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Running Programs

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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!

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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. 

Coastal Classic – 5 Sept 2020

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Listed as one of Australia’s ‘must-do’ trail runs – the Coastal Classic is a 30km trail run through the Royal National Park (south of Sydney). 

As the world’s second oldest national park (after Yellowstone in USA), the Coastal Classic is a trail run along the coast track from Otford to Bundeena. Offering 30km of trails, beaches, sand and rainforest – this race has a bit of everything, with amazing views to top it off!

The event takes place on Sat 5th September 2020 – with entries opening on Weds 8th April 2020 (9am). The event sells out shortly after opening, so be sure to be online when registration opens.

About our  program

Our 14-week training program kicks off on 6 June 2020. It is aimed at supporting athletes who are looking to attempt a trail running challenge (30km).

Each week we focus on three targeted group training runs – strength, speed and endurance. In addition, the program also includes a strength & mobility session that focuses on functional conditioning to increase muscle strength, mobility, power and endurance.

Our Saturday endurance runs take place on various local trail courses – starting at 30mins and building to 180mins.

 

By far the most valuable part of our program is training with a group of like-minded runners, who are committed, motivated and will push you to scale greater heights.

 

Training starts on Sat 6 June 2020 and is open 12 x participants.

* Program subject to change

What are the pre-requisites?
  • Runners who are consistently running 5-10km
  • Runners looking to attempt their first trail run or already participate in some trail running
  • Runners who are in good health and injury-free
What Gear do I need?

Having the right gear to take on a remote trail run is very important in order to ensure you can enjoy your run, stay safe and get the most out of training.  The most important pieces of kit you need to get started are your trail shoes and a good hydration pack.  Our coaches will guide you in terms of which gear your need and where to purchase it.

What is included in the program?

Figure Eight Pools

  • 14-week online training program
  • 4-weekly group coached training sessions (see above)
  • Race nutrition and recovery – (in collaboration with Mad on Nutrition)
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race strategy, tactics and guidance
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Race day logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community
  • FREE BEXI Buff
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.

Your Investment
  • $60 p/week across 14-weeks – (6 June 2020 – 5 Sept 2020)
  • Unlimited weekly group training sessions (see above)
  • Program open to 14 x participants*
  • (*Program subject to numbers)

Our BEXI community at its BEST!

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I was reminded recently of the importance and power of a community.

 

A couple of our BEXI members were due to run the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday 1 March 2020. For the past 16-weeks they had trained meticulously – through the intense summer heat and the devastating bushfires, which had an impact on the air quality. They remained focused and forged ahead with their training.

 

Sadly, this was not meant to be. The coronavirus took hold of Asia, becoming a mass epidemic. Two weeks out from their ‘World Major’ Tokyo Marathon, the mass-race event was cancelled. They were devastated!

 

All that hard work – the physical training, mental training, planning, saving, preparing, etc. All gone!

 

They toyed around with finding a ‘replacement’ marathon to fill the gap – but nothing quite matched Tokyo. Instead, one of the girls came up with an idea to run 26.2km (vs 26.2miles, which is the marathon distance), on Sunday 1 March 2020 – the day that the Tokyo Marathon was due to be hosted.

 

She planned three loops of 8.7km each and invited her BEXI friends to join her in her quest. Not knowing who could make it (sadly, her other Tokyo Marathon buddy is based in Byron Bay) – she showed up and was literally flawed by the support.

 

She had an awesome group of BEXI runners join her for each loop of her run. Her sister traveled from across Sydney to support her middle loop. The last loop boosted the biggest support and resulted in her running through a finish chute lined with Tokyo flags, a cheer squad of BEXI buddies, a winner’s tape for her to cross… and her very own personalised race medal – “Winner Tokyo Virtual Marathon 2020, Ros Meyer”.

 

Her buddies even had a printed a photo of her Tokyo Marathon buddy stuck in Byron Bay.

