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Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2017

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The run that’s for everyone! Join your family for the 3.5km Family Fun Run, or join forces with your running buddy for the newly certified 10km Bridge Run. Take it to the next level and sign up for the Sydney Half Marathon, OR… if you’re looking for a pretty damn special goal, commit to the Sydney Marathon. 

Whatever your goal, we’ve built face-to-face training programs to support you take on the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on Sun 17 Sept 2017.  The course is flatter, faster, takes in the iconic Harbour Bridge and finishes at the stunning Sydney Opera House.

Our community is built on supporting each other achieve our goals. We surround ourselves with like-minded friends who motivate and inspire us along the way. Our programs are tailored to start where we’re at, progressing gradually – with the key goal to get us to the start line in full fitness and injury-free.

Our Programs
Race Distance Training Program Training Starts
Sydney Marathon 42.2km 16 weeks 27 May 2017
Sydney Half-Marathon 21.1km 12 weeks 24 June 2017
Sydney Bridge Run 10km 10-weeks 08 July 2017
Our Training

Our programs are built around 3 x weekly coached training sessions focusing on speed, strength and endurance.  We train together as a team, as this offers encouragement, motivation, accountability for showing up and a great sense of camaraderie between fellow running buddies.  Training programs are prepared in periodised blocks and provided via Training Peaks. This allows us to provide individual plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need. Our aim is to progresses you gradually, so that you train safely and without injury.

What is included?
  • Periodised training plan based on your race distance
  • 3 x weekly face-to-face coached group session – speed, strength & endurance training
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded community
What is excluded?
  • Race entry fee
  • Travel, accommodation and meals
  • BEXI technical race singlet

OUR COMMITMENT! We are 100% committed to making sure you line up on the start line feeling fit, healthy and injury-free. Which is why we are offering participants of this program, the option of joining our Strength-FIT program for the reduced price of only $12 per session. Commit to a 10-week Strength-FIT program for only $120 (vs $200 as standalone program).

Your Investment
Program Investment + Strength-FIT
42km Race-FIT $420 (3 x $145/pm) $540 (3 x $182/pm)
21km Race-FIT $360 (3 x $125/pm) $480 (3 x $162/pm)
10km Race-FIT $300 (2 x $155/pm) $420 (3 x $142/pm)

 

Sign up for Sydney’s iconic running festival – REGISTER TODAY!

Gold Coast Airport Marathon 1-2 July 2017

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There is something very special about the Gold Coast Airport Marathon – the time of year (fabulous winter!), the course following the vast beaches, the awesome atmosphere, the support – and not to mention the field of international runners wearing funky dress-ups!

Endurance Programs
Race Distance Training Program Training Starts
Marathon 42.2km 16 weeks 11 March 2017
Half-Marathon 21.1km 12 weeks 08 April 2017
’10km-Self-Love’ Program 10-weeks 29 April 2017
Training

Our programs are built around 3 x weekly coached training sessions focusing on speed, strength and endurance.  We train together as a team, as this offers encouragement, motivation, accountability for showing up and a great sense of camaraderie between fellow running buddies.  Training programs are prepared in periodised blocks and provided via Training Peaks. This allows us to provide individual plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need. Our aim is to progresses you gradually, so that you train safely and without injury.

NEW! In addition to our marathon and half-marathon programs, we are super-excited about launching our ’10km-Self-Love’ program:

♥ ’10km-Self-Love’ Program
Our 10km ‘Self-Love’ Program is all about fun and participation. It is about nourishing our body, minds and soul – to provide a sense of peace and calm in a busy world.  Our 10-week program includes 3 x weekly coached sessions – run, strength & yoga. We train together as a supportive team, with the goal of having fun while nourishing ourselves. Race weekend will include guided meditation, nourishing yoga practices and of course our 10km ‘fun’ run.  Our program starts on Sat 29 April 2017.
What is included?
  • Periodised training plan based on your race distance
  • 3 x weekly face-to-face coached group session – speed, strength & endurance training (‘10km self-love’ program different)
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Weekend program logistics (full program on Sat 1 & Sun 2 July 2017)
    • Participation in the ‘Self-Love’ Retreat
    • Restorative Yoga
    • Guided Meditation
    • Refreshing Herbal Teas
    • Swim, Sauna & Steam
    • Foot Salt Scrub
    • Relaxation (bring a good book!)
    • Special BEXI ‘Self-Love’ Essential Oil Blend ❤️
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded community
  • FREE BEXI cotton singlet
What is excluded?
  • Race entry fee
  • Travel, accommodation and meals
  • BEXI technical race singlet
OPTIONAL EXTRA!  Strength-FIT Program
Advance your training with our new weekly Strength-FIT program. Focused 100% on strengthening muscles and joints, our goal is to improve your performance and decrease injury risk. We target flexibility, balance, mobility, core and functional strength. Our 10-week program includes regular biomechanical check-ups to assess your body alignment; range of motion and functional muscle strength.  Highly recommend this program to complement your training. $150 for 10-week program – in conjuction with Race-FIT program (or $200 as standalone program).

