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Learn to Run 5km this Summer

It’s light in the mornings, the temps are warmer – a great time to start moving, be active, get energised and head outdoors.

As I was preparing to write this blog post, I googled images for a ‘Mature Woman Runner’. (At 51yrs old, I consider myself mature.)  The image above popped up, which got me interested.

Harriette Thompson completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Diego last year, in a time of 3 hours, 54 minutes, 16 seconds. She became the oldest woman to ever finish a half marathon. Harriette was 94yrs old!

This is truly inspirational! To think that at the age of 94yrs, this lady is still making the most of life. Wouldn’t you want to be like Harriette?

“Mummy you’re fat!”

Another inspirational story is about our very own run coach, Andrea Drury.  Andrea’s fitness career started in her 40’s. Prior to that she was overweight, heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes a day), and never did a day of exercise!

At 40 she ran her first distance of 50 yards for a taxi, and nearly passed out! At which point, her 5yr old son sat in the taxi, looked at her and said, “Mummy you’re fat and you can’t breathe”.  That was the start of her health & fitness journey – cigarettes went, exercise began, and feeling great followed.

“Surround yourself with positive people on a similar journey to you, and you will achieve your goals.” Andrea Drury

About the program

Our latest learn-to-run program will give you the tools to achieve exactly that!  It is aimed at supporting women who are beginners or just getting back into running. Those who want to get active, lose weight and create a new healthy habit – which becomes part of your lifestyle.

  • Our 8-week program is gentle and nurturing – starting at a low fitness base and gradually build you up to running 5km non-stop
  • We meet weekly on Thursdays at 9.15-10.00am in Manly Vale
  • Groups are limited to small sizes to ensure our coaches are able to give you their personal attention
  • Sessions focus on running technique which includes stride, cadence, posture, foot position, breathing, and much more
  • A few sessions will be filmed, so that we can guide you on how best to improve your running style
  • We also explore running-related relevant topics such as mindset, nutrition, safety, gadgets, etc.
Plus more!

Our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program is MORE than just a running program – it is about getting active, getting fit, making friends, building confidence, joining a community and achieving a very special goal. We want to ensure you fall in love with running, so that it becomes a habit and part of your lifestyle.

About our coach

We are so excited to have the wonderful Andrea Drury lead our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program. Andrea transformed her life (see above) and is passionate to share her journey with you.

Program details

  • Thursdays weekly
  • 18 Oct to 6 Dec 2018 – 8-week program
  • Thurs 9.15-10.00 am
  • Passmore Reserve, Manly Vale
  • Cost: $200
  • BONUS! Free 4-week meal plan with shopping list

“Running is a great way to keep your body fit and healthy but the best thing is, it really helps your mental heath – especially when running with an awesome bunch of supportive, happy people in the BEXI group.” Kate Power

 

Summer Speedwork

Spring is in the air – the perfect time to head outdoors and focus on our running speedwork.

No matter what type of runner you are (5km to marathoner), by adding speedwork into your training – not only will you will run faster, but also improve your overall running efficiency and economy. Speedwork is one of the most efficient methods for enhancing your athletic performance, which can help you achieve your PB on race day.

“Never set limits, go after your dreams, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. And laugh a lot – it’s good for you!”  Paula Radcliffe, Women’s World Marathon Record Holder 2003 (2:15:25)

 How does speedwork make you faster?
  • Activates your slow-twitch muscles which increases your aerobic capacity
  • Increases production of myoglobin which improves the transport of oxygen to muscles for energy
  • Adapts your body to store more glycogen which is beneficial for longer runs
  • Develops fast-twitch muscles which improves running economy
About the program
  • Our 8-week Summer Speedwork program consists of 2 x weekly training sessions – Tuesdays and Thursdays (fully booked!)
  • NEW! We have just added an additional Saturday weekly session, 8-9am
  • Each one hour session will consist of various interval sessions – fartleks,  pyramids, alternators, ascending/descending ladders, fun games and much more
  • Sessions will focus on key running techniques to improve your running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury
  • We will video your running style so that we can suggest ways to improve your technique
  • A beep test will be used to monitor and track your progress – at the start, middle and end of the program (we all love the beep test!)
  • At the end the 8-week program, we will join our parkrun friends to achieve our new 5km PB
Benefits of speedwork
  • Builds overall strength
  • Reduce risk of injury
  • Improves running economy
  • Strengthens bones, tendons, fascia, and ligaments
  • Burns more fat
  • Extends anaerobic endurance
  • Improves balance and proprioception
  • Run faster!
About our coach

