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BEXI Spring Fling – Logistics

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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.

  

 

Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast – 8 Sept 2019

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Our absolute favourite long-distance triathlon! Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast offers the best of triathlon in Australia – energising sunshine, stunning coastline, lush landscape and awesome crowd support. That’s why we keep going back for more… and in 2019 we’d love you to join us! 

The 1.9km swim takes place at Mooloolaba’s spectacular surf beach – starting and finishing at the ‘Loo with a View’.  Cheering crowds await you as you exit transition for the 90km cycle-leg which heads out onto the Sunshine Coast Motorway – it’s fast and smooth with a few undulations. Finally, the 21km run takes in the iconic Mooloolaba Esplanade for a 2-lap run following the coastline. The crowd support is sensational!

If you’re a seasoned triathlete who has completed a few standard-distance triathlons – this event is definitely for you.

 About our Program

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

We start our 16-week Tri-FIT program on Mon 20 May 2019. The program is structured into periodised blocks focused on base, build, peak & taper phases. Each week we will complete training sessions for all three disciplines – swim, bike and run. We train together as a team, as this offers encouragement, motivation, accountability for showing up and a great sense of camaraderie between fellow triathlete buddies.  Most of these sessions are coached sessions, however there are a few sessions that will need to be completed on your own (or with your buddies).

You will receive your own online training plan sent to you each week via Training Peaks. Our aim is to customise each individual training plan so that it fits in with your lifestyle. We feel very strongly that your training is balanced with your family and work commitments.

Below is a draft outline of our training program:

* Own training sessions  |  Program subject to change

What is included?

  • 16-week online training program
  • 68+ total coached sessions – across swimming, cycling, running and strength
  • 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!
NEWSFLASH! We are thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with Northern Suburbs Triathlon Club (NSTC) to support our cycle training. This is the largest discipline of a triathlon and requires a lot of focus and training. Together we will be offering long bike rides on Saturday mornings – aimed at distances from 40km to 100km+. Members will be  guided by our coaches in terms of the best suited cycle group to join. To take part in these long bike rides, members will need to register as a NSTC member and with Tri-NSW. This will ensure members have insurance for training and racing (plus other benefits).

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. Training for an Ironman 70.3 event is a huge commitment – it requires discipline, motivation, determination and persistence. Please view our program prerequisites for a guideline of our baseline requirements before embarking on such an event.

About our Coaches

Our coaches are qualified across the sport of triathlon – swim, bike and run. Each coach has substantial experience in competing in triathlons (from Standard to Ironman distances) – as well as representing Australia at ITU Age-Group World Championships.

Your Investment

  • $60 p/week across 16-weeks – (20 May to 8 Sept 2019)
  • Unlimited weekly group training sessions (swim, bike, run, strength)
  • Payable weekly, fortnightly or monthly – you choose
  • Program based on 14 x participants

 

 

 

 

BEXI Achievers 2017

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At the end of each year, we get together to celebrate the successes of our BEXI athletes. It’s a time to reflect on all the events that we’ve taken part over the year and toast those who have worked hard to achieve their goals.  2017 was a busy year – so at the outset, I’d like to congratulate every BEXI member for stepping out of your comfort zones and committing to some pretty amazing goals.

Huge congrats to our our top 2017 achievers:

 

  • Most Improved BEXI Athlete 2017 – Ann Velthuis

This very shy, quiet young lady, joined our BEXI team in 2016. She had a few niggles she was working on, but she turned up every week for every session. Her speed improved, her fitness improved, her confidence improved… and all of a sudden she was taking on the Level 2 training with the other girls. Huge congrats to Ann Velthuis for her tenacity to keep trying. You are a true inspiration Ann.

  • Most Determined BEXI Athlete 2017 – Roslyn Meyer

Without a doubt, this lady is truly deserving of this award. Her commitment and drive to focus on her goal was outstanding. She set her heart and soul on her New York marathon and made many sacrifices along the way. She never missed a training session, she was always motivated, she trained hard and she inspired so many around her. Roslyn Meyer you were 100% determined to achieve your first marathon goal – it was an honour to support you on the sidelines. Well done!

  • Most Inspirational BEXI Athlete 2017 – Sue Naylor

This BEXI athlete has absolutely blossomed this year. She started off with a half-marathon this year. Feeling a little deflated, she decided to focus on shorter distances for a while — that was until she was talked into trying a triathlon. Thinking it was a good idea, she bought a hybrid bike… and the rest, as they say, is history.  Huge congrats to Sue Naylor, for absolutely embracing her new-found passion of triathlon and being so completely focused and committed. Sue has truly flourished right before our eyes. Well done Sue!

  • Most Outstanding BEXI Athlete 2017 – Vicky Dawkins

This BEXI Athlete’s list of achievements is vast! She never stops. It is exhausting just reading the list of all the activities she has done this year. Suffice to say, this lady is determined to achieve. She continually pushes herself out of her comfort zone, never quits – even when the going gets tough. Is supportive of her BEXI buddies around her – and often inspires them to join the journey with her. Outstanding effort Vicky Dawkins.