 

What is Investment?
Program Investment + Extra Strength-FIT $150
42km Race-FIT $420 (3 x $145 /pm) $570 (4 x $145 p/m)
21km Race-FIT $360 (3 x $125 /pm) $510 (3 x $175 p/m)
10km ‘Self-Love’ Program $450 (3 x $155 /pm) Inclusive

Both our Marathon & Half-Marathon programs will be included in the ‘Self-Love’ Weekend Retreat.

♥ Join us for a weekend of fun & participation in the Gold Coast – register today! 

 

SMH Half-Marathon – Sun 21 May 2017

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The SMH Half-Marathon  is Australia’s largest and most prestigious half-marathon events. With over 12,000 participants, the route takes on 21.1km around Sydney’s most iconic sights.

Training

Our 12-week training program starts on Sat 25 February 2017 and progressively builds up, so that you are able to cover the course comfortably.

Our programs are based on the 80/20 Rule – 80 percent at low intensity and 20 percent at moderate/high intensity. By training slower we aim to run stronger and race faster.  All programs are built around 3 x coached sessions.

Each member has an online program, which is prepared in blocks and provided via Training Peaks. This allows us to provide individualised plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need. You will be able to log your workouts and analyse your performance data as you complete each session. Our aim is to progresses you gradually, so that you train safely and without injury.

➣ Looking for motivation to get you started –  read our blog ‘A BIG YES!‘ 
What is included?
  • 12-week periodised training plan based on your race distanc
  • 3 x face-to-face coached group session – long run, interval run and tempo run
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
  • FREE BEXI cotton singlet
What is excluded?
  • Race entry fee
  • Travel, accommodation and meals
  • BEXI technical race singlet
What is cost?

$360 for 12-week program

Total can be split into monthly installments – (3 x $125/pm)


✔ Join our BEXI Team and train for Australia’s largest half-marathon

Embrace all the good in your life

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I had the privilege of cheering a friend at the recent Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mooloolaba a couple of weekends ago.  The atmosphere was amazing! There were athletes from all walks of life, from countries all around the world.

As a world championship race, these age-group athletes would have had to earn a slot at a qualifying event. It’s a huge achievement just making it to the world champs! The key thing that really struck me about this event, was the variety of athletes. There were young & old athletes, small & large athletes, able-bodied & paraplegic athletes. It was truly inspiring watching all these athletes pursue their dream.

One of the biggest inspiration for me that weekend was watching a paraplegic athlete embrace his goal. This guy rolled his wheelchair to the beach, where the race officials carried him to the start and placed him in the water. When he finished his swim, the race officials carried him to his bike (see above pic), where he focused on getting on his bike and continuing with the bike course, followed by the run course in his wheelchair.

It was truly very humbling. He never complained.  He just embraced the atmosphere and all the support from those along the course. At the end of the race, a supporter walked up to him, patted him on the shoulder and said, “Well done mate, you were truly awesome!”

As able-bodied athletes, we often take our situation for granted. We complain about the mundane — “I’m injured, I can’t train… I’m overweight, I can’t run… I can’t cycle, I’m too scared… I am busy, I can’t commit.”

We are all guilty of taking things for granted — however, it just requires a little reminder from time-to-time, to appreciate what we have. Just watch the Paralympics at Rio – swimmers with no limbs, runners with no eyesight, table-tennis players with no arms. It is truly very humbling.

So my message today – pause for a moment to appreciate all the good in your life. Your health, your family, your environment, the opportunities you have, the choices you have… the support you have.

Learn to appreciate what you have… before time makes you appreciate what you had.

A huge congratulations to all those athletes who competed in Mooloolaba — the oldest being 87years old! Truly amazing!

Also a massive ‘Good Luck’ shout to all our BEXI athletes taking part in the Blackmores Running Festival this weekend.  Embrace all the good in your life and make the most of it.

 

Debbie Solms
Feeling Grateful

Exercise and the F-word

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On Tuesday morning I found myself engrossed in a conversation on ABC 702 between Wendy Harmer and Martha Lourey-Bird (Exercise Scientist), discussing family fitness (conversation here.)

So many families are embracing sedentary lifestyles these days – watching TV, playing computer games, glued to their iPhone’s – which is causing heaps of health and social issues.

It was great to hear Martha’s views about the importance involving kids when it comes to choosing activities and how to focus on the positives when it comes to exercise.

For kids/teenagers who are wired to their screens, a great idea is to head to the park and play some touch footie, cricket, soccer, hockey, netball, etc. Or another suggestion, which I thought was awesome, was to get them involved in training for an event with you. Make it a joint challenge – enter a charity event, fun run, parkrun. Not only will this give them a sense of purpose, but the training will stretch over a number of weeks, which will enable them to get into a routine.

Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate

The benefits of training as a family are vast – physical health, mental health and also bonding the family. If you have traditionally chosen a sedentary option over the weekend (i.e. watch sport on TV), why not make a small change and try something active – take the dog for a walk, ride your bikes around the lake, meet friends in the park for a walk. Setting positive lifestyle patterns is so important.

