Posts

Canberra Marathon Festival – 10 April 2022

/in /by

Join us for a weekend of fun, adventure and fulfilling goals

The 2022 Canberra Times Marathon Festival is on! Offering something for everyone – from 2km kids run, to half-marathon or marathon-distance for the experienced runners. Set yourself a goal and come join us as we explore the beautiful surrounds of our capital city – including Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle, the War Memorial and so much more.  

About our programs

We understand the pressures of life and trying to fit everything in (family, work, sport, friends, etc.) – so our programs are purposely built to accommodate your busy schedules. Each  program focuses on building fitness, speed and endurance. We also include a structured strength training element to correct muscle imbalances, increase mobility, stabilize joints and more. 

Program
Duration
Starts
Marathon program 16 weeks Mon 20 Dec 2021
Half-marathon program 12 weeks Tue 18 Jan 2022
10km program 08 weeks Tue 15 Feb 2022

If you’re thinking of stepping up to the marathon distance – read our ‘Ready for a Marathon’ blog. 

What is included?
  • Structured training program
  • 3 x weekly group training sessions 
  • 2 x weekly strength training sessions
  • Online training programs via Training Peaks
  • Nutrition and recovery guidance
  • Mental skills and race strategies
  • Event weekend logistics
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
What is excluded?
Your Investment
The weekend is more than just running – there is something for the entire family!

  • Escape for hours with the kids at Questacon, the National Zoo & Aquarium, the Australian War Memorial, and so much more! 
  • Bring your hubbies & kids and let them have fun at one of Australia’s premier mountain biking trails – Stromlo Forest Park. Purchase a shuttle bus pass in advance so that they can spend hours of fun on the downhills. Highly recommend! 
  • The weekend will also include the burgeoning coffee scene, eclectic cafes and trendy restaurants/bars. 

 

 

Canberra 2014

Canberra 2015

Canberra 2016

Canberra 2017

Canberra 2018

 
 

Canberra 2018

 

BEXI Spring Fling – Logistics

/in /by

Our BEXI Spring Fling takes place on Sat 19 Sept 2020. It’s a fun run which follows the magnificent coastline from the Sydney Opera House to Manly Beach. Runners choose their distance and where they would like to start. We all cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach to the cheer from our BEXI buddies. Our aim is to have fun and take in the stunning beauty that the Northern Beaches has to offer.

35km Course

Start on the steps of the Opera House – hug the coastline all the way towards Little Manly Beach.
We will meet 5.15am at Collaroy SLSC and car pool to the Opera House – start 6am. Support vehicle will meet you key meeting points to provide you with drinks and nutrition. Celebrate the finish as you cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach.

→  Detailed 35km instructions 

20km Course

Start at Taronga Zoo – hug the coastline all the way to Little Manly Beach.
We will meet 5.45am at Manly Library Carpark and car pool to Taronga Zoo – start 6.30am. Support vehicle will meet you at regular meeting points to provide you with drinks and nutrition. Celebrate the finish as you cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach.

→  Detailed 20km instructions 

10km Course (One-way)

Start at the Spit Bridge – follow the Spit-to-Manly Walk, all the way to Little Manly Beach.
We will meet 6.45am at Manly Library Carpark and car pool to the Spit Bridge – start 7.30am. Follow the Spit-to-Manly walk. Celebrate the finish as you cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach.

→  Detailed 10km (one-way) instructions 

10km Course (Out/Back)

Start at Little Manly – follow the Manly-to-Spit walk, turn around at 5km mark and return to start at Little Manly Beach.
We will meet 7.15am at Little Manly Beach (left of Manly Ferry) – start 7.30am. Follow the Spit-to-Manly walk, turn-around at 5km. Celebrate the finish as you cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach.

→  Detailed 10km (out/back) instructions 

5km Course (Out/Back)

Start at Little Manly – follow the Manly-to-Spit walk, turn around at 2.5km mark and return to start at Little Manly Beach.
We will meet 7.45am at Little Manly Beach (left of Manly Ferry) – start 8am. Follow the Spit-to-Manly walk, turn-around at 2.5km. Celebrate the finish as you cross the finish line at Little Manly Beach.

→  Detailed 5km (out/back) instructions

Nutrition & Fuel

It is important that each runner is self-sufficient on the day. Please carry your own hydration and nutrition supplies.

