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Sydney Running Festival 2018 – 16 Sept 2018

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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!”

Ironman Sunshine Coast 70.3 – 26 Aug 2018

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The Ironman Sunshine Coast 70.3 offers the best of everything – sunshine, endless coastline, lush landscapes and plenty of smiles. With a world class course, amazing surfside transition and an awesome finish on the Esplanade, this event is a highlight on the Ironman 70.3 calendar. 

We’ve been waiting for this event!  SUPER-EXCITED to be launching our first Ironman 70.3 training program. The Ironman Sunshine Coast 70.3 rates as one of the best!

If you’re a seasoned triathlete who has completed a few sprint and standard-distance triathlons – this is your next challenge!

The 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 cycle-leg via Mooloolaba Esplanade towards the Motorway. And the run takes in striking shores and a spectator lined course, finishing in the heart of Mooloolaba.

Training Program

Starting on Sat 12 May 2018, our 16-week training program is based on 5 x weekly coached group sessions* and 2 x weekly individual training sessions. Your training plan will be sent to you each week via Training Peaks – this will include 7 x weekly training sessions.  Each training plan is tailored to fit within your lifestyle. We understand how busy life is, so our aim is to balance your training sessions around your day-to-day commitments.   (* varies across each week)

Our coaches are qualified across the sport of triathlon – swim, bike and run. Each coach has unique experience in competing in triathlons (across various distances), as well as taking part in the ITU Age-Group World Championships.

Weekly Training Timetable (Mon to Sun) – starts Sat 12 May 2018

(best viewed on desktop/laptop)

Mon
(Coached)
Tues
(Coached)
Weds
(Coached)
Thur
Fri
Sat
(Coached)
Sun
(Coached)
Strength Run  Bike  Swim  Run Bike  Open Water
5:45-6:30am,
Narrabeen		 5:45-7:00am,
Collaroy		 5:45-7:00am,
Narrabeen		 Individual Training Individual Training 6:00-8:00am,
Various		 8:00-9:00am,
Shelly Beach
Coached strength & conditioning program focuses on strengthening muscles and joints to help improve athletic performance and reduce risk of injury. Coached run session focusing on technique,  speed, strength & stamina. Coached indoor bike turbo session focusing on speed, strength & stamina. Will also include some brick sessions later in the program. Individual swim session with your local swim squad. Individual run session focusing on distance, speed, strength & stamina. Mixture of coached outdoor and indoor cycle sessions focusing on skills, confidence, speed, strength & stamina. This will be alternated with some individual training.

 

 Mixture of coached open water swim sessions focusing on skills, confidence, speed, strength and endurance in the open water.  This will be alternated with some individual training.

“It is simply the best experience! The training, the inspirational buddies, the journey of ups and downs and the most incredible feeling of crossing the finish line. It takes you to another level!”  (Michelle Nicholas, 2017 Ironman Cairns 70.3) 

What is included?
  • 16-week online training program
  • 60+ total coached sessions
    • 20 x coached indoor bike turbo sessions (studio)
    • 16 x coached outdoor run sessions
    • 4 x coached outdoor bike sessions
    • 6 x coached open water swim sessions
    • 16 x coached strength training 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?
Investment Options
  • $47 p/week across 16-weeks
  • Payable in 4 x $190 monthly payments    ➡ Register Here
  • Payable in full – $750   ➡ Register Here
  • Unlimited-2 Members – payable in 4 x $175 monthly payments   ➡ Register Here

 

“That finish shoot I had dreamed and visualised for one year, finally came true. The journey from start to finish was worth every sacrifice. I was an Ironman 70.3!”  (Michelle Nicholas, 2017 Ironman Cairns 70.3) 

Triathlete? Who me?

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I had just finished the Gold Coast Half Marathon and was sitting in the apartment after a celebratory dinner with a glass of wine in hand (of course!). One of my BEXI Buddies, Vicky Dawkins, asked: “So Sue, what’s next?  A triathlon?”  To which I responded: “Me? Never! I could never achieve that!”.  “Of course you can!”, answered Vicky.

