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Bowral Cycle Classic – 18 Oct 2020

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The award-winning Bowral Cycle Classic takes part in the stunning Southern Highlands – showcasing the beautiful quaint towns of the region.  Choose from the 125km Challenge Classic or the 90km Rouleurs Classic.

 

About the program

The event is hosted on Sun 18 October 2020 and takes you through the rolling hills of Bowral, Berrima, Sutton Forest Rogertson and Kangaloon. There are four loops on offer – we will be focusing on the 125km and 90km.

Our 13-week training program – kicks off on Tues 21 July 2020 – targeting cyclists who are looking to attempt their first cycle classic (90km); and those who would like to take on a challenge (125km).

Each week we focus on 4 x bike training sessions which include – endurance, speed and power. Half of the training sessions are coached/guided and the other half are sessions to do on your  own.

 

* Program subject to change

What is included in the program?
  • 13-week training program
  • 25 x coached/guided training sessions
  • Saturday endurance rides will be on alternate weeks as guided rides with our partners at Northern Suburbs Triathlon Club (NSTC)
  • Sunday endurance rides will be on alternative weeks as coached rides with our qualified BEXI coaches
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race day logistics
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
  • FREE BEXI Buff – they’re really cool!! 
What are the course descriptions?
What is excluded?
Your Investment

What’s the fuss about Trail Running?

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There’s been a massive surge in the sport of trail running. Before moving to Australia (in 2011), the only trail running I was aware of was fell running in the UK. And that was for crazy people!

 

Fast forward 9yrs and the interest in trail running is somewhat off the scale. Suddenly there are trail running events popping up all over the place – locally and internationally. In fact, many of these events have become prestigious ‘sell-out’ events – e.g. Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA).

 

So, what’s the fuss?

 

Top trail runner, Mark Green (The Body Mechanic) lists the following four reasons why runners are switching to trail running:

  • Lack of motivation – runners like to be constantly stimulated. A change of scenery will renew your motivation and enthusiasm.
  • Struggling with injuries – most road running injuries is a result of constant repetition. Trail running breaks up this repetition – your strides are never the same (long strides, short strides, wide strides, high strides), which means you are loading your muscles differently.
  • Experience stunning locations – trails take you off the beaten track, which means you often get to experience stunning beauty in secluded locations. This also offers great opportunity to travel the globe and experience spectacular environments.
  • Meet a friendly community – trail running attracts a community of runners who love being surrounded by nature and who prefer to run in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They are more inspired to support their trail running buddies than achieve a race PB.
I’d even include an additional benefit that ranks as #1 for me:

  • Nature affects your well-being – running in nature helps heal your mind. It helps reduce stress, depression, anxiety – making you feel more calm and balanced emotionally.

 

I’m fast realising that trail running is not just a growing fad – it’s becoming a super-important activity that supports our overall well-being.

As the demand increases, we have developed a few targeted trail running programs – for newbie-trail runners and for those training for a specific event. We’d love to invite you to join our BEXI team.

 

Yours in community,
~ Debbie

  • Learn-to-Trail Run:  starts Sat 15 Feb 2020 – teach you all the skills and technique to develop confidence on the trails
  • UTA Training Program:  starts Sat 1 Feb 2020 – 16-week program targeting UTA11, 22 & 50
  • Jabulani Training Program: starts Sat 1 Feb 2020 – 10-week program targeting Jabulani 12, 22 & 45

 

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt!
– John Muir

 

Bare Creek Trail Run – Sun 10 Nov 2019

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The Bare Creek Trail Run offers a picturesque off-road run on the fire trails of the stunning Garigal National Park in St Ives, Sydney’s north shore.

 

This is a perfect event for all ages and abilities – whether you’re just starting out with trail running, or an experienced trail runner. From the 2km Dash, 6km Family Walk/Run, to the more challenging 12km and 20km courses.

About the program

Our 4-week training program kicks off on Mon 14 Oct 2019 – and is aimed at supporting runners who are looking to attempt their first trail running event (6km/12km) or those who would like to take on a challenge (20km). This is a great warm-up run for those who have their sights set on our UTA program which starts in Feb 2020.

Whats involved?
  • 4-Week skills-based program
  • Weekly Saturday trail run (on/around Bare Creek course)
  • Weekly strength training (for injury prevention & performance)
  • Weekly hills, stairs training (for strength, endurance & performance)
What equipment do I need?
  • Trail shoes – recommended but not essential
  • Head torch 
  • The coach will chat to you about other equipment required for racing
When do we train?

Our training program offers an inclusive, supportive environment – where you are encouraged, motivated and very much part of our BEXI family.  We train together as a team, as this offers a great sense of camaraderie between fellow trail-run buddies.

Training starts on Mon 14 Oct 2019  and is limited to 12 x members.

What is excluded?
About our Coaches

Our qualified coaches bring a vast level of experience in the sport of endurance running, trail running and strength & conditioning. Between them, they have completed ultra-trail marathons, ultra-marathons, marathons, triathlons, adventure races and much more.  Coach Andy Smith has completed 3 x UTA100 events with a PB of 12:25:17 and 3rd place age category.

Your Investment
  • $50 p/week across 4-weeks – (14 Oct – 10 Nov 2019)
  • GOLD members FREE
  • Program limited to 12 x participants

 

It takes all of you!

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It inspired me, it overwhelmed me, it humbled me, it took all of me! The spirit of the Comrades Marathon.

On Sunday 4th June 2017, I had the enormous privilege of standing on the start line of the Comrades Marathon 2017.  It was an absolute dream-come-true. As a kid growing up in South Africa, I was brought up having a huge appreciation for this race. Every year the race was televised from the start to the finish – 12hrs+ of viewing – the South African nation was caught up in the grips of the Comrades fever. I was in awe of the runners who took part and had a huge respect for each and every one of them.