 

This filled me with so much pride and happiness.  Our BEXI community at it’s best!

 

Roslyn and Peita – ‘As you let go of adventures not meant for you… you will be brought new ones aligned to your magic.’

 

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

 

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2019

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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.

Women’s Winter Wellness Program – 7 May to 29 June 2018

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We are super-excited to announce that we have teamed up with top qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist, Tamara Madden (Mad on Nutrition), to launch our Women’s Winter Wellness Program. Tamara offers and abundance of knowledge and a true desire to support women regain their energy and vitality.

This 8-week program will take you on a journey of education and inspiration as we share our knowledge and expertise into supporting you improve your overall health. Be it weight loss, increased energy levels or specific health issues – we will help you understand the importance of good nutrition and how it impacts your day-to-day performance.

It is not uncommon to feel frustrated about our overall health leading into winter. We become consumed with our thoughts and actions, which in turn affects our self-esteem and confidence. 

“When life gets busy, the organisation and planning goes out the window and I find myself resorting to takeaway or bad choices.”
“I am constantly tired, with bags under my eyes and allergies – can’t seem to work out where I am going wrong!”
“Every Monday starts with good intentions.  Most weeks I’m reaching for the wrong things by Tuesday.”

What is included in the program?

  • Body composition tests (x 2) with qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist:  – First appointment (start of program) – 45min test, personal nutrition guidance and set some wellness goals; – Second appointment (end of program) – 30min test, compare to see the changes
  • Nutrition guidance/tuition talks (group environment) plus weekly educational updates from qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist
  • Weekly family-friendly meal plans, recipes and shopping lists
  • Weekly mindset lessons
  • ‘Reward Yourself’ booklet with healthy ways to celebrate your successes which won’t derail your plan
  • Willpower tips and motivational charts to keep at your finger tips, regular accountability check-ins
  • Access to private online forum and buddy system where you will be supported through the 8-week program
Tamara Madden will discuss your individual nutrition plan based on your goals, activity level and body type. You will get a good understanding on how the macro-nutrients work in the body as well as the importance of the hormones in your metabolism and develop the right nutrition plan for long-term weight loss and healthy body.

Our goal is to empower and inspire women to take charge of their health and happiness. 

Benefits of the Program

  • Boost your energy levels
  • Lose weight
  • Improve your gut health
  • Balance your mood and stress levels
  • Improve sleep
  • Improve immune system
  • Support busy lifestyles
  • Improve your sporting performance
  • Realistic and sustainable

Who is this suitable for?

  • Women looking to change their lifestyles and re-establish their health and wellbeing goals
  • Women who need support and guidance through the maze of food choices
  • Women who are busy and need a weekly family-friendly meal plan, with shopping list
  • Women who need the mental and motivational support to stay on track
  • Women who need the accountability of a fabulous supportive community
  • Women who are looking for stress-free meal times suitable for the whole family

Why you should participate?

  • We truly believe that the 8-week Women’s Winter Wellness Program is a great opportunity to change your lifestyle and re-establish your health and wellbeing goals
  • Education is a key factor of the program – Tamara Madden will share her wealth of knowledge so that you can better understand the why’s and how’s of doing things
  • We are also driven by motivation – knowing that there are other women in similar positions to you, makes you feel supported and inspired throughout the program

FREE Bonuses!

Register by 30 April 2018 and receive 3 x free bonus offerings:

  • Women’s Winter Wellness Program e-book of the entire 8-week program
  • ‘Protein-Packed Snack’ e-book to help keep you fuelled
  • 101 Ways to Lose Weight – Teresa Cutter, The Healthy Chef

Early Bird Offer! 

Register by 30 April 2018 and secure your special Early Bird offer:

Standard price from 1 May 2018 – $400 or two-instalments of $205
♥ Exclusive ‘Unlimited 2-Term’ Member Offer – qualify for 25% discount as part of your ‘Unlimited Membership’. 