The brain went straight into processing mode. If Vicky (Queen of triathlon’s and all things running), thinks I can… then maybe, just maybe. The seed was planted.

I went to the BEXI Triathlon information evening and met the BEXI coaches. They were top class, I knew I would be in safe hands.

So, with zero triathlon experience or kit – I started my journey. Buy a bike, then bike accessories, followed by all the swim gear.

My first swim session with Coach Emma was a waves session at Manly Beach.  I managed the first set, was so out of breath and unconditioned, that I had to sit out the rest of the session. What had I signed up for?!?

My first bike session was around Terrey Hills with Coach Phoebe, I was miles behind the leader pack, had no idea how to use the gears. I was completely scared.  Thankfully I had a few ‘back-of-the-pack’ buddies, equally petrified of cycling on the open roads. We made it back in one piece.

Part of the program was to join a local swim squad to improve stroke correction and technique. My gorgeous training buddy, Keiren Barham, joined me for a weekly lesson. Learning bilateral breathing was a huge confidence boost – but I was still nervous about open water swimming.

Cycling was a huge challenge! Coach Debbie took me under her wing and guided me on a few cycle rides. I was then confident to join my BEXI buddies on the M7 cycle path – notching up 60km on my second ride. Forever grateful to my BEXI buddy, Kaye Chan for organising these sessions.

I trained 6 days a week and got better and stronger each week.

Race weekend at the Long Course Weekend in Jervis Bay consisted of 3-events over 3-days. Swim on Fri (750m), Bike on Sat (20km) and Run on Sun (10km). I did it!!! I even had fun. But… there was no way I could do it all in a row.

Chatting to an ‘Event Crew Member’ after the event, I mentioned how much I loved the event and that I would seriously consider doing a ‘proper’ triathlon. The crew member was none other than the owner of Elite Energy Events – Mark ‘Emmo’ Emmerton. He resonated with my journey and we were soon swapping stories of starting out with our triathlon journies. Emmo kindly offered me a complimentary ticket for my next sprint triathlon.

I had such an awesome time at Jervis Bay, there is something special when you train with an amazing group of girls, coaches and people who believe and encourage you.

I took up Emmo’s offer and signed up for Wyong Triathlon which was 2 weeks later, I was back of the pack, almost last but had the most amazing time.  I felt so accomplished…I had done it.  I had completed my first sprint Triathlon.

Yes, I am hooked and it is addictive.

The whole process of training for a triathlon taught me so much about myself – facing fears, discipline, determination, perseverance, discomfort. But perhaps the best decision I made was to surround myself with people to support my journey.

 

Sue Naylor
BEXI Triathlete 2017  (70.3 triathlete in-training)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Stephens Triathlon – 19 May 2018

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Port Stephens triathlon offers athletes a fun weekend with distances for all abilities – Standard, Sprint and Super-Sprint (Enticer). It’s an awesome event, in a beautiful part of the world. And also makes for a great get-away with the entire family!

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just starting out, this event has something for everyone. The standard distance for those looking for a challenge; the sprint distance for those into speed; or the super-sprint distance for those new to the sport of triathlon. The swim takes place on the idyllic One Mile Beach, the bike consists of undulating laps in the local area and the run offers a supportive atmosphere with lots of cheering.

Training Program

Starting on Sat 24 Feb 2018, our 12-week training program is limited to 12 x athletes. Weekly training consists of 3 x coached group sessions* and 3 x individual training sessions. Your training plan will be sent to you each week via Training Peaks – this will include 6 x training sessions.  Each training plan is tailored to fit into your lifestyle – our aim is to balance your training sessions with your day-to-day commitments. We understand how busy life is.  (* varies across each week)

Our coaches are qualified across the sport of triathlon – swim, bike and run. Each coach has unique experience in competing in triathlons (across various distances), as well as taking part in the ITU Age-Group World Championships.

