Posts

Bowral Cycle Classic – 18 Oct 2020

/in /by

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

 

About the program

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

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

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

 

* Program subject to change

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

Training Program Prerequisites

/in /by

Beauty of Exercise is committed to supporting and encouraging all to participate in our programs, whilst keeping the health and safety of its members and coaches a priority.  At the start of our programs, all participants will be required to complete a basic health assessment and will be reviewed by the relevant coach to ensure participants have the necessary capabilities. The participant will be guided by the relevant coach as to the best suited program. It is also important for any existing injuries to be identified to the coaches so as to ensure no further long term damage.

The following is a guideline of existing fitness capabilities recommended to help you choose the program(s) best suitable for you:

Learn-to-Programs
Learn-to-Run 5km 

  • Currently walk comfortably for 30mins
  • Does not have any injuries
Learn-to-Trail Run 

  • Can comfortably run 5-10km
  • Runs 5-10km on a regular basis
  • Has a good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Learn-to-Swim (Level 1) – Pool

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 100m continuously
Learn-to-Swim (Level 2) – Pool

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 400m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Level 1) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 1) – Beginner Ocean Skills

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 300m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 2) – Intermediate Ocean Skills

  • Can comfortably swim a minimum 500m continuously
  • Float and tread water for 1 minute
  • Be comfortable in a deep water ocean setting
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) programs or equivalent; as well as Learn-to-Ocean-Swim (Level 1) program or equivalent
Learn-to-Cycle (Level 1) – Traffic-Free Roads

  • Can comfortably cycle for 30mins on traffic-free roads
  • Owns a bike that is in good working order (recently serviced).  All bike types are welcome – road, hybrid or mountain bike. We do not recommend recumbents or BMX bikes.
Learn-to-Cycle (Level 2) – Low-Traffic Roads

  • Can comfortably cycle for 5-10km on traffic-free roads
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle (Level 1) or equivalent
  • Owns a bike that is in good working order (recently serviced).  All bike types are welcome – road, hybrid or mountain bike. We do not recommend recumbents or BMX bikes.

 

Running Programs
10km

  • Can comfortably run for 20-30mins
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Run 5km program or equivalent
  • Runs 4-5km on a regular basis
  • Has an moderate fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Half-Marathon

  • Can comfortably run 5-10km
  • Runs 5-10km on a regular basis
  • Has an good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries
Marathon

  • Can comfortably run 10km
  • Runs 10km on a regular basis
  • Has an good fitness base
  • Does not have any injuries

 

Triathlon Programs*
Sprint Distance

  • Can comfortably swim 400m in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 10km on open roads
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
Standard Distance

  • Can comfortably swim 600m in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 20-30km on open roads and in small groups
  • Completed sprint-distance triathlon in the last 2-3 years
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
 Long Distance 70.3 

  • Can comfortably swim 1km in open water
  • Can confidently cycle 50-60km on open roads and in small groups
  • Completed standard-distance triathlon in the last 2-3 years
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Ocean Swim (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Preferably completed Learn-to-Cycle  (Levels 1 & 2) or equivalent
  • Current TA member to ensure you are covered by Insurance
* Beauty of Exercise provides various beginner-level swimming and cycling programs (Learn-to-Swim, Learn-to-Ocean-Swim and Learn-to-Cycle programs) which complement the Triathlon programs and have been specifically designed to support capabilities.
We look forward to you joining our training programs and will ensure we support you every step of the way. 

Should you have any questions about the above, please contact Debbie Solms on 0400 455 151.

Learn to Run 5km this Summer

/in /by

It’s light in the mornings, the temps are warmer – a great time to start moving, be active, get energised and head outdoors.

As I was preparing to write this blog post, I googled images for a ‘Mature Woman Runner’. (At 51yrs old, I consider myself mature.)  The image above popped up, which got me interested.

Harriette Thompson completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Diego last year, in a time of 3 hours, 54 minutes, 16 seconds. She became the oldest woman to ever finish a half marathon. Harriette was 94yrs old!