At 5am on the 4th June 2017, I was huddled in my starting chute with my gorgeous hubby, Martin, and good friends Sue & Richard Ollerhead. It was dark, the atmosphere was electric – combination of nerves and excitement – lots of people rushing to get into their starting chutes… and then the singing started. The entire field of 20k runners were singing Shosholoza and the South African national anthem – it truly brought a lump to my throat. This was followed by the music of Chariots of Fires (again, very emotional), then the iconic Max Tribold’s Cock Crow…. and bang, the start gun at 5.30am. And we were off!

I can recall the entire experience step-by-step, but will save that for another post. Instead, I wanted to share a few (of the many) special moments that truly touched me:

  • As a South African brought up in the apartheid era, I was completely humbled by the spirit of the Comrades. Blacks, whites, nationals, internationals – everyone was united by the raw emotion of the Comrades. Throughout the entire day, the 20k field of runners were cheering and supporting each other along the way. No matter who you were and where you came from, we were all equal – united in this beautiful sport.
  • The support on the day is second to none. There are crowds of supporters from start to finish – the entire 88km. Singing, dancing, cheering, calling out your name, handing you food, drinks, spraying you with water – creating the most amazing atmosphere! You truly felt like an elite runner competing in the Olympics.
  • The organisation of the race is on par with the Olympics. It is flawless! From pre-race registration, the ongoing communication, international ambassadors for each country, race registration, expo, hospitality, logistics, refreshments every 2km, choice of refreshments, pacing buses, entertainment, medals, photos, etc. All international runners, together with their supporters, had access to an international tent at the finish where they were served food and drinks all day. It was position right next to the finish line – so truly amazing for our families/supporters.
  • On the Friday before the race, I joined the international athlete course tour. Part of the tour was to visit the Ethembeni School for the Disabled – one of the Comrades official charities. As the bus stopped, the children we waiting for us with welcome signs for each country. Despite being faced with adversity, these children had the biggest smiles on their faces. They sang and danced for us and gave us each a beautiful, hand-made beaded bracelet. The colours of the bracelet were those of the Comrades Marathon and Ethembeni School, and consisted of 88 x beads – one for each km of the race. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience.
  • After the tour I was hanging out in the hotel lobby. Sitting next to me was a young African runner who was chilled and relaxed. His buddies came to join him and sat down for a cup of tea. There was much excitement in their conversation (in Zulu/Xhosa). At one stage I overheard them talking about their race pace of 3.50-4.00/km. I looked over at them and asked if they were planning to run the race at that pace. They all laughed and their coach asked me if I knew who they were. They were the gold-medal runners! (Ludwick Mamabolo finished 4th in 5:42; and Sphiwe Ndlela 6th in 5:45.) Truly humble and super-friendly gentlemen.

Two weeks later and I am still on a high. This event is without doubt one of the most rewarding races I have ever done! Now to consider returning next year for the ‘Back-to-Back’ medal…

It was tough, for sure… but that’s what makes finishing all the more sweeter.

Below are a few low-res pics taken on the day… enjoy! 

If we always do what we know we can do, we never grow…

Pub2Pub Fun Run 2015

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Massive thumbs up for this year’s Pub2Pub Fun Run! A truly great community event that always injects a great sense of camaraderie and friendship. This year’s event did not disappoint!

Despite the weather gods looking gloom, the clouds soon lifted and we had awesome running weather. Team BEXI (Beauty of Exercise) was out in full force:

  • TEAM GREEN trumped the event – Dad Jonno teamed up with Lawson (15yr); and Mum Amanda teamed up with Fletcher (12yr). They ran in pairs for the entire race, crossing the finish line together. Such a great achievement – especially to be able to share the experience as a family.
  • TEAM DOUGLAS – do they ever have a rest?!? Mum Felicity (in training for Blackmores Half), powered home in 1:20:08, while Michaela (13yr) and Hamish (10yr) took on the 3km fun run and placed very highly! Hamish came 4th in a time of 00:14:01 (that’s 4:40/km).
  • HELEN PARIS – fresh back from her 3-month ‘around-Australia-family-roadtrip’, was eager to expend her pent-up energy and stormed to the finish in an amazing time of 1:18:11.
  • TANYA BERTOLLI – famous for her huge BEXI-smile, soaked up the atmosphere, crossing the line with… (you guessed it)… a massive BEXI smile.
  • TEAM HUEBENTHAL – young Tobias (7yr) and Marlee (5yr) wore their BEXI shirts with pride as they powered up the hills, with Coach Roslyn Meyer right by their side. Neither of them stopped to walk — think Dad Ralf needs to learn a few tricks from them, hehe!
  • MELANIE SPONG – one of our newest BEXI running recruits used the 3km as a training run for her 5km-FIT program. That off the back of her parkrun-debut the day before — huge kudos!

It was particularly great to support our fellow running buddies from other running clubs – Curl Curl parkrun, Karmea, Trailblazers, Oz Squad, Sydney Striders… and all the others. We love spotting familiar faces and cheering them on with a high-5!

Huge congrats to REEGAN ELLIS (Curl Curl parkrunner) for winning the female category in 00:57:07; and local Dee Why runner, JACK STOLLERY for winning the male category in 00:49:45. Great to keep our prizes local 🙂

Well done to everyone who took part in the event – and all the supporters who braved the weather to cheer on their buddies! We’ll be back next year with an even bigger team to support this fabulous event.

Debbie Solms
Beauty of Exercise Run Coach

Team BEXI

Team BEXI

Team GREEN

Team GREEN

Team DOUGLAS

Team DOUGLAS

Team HUEBENTHAL

Team HUEBENTHAL