Weekly Training Timetable (Mon to Sun) – starts Sat 24 Feb 2018

(best viewed on desktop/laptop)

Mon
Tues
(Coached)
Weds
(Coached)
Thur
Fri
Sat
(Coached)
Sun
(Coached)
Individual Training 6:00-7:00am,
Collaroy		 6:00-7:00am,
Narrabeen		 Individual Training Individual Training 7:00-9:00am,
Terry Hills		 8:00-9:00am,
Shelly Beach
Strength Training* Run  Bike Turbo Swim Squad Run Bike Outdoor Open Water
Our Strength-FIT program focuses on strengthening muscles and joints to help improve performance and decrease injury risk.
(*Additional cost at discounted rate.)		 Coached run session focusing on speed & strength. Coached indoor bike turbo session focusing on speed, strength & stamina. Will also include some brick sessions later in the program. Individual swim session with your local swim squad. Individual run session focusing on distance & endurance. Alternating coached & social sessions:

6 x coached outdoor bike sessions focusing on skills, confidence &  endurance

6 x social rides focusing on disance & endurance.

 Mixture of coached & social sessions:

6 x coached open water swim session focusing on skills, confidence & endurance.

6 x social swims focusing on disance & endurance.
What is included?

Port Stephens Beach

  • 12-week online training program
  • 12 x coached indoor bike turbo sessions (studio)
  • 12 x coached outdoor run sessions
  • 6 x outdoor bike sessions
  • 6 x open water swim sessions
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • 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?
  • Strength training – you are encouraged to join our Strength-FIT program (discounted rate)
  • Pool swim squad training – you are encouraged to join your own local swim squad
  • Social outdoor swim sessions – you are encouraged to join Shelly Swim Club for a weekly outdoor swim
  • Social bike rides – you are encouraged to join Northern Suburbs Triathlon Club (NSTC) on Sat 6.30am
  • Race entry fee
  • BEXI Tri-Suit (optional) – orders must be placed by Fri 16 Mar 2018
What is cost?
  • 12-week online program
  • 36 x coached sessions
  • $48 p/week across 12-weeks – payable in 3 x $195 monthly instalments (total $585)

“Fantastic coaches. Loved the mix & variety of sessions. Each coach was able to add their skills & expertise. It was awesome having Carm speak at the Manly practice session – I had no idea how important his comments would be to my completion of the 70.3. The inclusion of a nutrition talk & bike mechanics were also great.”  (Survey 2017)

 

➡ Set your sights on 2018 – register today!

Triathlon – All the Gear

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What gear do I need for each discipline?

Swim  

  • Goggles
  • Swim Cap – 2-3 latex caps 
  • Pool buoy
  • Kick board
  • Hand Paddles (intermediates)
  • (recommend shop is Aquashop in Gordon)

Bike  

  • Bike in good working order (if you need advice, speak to My Ride, Narrabeen)
  • Bike shoes (or runners if you do not use cleats)
  • Helmet  (Australia rating) – for outdoors
  • Bike shorts – padded (recommended)
  • Bike jersey (with back pockets) – for outdoors
  • Singlet – for indoors
  • Water bottle (1-2 bottles)
  • Gadgets – i.e. Garmin, bike computer (recommended)
  • Please attempt to pump up your tyres – around 90-100PSI

​Run 

  • Good running shoes – preferably fitted by a specialist running shop (we recommend Pace Athletic, Manly)
  • Gym tights or running shorts
  • Running tank / short-sleeve tee / gym shirt
  • Water-resistant jacket (if raining)
  • Well supporting bra
  • Bottle of water
  • Towel (for afterwards)

The challenge ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you! 

Achieve something special!

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If you’ve been tempted to step up the distance from short to middle, to a mixed-distance – then we’ve got two great programs to support two awesome events!  