BEXI Ambassador 2018 – Kaye Chan

Each year we recognise a very special BEXI athlete who lives and breathes our BEXI values.  She supports other members, inspires those around her, motivates others to achieve their goals, leads by example, lives a balanced life, is a great community-player. Not only is this person committed to developing herself, she is also committed to helping others and their communities.

This particular person often sacrifices her training to support others. She will willingly volunteer to support others, often making plans to meet up and train together. She will gladly put her hand up to lead our 5km runners, to co-ordinate training programs, to manage logistics for various programs… and so much more.

This special lady is selfless and absolutely thrives on supporting others. We are indeed very privileged to have this person as a very key member of our community. Congratulations to Kaye Chan on being our BEXI Ambassador for 2018.

Special mention goes to some key BEXI community members for working hard to fulfill their personal dreams:

  • Canberra Marathon – Louise Grigg and Dee Fitzgerald
  • Diamond Women’s Triathlon – Kate Marshall
  • Ironman 70.3 Cairns – Michelle Nicholas
  • Gold Coast Marathon – Hannetjie Brooks
  • Gold Coast 10km – Nicole Woolley
  • Blackmores Sydney Half-Marathon – Kasey McKee
  • Long Course Weekend Triathlon – Vicky Dawkins
  • New York Marathon – Roslyn Meyer and Hannetjie Brooks
  • Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney – Kaye Chan
  • Most BEXI Medals and Best BEXI Cheerleaders – Keiren Barham & Sue Naylor
  • Best BEXI Refreshments Supporter – Plezi Brennan

Congratulations on an absolutely outstanding 2017 – feeling very excited about 2018. We have a huge calendar of events for 2018 – can’t wait to get going.

 

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! 

 

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

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

 

Camaraderie at the Fore

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The Oxford English Dictionary defines Camaraderie as ‘the mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together’.

That is exactly what our community at Beauty of Exercise (BEXI) is all about. We support each other through the lo’s, celebrate the hi’s… or just have a good laugh with each other.  

A perfect example was at our interval training session earlier in the week. We had three groups training together – 1) Run-FIT; 2) Race-FIT half-marathoners; and  3) Race-FIT marathoners. It was a very tough session – 2km | 1.5km | 1km | 800m – all at fast tempo paces. The final 800m rep was intended for the marathon group only.  The other two groups were gloating that they had finished and didn’t have to do another rep… until they noticed their ‘buddies’ getting ready for the last rep. Not wanting to leave them unsupported, they jumped up and rallied around them for their final 800m rep.

This truly highlighted what an awesome Beauty of Exercise community we have fostered over the past 3yrs. One which is filled with a great sense of camaraderie, team support, motivation and inspiration. Our BEXI community are always there for each other – if someone needs a buddy to run with, we are there to support them. If someone is having a bad day, we are there to lift them up. If someone  is lacking motivation, we are there to inspire them. The true spirit of our BEXI community. That’s what makes us so special. That’s what we love so much!

Debbie Solms

Debbie Solms is an accredited Personal Trainer, Run Coach and founder of Beauty of Exercise – an inspiring women’s running group on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

 

Beauty of Exercise team shines at the 2015 Sun Run

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A huge congratulations to our Beauty of Exercise runners for ALL achieving their race goals at the 2015 Sun Run event in Manly!

An outstanding day – great weather, awesome camaraderie and an amazing sense of community! Well done team and well done Manly. You all rock!!

And a special shout out to Amanda Crane for placing 3rd in her age group. Thrilled for such a dedicated and committed runner – we are all very proud of you!

 

 

Come swim with us!

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If you are injured, just starting out with fitness or you are looking to build your confidence and efficiency in the water, then our 7-week Swim-FIT program is for you.

Based at Collaroy Pool on the Northern Beaches, the program has a strong focus on water safety, breathing, improved technique, stroke correction and consistent stroke rate. Not only will the course improve your fitness and build your water confidence but it will also prepare you to tackle your first triathlon or ocean swim.

– Swim-FIT (Beginner) starts on Fri 6 Feb
– Swim-FIT (Intermediate) starts on Tues 3 Feb

Our gorgeous coach, Sue Bennett, is passionate about sharing her love for water.

Swim-fit is a fantastic compliment to any of Beauty of Exercise’s womens running programs or as a stand alone program.

Our Bexi Trekkers go Wild in Warriewood

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COASTREK 2015 – Our Beauty of Exercise chicks are at it again! This time in the guise of BEXI Trekkers – they will be doing Coastrek, a 55km walk along the northern beaches of Sydney.

As part of their challenge, they are required to raise much needed funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation – whose aim is to improve the health of Indigenous Australians and to reduce the cost of eye health care and treatment in developing countries.

They are planning a FABULOUS fundraising event and they would love your support:

What: Special Movie Event – “WILD”, staring Reese Witherspoon
When: Weds 4th Feb, 7pm
Where: Warriewood United Cinemas
Cost: $25 per ticket – book via http://trybooking.com/GTJz

There will also be a raffle and lots of other fantastic prizes to be won!

Please support your BEXI team – spread the word and let’s help them over the line – I’ll be there!

Good luck gorgeous girls! Kristin Prescott, Lucia Hains, Lisa Bale and Kym Gray.