home this morning I am grateful that today is not the day to embark on a 55km walk. It is grey and misty today, a far cry from the beautiful sunny day of Friday 6th March, 2015… the day of Sydney’s Coastrek. This is an event that brings together over 3500 people, with the aim of walking 55km over every beautiful beach and headland between Palm Beach (on the northern beaches of Sydney) to Balmoral. All in the aid of the Fred Hollows Foundation, which brings sight back to the needlessly blind. But the walk was more than just fundraising for a great cause. It is about grit, determination and most importantly about camaraderie and great friendships.

As the seasoned coastrekker in the group (ie. I had attempted it a few years ago), I knew what was ahead. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of all the ladies in the BEXI Trekkers team (walkers and support crew), I got up early on the hallowed sleep-in day (Sunday) to join in the training walks. These days were great fun and a wonderful way to start the day. Who can pass up the opportunity of a ‘gentle’ beach stroll, a good chin wag and a good coffee… and all at the same time. Heaven really!

But as the day got closer trepidation set in. Our fundraising goal was achieved (and superceded thanks to the generous souls out there). The support crew and logistics for the day were organised. However, I knew what was ahead of me and knew that it was not going to be all rosy. The sore feet, sore legs, blisters and SAND …. everywhere !

We arrived at Palm Beach early in the morning to be greeted by the most magnificent sunrise to start the day. Someone upstairs had been listening. The weather was not too wet, not too hot, not too cold, not too windy. Perfect really!

The air was filled with excitement but despite the laughter and banter there was a little bit of anxiety in the air as well. Yet all that anxiety melted away when we crossed the start line heading down Palm Beach, heading for Balmoral in the distance, somewhere. I could go on forever but that would be boring so I’ve listed some of the highlights :

  • A early morning snack of Lemonade icy-pole. Liza, how did you know that that would hit the spot perfectly.
  • Coming off Mona Vale beach and seeing our angels, the beautiful smiling faces of Liza Dukino and Ingrid Taylor waiting with cold drinks and cold watermelon… exactly what the doctor ordered.
  • Narabeen Lagoon – our support crew of angels and head angel, Debbie Solms.
  • The salty chips at Long Reef. Again, exactly what was needed.
  • Dee Why – Ingrid placating Lisa after her icy pole fell on the ground. (Best lower lip action I’ve seen in quite some time!)
  • Manly – our on-call coffee crew.
  • Balmoral – everyone! And the champagne at the end was perfect.
  • Lisa’s video blog – she left the best til last. (Amazing the effects of drugs and alcohol!)
  • Camadarie amongst all the walkers, the volunteers and the locals who were out cheering everyone on.

I cannot finish off without thanking my team. There were times (esp Warriewood-Collaroy) when I was struggling. However, they were there to encourage and support me all the way. They would wait for me and never complained at how slow I was walking. I think that without me they would have done the walk in a record time! However, we were in it as a team…and everyone knows that Together Everyone Achieves More!

  • Kirsten Prescott – She had been quite ill during the week but hadn’t said anything to the team as she didn’t want to let us down. As if they were even remotely possible.
  • Lisa Bale – She pushed through despite the horrific blisters that started fairly early on in the walk. Not a complaint from her either.
  • Kym Gray – A fine example of consistency and determination. She didn’t waver at all during the whole time, and all done with a great smile.
  • Liza Dukino, Ingrid Taylor and Debbie Solms – being at the right place at the right time and saying the right things. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.
  • And last but certainly not least, my family – for putting up with me being away and grumpy and sleeping all day the following day.

55km’s in 14.5 hours is not easy but with the help of gusty, determined, yet gentle, caring and beautiful souls it was a day I shall hold dear.

Lucia Hains
Bexi Trekker, March 2015

 

Camaraderie at the Fore

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The Oxford English Dictionary defines Camaraderie as ‘the mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together’.

That is exactly what our community at Beauty of Exercise (BEXI) is all about. We support each other through the lo’s, celebrate the hi’s… or just have a good laugh with each other.  