Triathlon is a beautiful sport. It is such an equaliser. Where one person is strong in one discipline, they are challenged in another. Conversely, where another person is strong in a different discipline, they are challenged in another. That’s the beauty of triathlon. It’s a winner for everyone!

Which is why we are SO excited about launching our latest training programs for two awesome upcoming triathlon events:

(view landscape on mobile devices)

Long Course Weekend, Jervis Bay
27-29 Oct 2017

Mix it up at the inaugural Long Course Weekend in the stunning Jervis Bay. You choose the disciplines and the distances over 3 days – Friday swim, Saturday cycle and Sunday run.
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney
26 Nov 2017

A great location for your first middle-distance triathlon. Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney offers an awesome setting in the iconic Penrith Lakes, nestled at the base of the stunning Blue Mountains.
For those who have completed a sprint distance and who want to try the longer distances. For those who have completed an olympic distance and would like to step up to half-ironman distance.
Swim – 750m, 1.5km, 1.9km, 3.8km

Bike – 20km, 40km, 90km, 180km

Run – 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.2km

 Swim – 1.9km

Bike – 90km

Run – 21km
12-week Training Program  16-week Training Program
35 coached sessions  46 coached sessions
$46 p/w  $45 p/w
Training starts Sat 05 August 2017  Training starts Sat 05 August 2017
Click here for FULL DETAILS  Click here for FULL DETAILS

 

AWESOME COACHES:
Our coaches include a wealth of experience – from  Olympic-distance Age-Groupers, to Half-Ironman Age-Group Winners, to full Ironman Winners, to top-5 Finisher at the World Ironman Championship in Kona, to US Rowing National Champions, to NSW Rowing States and Nationals Competitors. All of whom have the BEXI passion for sharing their skills and supporting others succeed!

If you’re looking to accomplish something truly special and become part of an awesome group within the triathlon world – this is for you!

Long Course Weekend Jervis Bay – 27-29 Oct 2017

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We’re mixing it up at the inaugural Long Course Weekend in Jervis Bay!  You choose the disciplines and the distances over 3 days – Friday swim, Saturday cycle and Sunday run. A great way for friends to train and race together.

The weekend kicks off with the swim on Friday – choose from distances corresponding to triathlons most popular distance – 750m, 1.5km, 1.9km or 3.8km.

On Saturday the focus is the bike ride of undulating countryside – ranging from 20km, 40km, 90km or 180km. Distances to attract athletes of all abilities.

To finish the weekend on Sunday, take on the run following the beautiful coastline of Jervis Bay and Husikisson – 5km, 10km 21.1km or 42.2km. Allowing everyone to be involved.

Training Program

Our 12-week training program offers you a selection of swimming, running and cycling sessions. You will receive a 12-week online program which will include 6 x weekly training sessions. There will be 3 x coached group sessions* and 3 x individual training sessions.

Our coaches are qualified across the sport of triathlon, running, cycling and swimming. Each coach has unique experience in competing in triathlons (across various distances), as well as taking part in the ITU Age-Group World Championships.

(*varies across the weeks)

Weekly Training Timetable (Mon to Sun)

(best viewed on desktop/laptop)

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Individual Training 6:00-7:00am,
Collaroy		 6:00-7:00am,
Narrabeen		 Individual Training Individual Training 7:00-9:00am,
Terry Hills		 8:00-9:00am,
Shelly Beach
Strength Training* Run
(Coached)		 Bike Turbo
(Coached)		 Swim Squad Run Bike Outdoor
(Coached)		 Open Water
(Coached)
Strength training focusing on strengthening muscles and joints, to help improve performance and decrease injury risk.
(*Additional cost.)		 12 x coached run session focusing on speed & strength. 12 x coached indoor bike turbo session focusing on speed, strength & stamina. Will also include some brick sessions later in the program. Individual swim session with your local swim squad. Individual run session focusing on distance & endurance. Alternating coached & social sessions:

6 x coached outdoor bike sessions focusing on skills, confidence &  endurance

6 x social rides focusing on disance & endurance.