This is truly inspirational! To think that at the age of 94yrs, this lady is still making the most of life. Wouldn’t you want to be like Harriette?

“Mummy you’re fat!”

Another inspirational story is about our very own run coach, Andrea Drury.  Andrea’s fitness career started in her 40’s. Prior to that she was overweight, heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes a day), and never did a day of exercise!

At 40 she ran her first distance of 50 yards for a taxi, and nearly passed out! At which point, her 5yr old son sat in the taxi, looked at her and said, “Mummy you’re fat and you can’t breathe”.  That was the start of her health & fitness journey – cigarettes went, exercise began, and feeling great followed.

“Surround yourself with positive people on a similar journey to you, and you will achieve your goals.” Andrea Drury

About the program

Our latest learn-to-run program will give you the tools to achieve exactly that!  It is aimed at supporting women who are beginners or just getting back into running. Those who want to get active, lose weight and create a new healthy habit – which becomes part of your lifestyle.

  • Our 8-week program is gentle and nurturing – starting at a low fitness base and gradually build you up to running 5km non-stop
  • We meet weekly on Thursdays at 9.15-10.00am in Manly Vale
  • Groups are limited to small sizes to ensure our coaches are able to give you their personal attention
  • Sessions focus on running technique which includes stride, cadence, posture, foot position, breathing, and much more
  • A few sessions will be filmed, so that we can guide you on how best to improve your running style
  • We also explore running-related relevant topics such as mindset, nutrition, safety, gadgets, etc.
Plus more!

Our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program is MORE than just a running program – it is about getting active, getting fit, making friends, building confidence, joining a community and achieving a very special goal. We want to ensure you fall in love with running, so that it becomes a habit and part of your lifestyle.

About our coach

We are so excited to have the wonderful Andrea Drury lead our 5km-FIT learn-to-run program. Andrea transformed her life (see above) and is passionate to share her journey with you.

Program details

  • Thursdays weekly
  • 18 Oct to 6 Dec 2018 – 8-week program
  • Thurs 9.15-10.00 am
  • Passmore Reserve, Manly Vale
  • Cost: $200
  • BONUS! Free 4-week meal plan with shopping list

“Running is a great way to keep your body fit and healthy but the best thing is, it really helps your mental heath – especially when running with an awesome bunch of supportive, happy people in the BEXI group.” Kate Power

 

5 Safety Tips for Runners

/in , /by

I went out for my morning run at 5.30am this morning – it was dark and very quiet.  I was very mindful of my surroundings and was aware of the few other runners around me.

One of the key topics I cover in my 5km-FIT program is that of ‘Safety’. So there I was, diligently kitted with bright head-torch, fluorescent BEXI orange top, ID-bracelet and carrying my mobile phone. I was armed and dangerous!

The key thing that surprised me about being out there in the pitch dark on my own, was the number of other female runners who were running with their headphones. They were clearly absorbed in their music and unaware of my presence coming up behind them. I waved as I passed, which made them literally jump out of their skin!

Having recently heard of an incident that took place in the exact same location (with a female runner on her own), I cannot stress the importance of being on the alert when you are out running on your own in the dark. Ladies (& Gents), be sensible – leave the headphones at home. That way you are aware of your surroundings, and mindful of anyone (or thing) coming up behind you. I am not a fan of headphones, but respect those who are. If you REALLY need your headphones to go running – then drop one earpiece, so that you can hear what is happening around you. Your safety is paramount!

Below are my 5-top safety tips for runners:

  • Run with a buddy (if you can)
  • Carry a mobile phone – I use a SPI Belt (in bright orange) to carry my iphone and keys – http://www.spibelt.com.au/
  • Don’t wear headphones – or only use one earpiece (if you must!)
  • Wear a ROAD-ID Bracelet – contains all your important information and emergency contact details –  http://www.roadid.com/
  • Wear fluorescent clothing if running in the dark (our BEXI orange tops are fab!)

Enjoy your running… just do it safely 🙂

Debbie Solms
Beauty of Exercise Run Coach