A perfect example was at our interval training session earlier in the week. We had three groups training together – 1) Run-FIT; 2) Race-FIT half-marathoners; and  3) Race-FIT marathoners. It was a very tough session – 2km | 1.5km | 1km | 800m – all at fast tempo paces. The final 800m rep was intended for the marathon group only.  The other two groups were gloating that they had finished and didn’t have to do another rep… until they noticed their ‘buddies’ getting ready for the last rep. Not wanting to leave them unsupported, they jumped up and rallied around them for their final 800m rep.

This truly highlighted what an awesome Beauty of Exercise community we have fostered over the past 3yrs. One which is filled with a great sense of camaraderie, team support, motivation and inspiration. Our BEXI community are always there for each other – if someone needs a buddy to run with, we are there to support them. If someone is having a bad day, we are there to lift them up. If someone  is lacking motivation, we are there to inspire them. The true spirit of our BEXI community. That’s what makes us so special. That’s what we love so much!

Debbie Solms

Debbie Solms is an accredited Personal Trainer, Run Coach and founder of Beauty of Exercise – an inspiring women’s running group on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

 

Beauty of Exercise team shines at the 2015 Sun Run

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A huge congratulations to our Beauty of Exercise runners for ALL achieving their race goals at the 2015 Sun Run event in Manly!

An outstanding day – great weather, awesome camaraderie and an amazing sense of community! Well done team and well done Manly. You all rock!!

And a special shout out to Amanda Crane for placing 3rd in her age group. Thrilled for such a dedicated and committed runner – we are all very proud of you!

 

 

Come swim with us!

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If you are injured, just starting out with fitness or you are looking to build your confidence and efficiency in the water, then our 7-week Swim-FIT program is for you.

Based at Collaroy Pool on the Northern Beaches, the program has a strong focus on water safety, breathing, improved technique, stroke correction and consistent stroke rate. Not only will the course improve your fitness and build your water confidence but it will also prepare you to tackle your first triathlon or ocean swim.

– Swim-FIT (Beginner) starts on Fri 6 Feb
– Swim-FIT (Intermediate) starts on Tues 3 Feb

Our gorgeous coach, Sue Bennett, is passionate about sharing her love for water.

Swim-fit is a fantastic compliment to any of Beauty of Exercise’s womens running programs or as a stand alone program.

Our Bexi Trekkers go Wild in Warriewood

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COASTREK 2015 – Our Beauty of Exercise chicks are at it again! This time in the guise of BEXI Trekkers – they will be doing Coastrek, a 55km walk along the northern beaches of Sydney.

As part of their challenge, they are required to raise much needed funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation – whose aim is to improve the health of Indigenous Australians and to reduce the cost of eye health care and treatment in developing countries.

They are planning a FABULOUS fundraising event and they would love your support:

What: Special Movie Event – “WILD”, staring Reese Witherspoon
When: Weds 4th Feb, 7pm
Where: Warriewood United Cinemas
Cost: $25 per ticket – book via http://trybooking.com/GTJz

There will also be a raffle and lots of other fantastic prizes to be won!

Please support your BEXI team – spread the word and let’s help them over the line – I’ll be there!

Good luck gorgeous girls! Kristin Prescott, Lucia Hains, Lisa Bale and Kym Gray.

Anything is possible

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When you were a kid everything was possible. When you became an adult, you started to fear failure. Our new summer term is all about focussing on being a kid again – dream big dreams, set new goals and believe that anything is possible.

The Beauty of Exercise Term 1, 2015 started on Tues 27 Jan with women’s fitness programs at various locations on the Northern Beaches. We’ve planned an exciting new timetable that will inspire you to dream big. Together with our awesome community of coaches and members, we’ll be there to encourage you, challenge you, believe in you, support you and do whatever it takes to help you succeed.

To view our latest newsletter please click here.

Get fit and have fun with circuit training by the beach

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Introducing 20/20-FIT, a brand new class for Beauty of Exercise in 2015. This 45 minute workout blends cardio with core and resistance exercises. It is a complete workout and is great training for upper body, lower body and core strength. Sessions are circuit-style and will keep you on your toes. Our coaches will provide multiple options for each exercise to cater for varying levels of fitness and flexibility. You can ramp it up or scale it back to suit you.  No two classes are ever the same in one week. This keeps each session fresh and dynamic!

Suitable for any women on the Northern Beaches wanting to add a fun, dynamic circuit class to their fitness program to improve health, tone and strength.