 Mixture of coached & social sessions:

4 x coached open water swim session focusing on skills, confidence & endurance.

8 x social swims focusing on disance & endurance.

(tentative timetable)

What is included?
  • 12-week online training program
  • 12 x coached indoor bike turbo sessions (studio)
  • 12 x coached outdoor run sessions
  • 6 x outdoor bike sessions
  • 5 x open water swim sessions
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • Analysis and feedback on training data
  • Race weekend logistics
  • Motivational support
  • Access to private online forum
  • Membership of a supportive, like-minded Community

Meet our awesome coaches

What is excluded?
  • Pool swim squad training – you are encouraged to join your own local swim squad
  • Social outdoor swim sessions – you are encouraged to join Shelly Swim Club
  • Social bike rides – you are encouraged to join Northern Suburbs Triathlon Club (NSTC) on Sat 6.30am
  • Race entry fee
  • BEXI Tri-Suit (optional) – orders must be placed by Mon 14 Aug 2017

What gear do I need?

What is cost?
  • 12-week online program
  • 35 x coached sessions
  • $46 p/week across 12-weeks – payable in 3 x $185 monthly instalments (total $555)

Join us for a weekend of fun and mixing it up! 

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney – 26 Nov 2017

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Have you completed a short-course triathlon? Are you ready to rise to the challenge of a middle-course triathlon? Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney offers an awesome setting in the iconic Penrith Lakes, nestled at the base of the stunning Blue Mountains.  

The 1.9km swim takes place in the International Regatta Centre; the 90km bike course includes breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains; and the 21km flat, scenic run course takes in Penrith’s Nepean River along the Great River Walk. A great location for your first half-ironman.

Training Program

Our 16-week training program is limited to 10 x athletes. Weekly training consists of 3 x coached group sessions* and 3 x individual training sessions. Your training plan will be sent to you each week via Training Peaks – this will include 6 x training sessions.  Each training plan is tailored to fit into your lifestyle – our aim is to balance your training sessions with your day-to-day commitments. (We understand how busy life is.)

Our coaches are qualified across the sport of triathlon, running, cycling and swimming. Each coach has unique experience in competing in triathlons (across various distances), as well as taking part in the ITU Age-Group World Championships.

(*varies across the weeks)

Weekly Training Timetable (Mon to Sun)

(best viewed on desktop/laptop)

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Individual Training 6:00-7:00am,
Collaroy		 6:00-7:00am,
Narrabeen		 Individual Training Individual Training 7:00-9:00am,
Terry Hills		 8:00-9:00am,
Shelly Beach
Strength Training* Run
(Coached)		 Bike Turbo
(Coached)		 Swim Squad Run Bike Outdoor
(Coached)		 Open Water
(Coached)
Strength training focusing on strengthening muscles and joints, to help improve performance and decrease injury risk.
(*Additional cost.)		 Coached run session focusing on speed & strength. Coached indoor bike turbo session focusing on speed, strength & stamina. Will also include some brick sessions later in the program. Individual swim session with your local swim squad. Individual run session focusing on distance & endurance. Alternating coached & social sessions:

8 x coached outdoor bike sessions focusing on skills, confidence &  endurance

8 x social rides focusing on disance & endurance.

 Mixture of coached & social sessions:

4 x coached open water swim session focusing on skills, confidence & endurance.

12 x social swims focusing on disance & endurance.