We are so excited to have the wonderful Andrea Drury lead our Summer Speedwork program.  Andrea’s fitness career started in her 40’s – when her 5yr old son said “Mummy, you’re fat and you can’t breathe!” That was the start of her health & fitness journey. She transformed her life – changed careers, became a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, swim coach, run coach… the list goes on!

“My goal is to help others turn the IMpossible, into I’m possible.”  Andrea Drury

Andrea has a string of achievements – the most recent being crossing the finish line at the Ironman 70.3 in Sunshine Coast. This was to celebrate her 50th birthday (as you do!).

Program details

  • Tuesdays and Thursday – 16 Oct to 6 Dec 2018 — fully booked!
  • 6.00-7.00am
  • 8-week program
  • Long Reef, Collaroy
  • Limited to 16 members
  • $340 for 16 x sessions (across 8-weeks)
  • Special! $440 for additional weekly strength training – 24 x sessions (across 8-weeks)

NEW! Saturday-only session 

  • Saturday 20 Dec to 8 Dec 2018
  • 8.00-9.00am
  • 8-week program
  • Jamieson Park, Narrabeen Lake
  • Limited to 12 members
  • $200 for 8 x sessions
  • Special! $340 with additional weekly strength training – 16 x sessions (across 8-weeks)

“When I run, I feel good. My mind feels good. I sleep in a free way, and I enjoy life.”  Eliud Kipchoge, Men’s World Marathon Record Holder 2018 (2:01:39)

 

Kids ‘Learn to Run’ Workshop

I am continually asked about offering run technique workshops for kids. Having been one of those kids first starting out with running, I constantly reflect on the skills that I have learnt now, wishing I had know them then. Which is why I have I am particularly motivated and inspired to share what I have learnt over the years, so that our younger generation can benefit as they grow up.

Thrilled to announce that I have finally compiled a holiday workshop targeting kids who are looking to improve their running. The workshop will be 2.5hr in duration and will focus on the following:

  • What good technique looks like
  • Drills to engage the correct running muscles
  • Agility and games to practice good movement patterns
  • Exercises to improve strength, stability and speed
  • Team-based games and activities to build self-esteem
  • Tips on how to make running fun 🙂

The workshop will target kids over the age of 6yrs, who are looking to improve their running. We are offering 2 x workshops during the school holidays, from 9am-11.30am (max 6 children p/workshop):

  • Weds 23 Sept (rescheduled due to rain)
  • Weds 30 Sept (FULLY BOOKED!)
  • Thurs 01 Oct

The cost for the 2.5hr workshop is $30 per child.  If this is something that interests you, then please visit our Family-FIT program for more details.

Mums/Dads – you are welcome to observe the training session, so that you can obtain tips and tricks to further support your child’s development.

Really look forward to nurturing the passion for running in our younger generation!

Click here to register a place for your child.

Debbie Solms
Run Coach
Beauty of Exercise

RUN BETTER Workshop

We’re thrilled that Dave Robertson (Robbo) is able to make himself available to deliver his highly recognised Run Better workshop. Designed & delivered by Robbo himself, a qualified physiotherapist, you will come away with loads of professional advice on running anatomy, skills, drills & prevention/management of running injuries. Suitable for anyone who wants to become a better runner – first-timers to ironman-triathletes.

If you are struggling with your running and are looking for expert advice on how to improve your technique and performance, then this workshop is for you.

Date: Friday 13 March

Time: 6-7.30am

Cost: First-time program $110 | Refresher program $70.

Limited to 10 x participants.

More info: https://beautyofexercise.com.au/portfolio-item/run-workshop/

Portfolio Items