Registrations CLOSED – we are FULLY BOOKED!

Surround yourself with Royals

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What an absolutely incredible morning!  I feel truly humbled, inspired and motivated – hence the blog.

It started at 6am with our BEXI runners heading off for their Saturday long run training for Blackmores Running Festival. The morning was lighter and the temps were perfect for running – that feeling of Spring was in the air. I parked up at Billarong Reserve to greet our runners with fuel/refreshments for their long run. While waiting I bumped into 2 lovely ladies who were preparing for their long run – they were off to do 32km in training for their Berlin Marathon. Lesley Wilson (Mosman) and Jude O’Shea (Balgowlah).

Obviously we got chatting about Berlin – which then soon became a conversation about all the marathons they have run — New York, Athens, Chicago, London, Boston, etc.  Wow!!! Inspired and energised about all their accomplishments, the conversation rapidly flowed about their experiences with each marathon:

  • New York – the supporters across the various boroughs. Choral singers in Harlem, Hip Hop rappers in the Bronx, silence in the Jewish Quarter.
  • Boston – the bomb going off after Lesley crossed the line. The shock, the bewilderment, the camaraderie of the running community. *
  • Athens – the basic fuel stations (in the early days). From buckets of water to dip into, to sponges soaked in water, to coke. This was Jude’s first marathon – she smashed it in 3.08.
  • London – the amazing atmosphere! Bumping into Will and Kate,  stopping to take selfies. Then having friends send you pics of you taking a selfie with the royals – too funny! (That’s Lesley in the pic to the right.)
  • Kona – Jude turned to triathlon for a while and competed at Kona twice! She then went off to have 4 x children (!), and is now coming back to running – for the enjoyment.

All such humble, passionate, beautiful stories and covered this in a space of 10mins – while warming up. Oh… and the other amazing fact was that Lesley did not know about Narrabeen Lake! This morning was her first run around the lake.

Such a beautiful experience! I love surrounding myself with these amazing people and such an incredible community.

You are…  the people you surround yourself with!

* If you haven’t watched the movie documentary about the Boston bombing – watch it!  

 

It takes just 8-Steps

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Manifesting what we want in life is not as daunting as we think. We often fill our minds with negative talk which convinces us that our dream is not possible. At the same time, when we fill ourselves with positive talk, positive things happen.

All it takes is just 8 steps:

  • Set a goal – without a goal we have no direction. With no direction we’ll go nowhere. Be clear of what we want – write it down and remind ourselves daily of what we want.
  • Gratitude – feel grateful for what we have now. Our health, our family, our friends, where we live. We will realise we are already blessed and this will drive us to want to achieve.
  • Believe – once we are clear about what we want and believe that we can achieve our goal, the universe will conspire to make it happen.
  • Visualise – image that we have already achieved our dream. Focus on how good it feels to cross the finish line –  to become a 5km runner, a marathoner, a triathlete. This will bring our dream closer to us.
  • Affirm it – affirm our intentions daily, as if the event has already happened. This will bring our dream even more closer to us.
  • Stay positive – we attract what we put out there, so look for the positive in everything. Positive thinking attracts positive energy. Positive energy attracts positive people.
  • Take action – once our intention is clear, we will receive inspiration from those around us. Feed off the inspiration and we will blossom.
  • Meditate – a daily meditation practice will connect us with ourselves on a deeper level, as well as with the universe. This is when the magic happens!

By incorporating the above steps into our thinking, we will start to see the magic happening in our life. Give it a try!

Positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative and more happiness!
Upcoming dates to diarise:
– 08 Jul Blackmores 10km Bridge Run – 10-wk training program
– 17 Jul Term 3, 2017 – commences
– 05 Aug NEW! Tri-FIT Long  Course Weekend – 12-wk training program (coming soon)
– 05 Aug NEW! Ironman Western Sydney 70.3 – 16-wk training program (coming soon)
– 25 Aug NEW! Delicious Daily Dinners – 3hr Cooking Workshop (coming soon)

’10km Self-Love’ Holistic Program

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Our ’10km Self-Love’ Holistic Program is exciting on every level. It includes all of our passions – meditation, yoga, running, strength, pampering, reading, relaxing, sunshine, beach and best of all… spending quality time with amazing like-minded individuals.