As a guideline runners should consume 30-45gms* of carbohydrate per hour (*dependent on body weight, experience and pace).  If you are running for 4 hours – aim to carry 5-6 gels (or equivalent carbs – sports drink, chews, bloks). If you are running 2-2½ hours – aim to carry 2-3 gels.

Hydration guidelines should be based on 600mls* per hour (*dependent on your sweat rate, weather conditions and length of event). If you are prone to cramps or sweat excessively – ensure you take on electrolytes and salt tablets.  (Note – there are electrolytes in some gels/sports drinks.)

If you concerned about your nutrition, please contact Tamara Madden at Mad on Nutrition.

What to Bring

Dress in layers, as it will be cool to start. Wear your BEXI singlet (preferably), shorts/leggings, visor/cap , sunglasses, sunscreen, vaseline (for chaffing), watch/GPS, socks, running shoes, hydration bladder (optional), waist belt (optional), nutrition (see above).

On-course Support

A BEXI support vehicle will be on-course supporting the 35km and 20km runners at key meeting points. Drinks and nutrition will be provided at these support stops. The vehicle will also carry drop-off bags for change of clothing at finish.

Who can Join

This is not a sanctioned event or registered race, it is simply a social fun run for our BEXI members, friends and family. The more the merrier!

COVID-19 Safety Plan

Based on recent guidelines from the NSW Chief Health Officer (14 Sept 2020), we are limited to group sizes of 20 max at outdoor public gatherings. We will therefore be directing participants once they cross the ‘finish line’, to various designated meeting points in the area.

  

 

Running Programs

/in /by

Our running programs have been designed to prepare you fully for your chosen event, so that feel confident and ready to have a fantastic race. 

Each training plan is focused on building your strength, improving your mobility and increase your mileage at a safe rate so you can progress injury-free and achieve your goal. You choose your distance (10km to marathon/ultra-marathon) and will be structure your training program accordingly. We train together as a team – as this offers greater team camaraderie and higher levels of motivation. Our comprehensive training program is structured around a combination of face-to-face coached sessions, virtual coached sessions (via zoom) and your own homework sessions.

What is included?
  • Weekly online training program (via Training Peaks)
  • 3 x weekly face-to-face coached sessions – Intervals | Tempo | Long Run
  • 2 x weekly virtual cross-training sessions (via Zoom) – Strength & Mobility | Yoga
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Motivational support
  • Membership to a supportive, like-minded Community

Who is this program for?
  • You would like to train for a specific running event – marathon | half-marathon | 10km
  • You want to challenge yourself to the distance for the first time but done know how to train
  • You need that extra support to achieve your goal
  • Your enjoy training in a group environment with like-minded runners who will push you to achieve your best
What is excluded?
Program Prerequisites

We are committed to supporting and encouraging all who participate in our programs, whilst keeping the health and safety of our members a priority. Please view our program prerequisites for a guideline of our baseline requirements, or speak to Debbie Solms about your journey.

What is the cost?

 → Click here for list of upcoming running events 

 

 

We’re supporting you!

/in /by

We have all been affected by the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Our races have been cancelled and we are feeling disappointed, lost and rather numb by the unknown situation.

 

Without a doubt, exercise is the one key factor that will get us through this crazy time. It will help with stress, anxiety, mental health, physical health… including boosting our immune system.

To support our BEXI community, we have created a few 8-week training programs which gives you the opportunity to train on your own;  or with us in the great outdoors (applying social distancing, of course!).  These programs include 3 x ‘non-event’ events during the course of the training – with the grand finale at the end.

We’ve planned some super-fun ‘non-event’ events that include road running and trail running.  They will be challenging, but more importantly – these events will give us a sense of purpose, a goal 8-weeks to have fun training with your buddies (or on your own).

If you’re looking for a FREE training program to keep you focused over the next 8-weeks, choose from the following:
  • BEXI50 – Trail running program, building up to the 50km distance on the trails (replacing UTA50)
  • BEXI22 – Trail running program, building up to the 22km distance on the trails (replacing UTA22)
  • BEXI42 – Road running program, building up to the marathon distance on the roads (replacing Canberra/London Marathon)
  • BEXI21 – Road running program, building up to the half-marathon distance on the roads (replacing SMH 21km)
  • BEXI21-Relay – Road running program, building up to the half-marathon relay distance on the roads (replacing SMH 21km relay)

 

Our aim is to keep you training – so that you have a purpose, are happy and stay healthy (physically and mentally).  Stay safe. Look out for each other. Community is everything. 