(tentative timetable)

MOTIVATION: Read our top ‘7-Reasons to Love IRONMAN 70.3’

What is included?
  • 16-week online training program
  • 16 x coached indoor bike turbo sessions (studio)
  • 16 x coached outdoor run sessions
  • 8 x outdoor bike sessions
  • 6 x open water swim sessions
  • Mental skills and strategies
  • Race nutrition and recovery
  • Race tactics and guidance
  • 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?
What is cost?
  • 16-week online program
  • 46 x coached sessions
  • $45 p/week across 16-weeks – payable in 4 x $180 monthly instalments (total $720)

Meet our awesome coaches

INSPIRATIONAL BLOG!
Read how BEXI Triathlete, Michelle Nicholas, fulfilled her dream of completing IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns 2017:

“I had dreamt and visualised that finish shoot for one year – it finally came true. The journey from start to finish was worth every sacrifice. I was an Ironman 70.3!”

 

Rise to the challenge of Ironman 70.3 – join our BEXI Tri-FIT team
If you are not ready for the Ironman 70.3 distance, then why not join as a team – or join our Long Course Weekend program?

Ironman 70.3 Cairns – My Journey

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On Sunday 11 June 2017, BEXI triathlete Michelle Nicholas became an Ironman 70.3. This is her inspirational story:

It is simply the best experience! The training, the inspirational buddies, the journey of ups and downs and the most incredible feeling of crossing the finish line. It takes you to another level!

I wanted to do an Ironman for around 20 years. When my eldest, Gemma, completed the Coolangatta Gold at 16yrs-old, I felt inspired to get fit and focus on myself again.

I signed up for Beauty of Exercise’s beginner triathlon program last year (2016) and completed my first sprint triathlon. After that I was hooked and started dreaming of completing an Ironman 70.3.  I signed-up a year out and starting surrounding myself with the right people. My coach, Debbie Solms, was fully on-board and excited for me. My BEXI buddies were amazing – even though they weren’t doing the event, they still committed to train with me.

I truly didn’t think I was capable and leading up to Cairns I was very nervous and worried that I would let myself down and my BEXI buddies down if I didn’t make it.

The weekend was awesome! My gorgeous BEXI buddy and lovely friend Monique, travelled to Cairns to support me.  The day before the race we went to the swim/bike transition and sat in a beautiful restaurant in Palm Cove enjoying a healthy meal, looking out at the swim course and feeling mentally prepared. Monique was a calming presence who kept my mind off the race and we spent the afternoon laughing lots. I loved that day.
___

Race day I got up at 3.15am, my bus to the swim start was 4am. Preparing for a full day on the course, I rubbed sunscreen on my body… only to realise that my race number tattoos were never go to stick. Lucky for permanent markers!
____

A few friends came to find me at the start to wish me good luck. I felt special that they’d woken early and made the effort to see me. The swim was fantastic, dark and murky in the water, but with the rolling start I didn’t feel like I was fighting my way through the crowd. I had a great rhythm from the start and I never once thought anything negative.

I couldn’t believe I was actually doing this and I was really loving it.

____
I started the bike with the biggest smile on my face. The hills were longer and harder than I had imagined but I took it in my stride and did my best. Turning around at Port Douglas was a highlight, as I realised I made the cut-off time!  This enabled me to enjoy my race.
 ____
Shortly after disaster struck!  My gears jammed and I was restricted to using the small chain ring for the rest of the ride.  I was slow but I was never going to give up!  I finished the ride in under 4hours which I quietly wanted to do (but didn’t think I was capable of). Monique was waiting for me at the bike finish which gave me a good chance to have a giggle and a quick chat.
 ____
I set off on the run and my legs felt like lead weights for the first 5km.  The crowd along the run course were so very supportive and yelled my name like I was their best friend, it was a great pick me up when I needed it.  The run isn’t my strong leg, I was negative towards myself and didn’t like that I was so very slow – but I finished (finally) and the elation of the finish shoot was worth every single slow step. It was worth every sacrifice I had to make in training for this event.
 ____
That finish shoot I had dreamed and visualised for one year, finally came true. The journey from start to finish was worth every sacrifice. I was an Ironman 70.3! 
Photo credit: Delly Carr
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It takes all of you!

/in , , , /by

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…