What is self-love?

Self-love is that feeling of unconditional love, gratitude, happiness and a regard for one’s well-being:

  • It’s taking care of ourselves so that we feel healthy and beautiful
  • It’s words of affirmation and positive self-talk
  • It’s treating ourselves to something that we’ve always wanted
  • It’s giving ourselves permission to do the things we enjoy
  • It’s surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and encourage us

The relationship with ourself sets the tone for every other relationship we have 

What is our ’10km Self-Love’ Holistic Program?

It’s a 10-week program where we practice well-being, happiness and gratitude. We surround ourselves with a community of like-minded people and then meet three times weekly to enjoy a nourishing yoga practice; balanced strength training and mindful running.  Our program culminates with our ‘Self-Love’ Retreat in the Gold Coast – which includes a weekend of feeling healthy, happy and nourished.

When are the sessions?

Our 10-week program starts on Sat 29 April 2017. You get to choose 3-weekly sessions that suit your availability:

Day Session Time Activity Location Coach
Monday 9:30 – 10:30 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Renata Malinauskas
Tuesday 06:00 – 07:00 Mindful Running Jamieson Park, Narrabeen Debbie Solms
18:30 – 19:30 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Renata Malinauskas
19:35 – 20:45 Nourishing Yoga Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Nicole Grace
Wednesday 09:30 – 10:30 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Renata Malinauskas
18:30 – 19:30 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Renata Malinauskas
Thursday 06:00 – 07:00 Mindful Running Long Reef, Collaroy Debbie Solms
09:30 – 10:45 Nourishing Yoga Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Nicole Grace
18:30 – 19:30 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Renata Malinauskas
Friday 06:00 – 07:00 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Regan Wilson
Saturday 08:00 – 09:00 Mindful Running Jamieson Park, Narrabeen Debbie Solms
08:00 – 09:00 Balanced Strength Active Lifestyle, Collaroy Regan Wilson
>> click here for additional Strength & Yoga options (from 15 May 2017)    
What is included?
  • Choice of 3 x weekly meet-ups
    • Nourishing yoga practice – to stretch our body and open our minds
    • Balanced strength training – to improve our mobility, flexibility, balance, strength and core
    • Mindful running – to slow our minds and improve our health
  • ‘Self-Love’ Retreat at the Gold Coast (30 Jun – 2 July 2017)
    • 10km fun run (it’s all about fun and participation – leave your watches behind)
    • Nourishing Yoga
    • Guided Meditation
    • Refreshing Herbal Teas
    • Swim, Sauna & Steam
    • Foot Salt Scrub
    • Relaxation (bring a good book!)
  • Weekend program logistics (full program on Fri 30 Jun – Sun 2 July 2017)
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded community

I am mine, before I am ever anyone else’s 

What is excluded?
  • 10km race entry fee (Gold Coast 10km on Sat 1 July 2017)
  • Travel, accommodation* and meals – to/from Gold Coast
  • Additional pamper treatments (massage, manicure, pedicture, etc.)
  • Eating out – wholefood cafe’s (yummy!)
  • BEXI technical race singlet
What is Investment?

The 10-week investment is $450 (or instalments – 3 x $155/pm) — program starts on Sat 29 April 2017.

NB: It is recommended that you book your flights as soon as possible to secure a good price (currently $200 return, as of end-March).
*We are currently holding a few gorgeous apartments in Surfers Paradise.

Our Gold Coast Marathon | Half-Marathon programs will also culminate in our weekend retreat.

♥  Make happiness your priority – register today! ♥