SMH Half-Marathon – Sun 17 May 2020

/in /by

Join us for a beautiful Sunday morning run as we take part in one of Australia’s largest running events – the SMH Half Marathon on Sun 17 May 2020. Bring a friend and take in the sights of Sydney – incl. Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and much more.

The event is inclusive for everyone! Bring your buddy and enter the relay distance – 11km for 1st runner and 10km for 2nd runner. By inviting a friend to train with you, not only will you have someone to motivate you – you’ll also have someone to push you harder, hold you accountable and… importantly, have a laugh throughout your 12-week journey.

About our Program

Our 12-week training program starts on Sat 29 Feb 2020 and focuses on supporting those who are training for the relay or the half-marathon events.  We train together as a team – as this offers greater team camaraderie and higher levels of motivation. Our comprehensive training program is structured around face-to-face coached sessions – ensuring you are supported every step of the way and progress injury free.

Run training consists of 3 x weekly group training sessions, which take place on the Northern Beaches. Our long runs rotate among various locations – which keeps things fresh and interesting.

* BONUS! When you sign up for our SMH Half-Marathon program, you are invited to join our Strength-FIT training for the duration of the training program.
Who is this program for?
  • You want to experience the atmosphere and take part in the relay
  • You want to try a half-marathon for the first time
  • You want to improve your previous half-marathon
  • You want to train with friends and have fun getting fit
What is included?
  • 12-week online training program (with Training Peaks)
  • 35-plus x coached sessions
  • Access to weekly Strength-FIT training*
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
  • Glass of bubbles at the finish!
What is excluded?
Program Prerequisites

We are committed to supporting and encouraging all who participate in our programs, whilst keeping the health and safety of our members a priority. Please view our program prerequisites for a guideline of our baseline requirements, or speak to Debbie Solms about your journey.

About our Coaches

Our qualified coaches bring a vast level of experience in the sport of endurance running and strength & conditioning. Between them, they have completed ultra-marathons, marathons, half-marathons, trail marathons and much more.

Your Investment Options
  • Gold Membership – $55/week across 12-weeks (29 Feb to 17 May 2020)
  • Access to all the above coached sessions
  • Program based on 12 x participants (subject to numbers)

 

SMH Half-Marathon 2019

 

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2019

/in , /by

We’d love you to join us for our most popular training event on the race calendar!  The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on 15 September 2019. An absolute bucket list event, taking you across Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. 

Regularly voted as one of the most scenic running events in the world, we have the absolute pleasure of calling this our ‘home’ run.  This year we are thrilled to be offering face-to-face training programs across all distances – Marathon, Half-Marathon and Bridge Run 10km.

About our Programs

Our programs are always built on the foundation of having FUN!

Each program starts with building a solid foundation, we then incorporate strength, speed and endurance into the mix. Our goal is to ensure you progress gradually and consistently, building strength and fitness, so that you achieve your race goal in peak physical and mental form.

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 structure individual plans that best suits your needs and goals, as well as giving us the feedback and analysis tools we need.

Run training consists of 3 x weekly group training sessions, which take place at Collaroy/Northern Beaches. We mix up our long runs to keep things fresh and fun! There is an additional strength & conditioning session which we recommend to build muscle strength, power and endurance.

Race Distance
Program
Training Starts
Marathon 42.2km 16 weeks 20 May 2019
Half-Marathon 21.1km 12 weeks 17 June 2019
Bridge Run 10km 8-weeks 15 July 2019
Recommended Weekly Training Schedule
  • Mon: Strength Training* – to build muscle strength and to protect your joints from injury (*part of Gold Membership package)
  • Tue: Run Intervals – to develop aerobic capacity, speed, strength & stamina on the run
  • Thu: Run Intervals/Tempo – to develop aerobic capacity, speed, strength & stamina on the run
  • Sat: Long Run – to build running endurance, strength & stamina
What is included?
  • Online periodised training program based on your race distance (8-16 weeks)
  • Wide range of face-to-face coached sessions – running, strength, group classes, etc.
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Monthly face-to-face program review meetings
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
  • Glass of bubbles at the finish!
What is excluded?
Program Prerequisites

We are committed to supporting and encouraging all to participate in our programs, whilst keeping the health and safety of its members a priority.  Please view our program prerequisites to determine which program is right for you.