Our values at Beauty of Exercise is always FUN! Whatever we do, we make sure to have fun. If it’s getting up in the dark, running up hills, chasing our buddies around the lake – it’s all fun! And the key thing with having fun is to surround yourself with like-minded people to have fun with.

So, the moral of the F-word — always keep it FUN! And remember, your children become what you are… so be what you want them to be.

Debbie2
~ Beauty of Exercise

Australian Running Festival 2016

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Our first coached program of the 2016 season is the Australian Running Festival in Canberra on 9th-10th April 2016.  We love this race – Canberra offers cooler temps, autumnal colours, iconic buildings, great atmosphere and an awesome course.

 

We’ve planned three training programs for this event:

Distance Program Duration # Coached Sessions Starts
42km | 50km 16 weeks 32 sessions 19 December 2015
21km 12 weeks 24 sessions 16 January 2016
10km 10 weeks 20 sessions 30 January 2016

Training

Our programs are prepared in blocks and provided via Training Peaks. This allows us to provide individual plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need. You will be able to log your workouts, analyse your pace, heart rate, power and other useful performance data.

Each program will be based on 3 x quality runs per week and 2 x cross-training sessions. We will meet twice p/week to train as a team – endurance run (Sat) and interval training (Tue). The additional tempo run will be done at a time that is convenient to you.  All our training is done in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment.

What is included?

  • Periodised training plan based on your distance (10-16 weeks)
  • Face-to-face coached group session for two quality runs (endurance run and intervals)
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private Facebook page
  • Membership of a like-minded Community
  • Discounted BEXI race singlet

What is excluded?

  • Race entry fee
  • Travel, accommodation and meals

What is cost?

Program Cost
10km Race-FIT $300
21km Race-FIT $340
42-50km Race-FIT $370
Race-FIT participants can upgrade to our Unlimited 2 Term package to benefit from additional discounts.
Total cost can be split into 2-3 x monthly instalments.

Register today – I can and I will! 

Canberra Marathon

Jump-into-January 2016

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Beat the post-Christmas holiday sluggish slump!

Know that feeling of ‘over-indulging goodness’ of the festive season?  Sluggish, unfit, unhealthy and unmotivated?

Join us for our 30-day ‘Jump-into-January’ challenge and we’ll help you jump-OUT of your bad holiday habits and jump-IN to your new healthy habits. We’ll boost your health, fitness and energy levels – leaving you feeling ready to embrace 2016!

What will you get when you sign up?

  • 30-days of deliciously, healthy, family-friendly meal plans
  • 30-days of fabulous, fun exercise challenges – for all fitness-levels
  • 30-days of health tips to energize you in 2016
  • 30-days of amazing support to keep you accountable
  • Weekly access to our group exercise classes
  • Weekly video interviews of members sharing their top healthy tips
  • Weekly adventurous wildcard challenges that will encourage you to try new activities
  • Weekly motivational intentions to inspire you
  • Prizes for those who achieve success along the way
  • Much more…

Who is this program for?

  • anyone who would like to beat the bad holiday habits
  • anyone who would like to create new healthy habits
  • anyone who would like to lose weight
  • anyone who would like some motivation to get started
  • anyone who would like be held accountable
  • anyone looking for support from a small group of amazing individuals

How does it work?

Each week you will be receive a link to a program of activities for the week. The program will include meal plans, recipes, workouts, motivational intentions, wildcard challenges, healthy tips, video interviews and much more. You will also have access to a private supportive on-line community who will support you every step along the way.

Group training sessions are as follows:

  • Mon 9.30-10.30am
  • Thurs 6-7am

How much does it cost?

$80 (normal value $300) – jump-on-it-now!

FREE for BEXI members who have registered for our Unlimited 1 or Unlimited 2 Term training packages.

What next?

Jump-into-January 2016 – register today!

» Full list of 2016 training programs

Kids Learn-to-Run Workshop

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Kids are natural runners, but whether they’re joining you for your local Saturday parkrun, participating in school athletics or involved in team sports, they require special care at every step of their development. From learning the right technique, to the right shoes, to the right distance.  Fuelling their passion for running means support, encouragement and guidance. This is where we come in!

Our Kids Learn-to-Run Workshop is based on our motivation to share the benefits and  fun of running with our younger generation.

Who is this for?

  • Kids who interested in improving their running
  • Kids who would like to progress their flair for athletics
  • Kids who are involved in team sports where the focus is on running
  • Kids who are keen to join Mum and Dad at their local parkrun on the weekend
  • Kids ages 6-12yrs

What is covered?

  • What good technique looks like
  • Drills to activate 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
When: Sat 21 November 2015
Where: Billarong Reserve, Narrabeen
Time: 10am-12pm
Age: 6-12yrs (max 8 kids)
Cost: $40 (+$20 p/sibling)

Click here to Register

 

 

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