About our Coaches

Our qualified coaches bring a vast level of experience in the sport of endurance running and strength & conditioning. Between them, they have completed ultra-marathons, marathons, half-marathons, trail marathons and much more.

Your Investment Options
  • GOLD Membership – Unlimited weekly group training sessions (incl. strength, yoga, group classes, +) – $50 p/wk
  • Marathon – 3-weekly group run sessions, online training program – $42 p/wk (16-weeks)
  • Half-Marathon – 3-weekly group run sessions, online training program – $42 p/wk (12-weeks)
  • Bridge Run 10km – 3-weekly group run sessions, online training program – $42 p/wk (8-weeks)
BONUS! Sign up to the marathon or half-marathon program and we will ‘gift’ your partner our 10km online program.

Orange Running Festival: 3 March 2019

/in , /by

Join us for a wonderful weekend away in the renowned food and wine region of Orange. Enjoy the stunning autumnal colours and cool climate as we take part in the Orange Running Festival – a scenic, fast, undulating run course.

The 2019 Orange Running Festival offers a fabulous event catering for all ages and abilities – from the 2km dash for kids, to the marathon distance for the more experienced runner. The country atmosphere from the friendly local community, makes this event very inviting and super-friendly. We love it!

About the Program

Our 11-week program focuses on the Half-Marathon distance, commencing Mon 10 Dec 2018. You will receive an online periodised training program via Training Peaks, which will be updated on a weekly basis. This will enable us to provide individual plans that best suits your needs and goals. 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.  Starting with building a solid foundation, we then incorporate strength, speed and endurance training into the mix. Our goal is to ensure you are at the start line in peak form, ready to achieve your personal goal.

New this year! You choose the number of weekly coached sessions you would like to attend – based on your availability. From interval sessions, tempo training, long runs, strength & conditioning, pilates, yoga and much more.  As a recommendation, we encourage you to attend a minimum of 3 x coached weekly runs sessions – as this will keep you focused, injury free and progress your cardio fitness. You can then choose any additional coached sessions to complement your run training.

Recommended Weekly Training Schedule
  • Mon: Strength – to build muscle strength and to protect your joints from injury
  • Tue: Run Intervals – to develop aerobic capacity, speed, strength & stamina on the run
  • Wed: Foundation run (own training) – to develop aerobic capacity, enduring and running efficiency
  • Thu: Run Tempo – to develop aerobic capacity, speed, strength & stamina on the run
  • Sat: Long Run – to build running endurance, strength & stamina

Choose additional coached training sessions based on your availability. 

What is included?
  • 11-week online periodised training program
  • Wide range of face-to-face coached sessions
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Monthly face-to-face program review meetings
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
What is excluded?
About our Coaches

Our qualified coaches bring a vast level of experience in the sport of endurance running. Between them, they have completed ultra-marathons, marathons, half-marathons, trail marathons and much more.

Your Investment Options

Our GOLD Membership of $50 per week will give you access to all the above, plus additional unlimited weekly group training.

Alternatively, our Race-FIT Membership of $42 per week total ($462) will give you access to 3-weekly run sessions (Tues, Thurs & Sat) across the 11-week program.

View our full list of membership package options.

Save the date – training starts Mon 10 Dec 2018 

Runner, friend and all the things you never knew!

/in /by

I love chatting to people when I run!  It’s often the best time to find out more about the person you are running with and learn something new. Often at the end of a run, I come away in awe of the person that I’ve just run with. This is becoming the norm within our BEXI community. We have an amazing community of women, who have an truly exceptional pool of talent, skill and expertise. Many of whom are humble (which I like) and don’t go bragging about all the things they’ve achieved — which is why I want to ‘shine a spotlight’ on them.

Today’s spotlight is on the gorgeous Clare Davies (second from left):

Clare is married to Neil Davies – a social worker working with homeless adolescents. They have an 18yr old son, Charlie, who was born on the 1st January 2000! Clare, originally from the UK, moved to Australia in 2003.

Clare is a Registered Nurse (30years this year!), specialising in paediatric and adolescent health. She was a paediatric nurse consultant for 13 years before moving into academia in 2016.

Her academia responsibilities include being a Lecturer in Nursing at Sydney Nursing School at The University of Sydney – where she teaches nursing leadership, clinical governance and child and adolescent health.

If this is not enough… Clare does clinical shifts every couple of weeks (because she loves it!) at Royal North Shore Hospital in Children’s Ward, Neonatal Unit and Paediatric Emergency Department.

In addition to all the above… Clare is also a PhD student at Sydney Nursing School. Her research is focused on the implementation of the United Nations Children’s Rights Charter in healthcare. She is about to start data collection at Sydney Children’s Hospital asking children about their experiences.

In her spare time (haha!)… Clare sings in a choir (Northern Beaches Chorus) and a quartet ( Sista).

Sista competes every year in the Australian Women’s National Barbershop Competition. They have consistently placed in the top 5 for the last 7 years ( photos below!). In 2015, Clare auditioned and was lucky enough to get picked to represent Australia, with 60 other singers, in the Women’s Barbershop World Championships in Las Vegas. They came 10th which was very exciting as it was the first time an Australian choir had gotten into the top 10!

Asked what a typical day looks like:

“It is really hard to pinpoint a typical day, as each day is so varied! It could be lecturing and meeting with students, working on her thesis or caring for sick children and their families who have been admitted to hospital. It means I never get bored.”

We are super-proud to have you part of our BEXI family. Thank you for sharing an insight into your incredibly fulfilling life.

 

 

Sydney Running Festival 2018 – 16 Sept 2018

/in , , /by

Run one of the world’s most scenic running event in the world! Taking in the iconic Harbour Bridge and finishing at the stunning Sydney Opera House. 

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is our most popular training event on the race calendar. We love it because it offers a truly spectacular race course – from running across the Harbour Bridge, through the historical Royal Botanic Gardens, around the gorgeous Centennial Parklands, and finishing on the steps of the archetypal Sydney Opera House.

Regularly voted as one of the most beautiful cities in the world – this event is definitely one for your bucket-list!

We are delighted to be offering face-to-face training programs to prepare you for this amazing event. Distances vary across the Marathon 42.2km, Half-Marathon 21.1km and the Bridge Run 10km. Each program starts with building a solid foundation, we then incorporate strength, speed and endurance. Our end-goal is to ensure you are at the start line in peak form, ready to achieve your personal goal.

Race Distance
Program
Training Starts
Marathon 42.2km 16 weeks 26 May 2018
Half-Marathon 21.1km 12 weeks 23 June 2018
Bridge Run 10km 8-weeks 21 July 2018
Training Programs – Marathon & Half-Marathon

Our programs are built around 4 x weekly face-to-face coached training sessions. We start with building a solid foundation, we then incorporate strength, speed and endurance. Our end-goal is to ensure you are at the start line in peak form, ready to achieve your personal goal.

NEW!  We are 100% committed to supporting your journey – as such, we are thrilled to be offering you a FREE strength & conditioning program included in this package. Weekly sessions will focus on functional conditioning movements designed to increase your muscle strength, power 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 qualified coaches bring a vast level of experience in the sport of endurance running. Between them, they have completed ultra-marathons, marathons, half-marathons, trail marathons and much more.

Weekly Training Timetable (Mon to Sat) – Marathon & Half-Marathon Programs

(view landscape or on desktop/laptop)

Mon
Tues
Thur
Sat
Strength
Run – Intervals
Run – Strength
Run – Endurance
5:45-6:30am,
Narrabeen		 5:45-7:00am,
Collaroy		 5:45-7:00am,
Collaroy		 5.45am-8:00am,
Various
Coached conditioning program focuses on strengthening muscles and joints to help improve athletic performance. Coached run session focusing on technique, speed and stamina. Coached run session focusing on technique, strength and stamina. Coached run session focusing on technique, stamina and endurance.
What is included for Marathon & Half-Marathon Programs?
  • Periodised training plan based on your race distance (12-16 weeks)
  • 4 x weekly face-to-face coached group training sessions – conditioning, speed, strength & endurance
  • NEW! Strength and conditioning program
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Goal setting
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Monthly face-to-face program review meetings
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
What is included for 10km Bridge Run Program?
  • Periodised training plan based on your 10km distance (8-weeks)
  •  Weekly face-to-face coached group training sessions (Sat 8.30am) – conditioning, speed, strength & endurance
  • Goal setting
  • 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
What is excluded?
Your Investment
Race Distance
Investment
Instalments
Register
Marathon 42.2km $480 3 x $165/pm Register now!
Half-Marathon 21.1km $400 3 x $135/pm) Register now!
10km Race-FIT $220 2 x $115/pm) Register now!

“When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible!”