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Learn to Run 5km this Summer

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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

 

Top 5-Tips for choosing your Running Shoes

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Running is one of the least expensive forms of sport, all you need is a good pair of running shoes and you’re off.  Yet, so many people resist investing in a good pair of shoes.

I speak from experience. My first ever pair of proper running shoes were from a specialist running shop in Jo’burg (owned by an ex-elite SA runner) – they were Asics Gel Kayano. I remember clearly baulking at having to pay such an obscene amount of money. Those shoes were worn until they were totally dead!

Some (umm, many!) years later… and many, many more shoes later, I can truly say that proper running shoes are the BEST investment you can make to boost your love for running.

Having recently swapped my ‘retired’ Asics with a fabulous new pair of Hokas, from an awesome specialist running store, I was inspired to share my top tips for choosing new running shoes.

My top 5-tips for choosing your running shoes

 

  • Find a specialist running shop near you. These are typically your ‘boutique’ stores, not your high-street retail stores. As a specialist store, they are staffed by runners who understand about ‘running’. They have been trained by the different brands and are familiar with the latest shoe technology available.
  • Take your current running shoes with you to the store. Don’t get embarrassed if they are somewhat ‘retired’ and unsightly. Your old shoes are a good indicator of how you run. The sales consultant will be able to identify your running-style – i.e. pronate, supinate, heel-striker, forefoot-striker, etc. This is invaluable for matching you to a suitable shoe.
  • Be sure to also take a pair of your running socks. You will be running in these socks, so it is good to try them on with your new running shoes. The sales consultant can also give you advice in terms of whether they have good padding, breathability & blister protection.
  • Discuss your running goals with the sales consultant. If you are new to running, planning to run a marathon, or taking to the trails – you will need totally different shoes. A sales consultant from a specialist shoe shop, will have an excellent understanding of the different types of shoe to support your running goals.
  • Ensure you try on and test all the shoes recommended by the sales consultant. Don’t be shy! I have been known to try on box-loads of shoes. Each shoe will have a different feel, so lace them up and head out for a short run. Again, a specialist store will allow you to go for a short run outside to ensure you have the right shoe. Now I know we are all drawn to funky colours, designs and are brand-loyal – don’t let that sway your decision. You will know which shoe is right for you – listen to your comfort.

As a guideline, running shoes typically last for approximately 700/800km. This is entirely dependent on your running style, how hard you are on your shoes, and the type of training you are doing. At this stage, the support and cushioning in your shoes are hugely reduced and you are vulnerable to injury. Which is something runners REALLY want to avoid.

Our preferred BEXI special running store is Pace Athletic in Manly and/or Mosman. Pop in and say you’re a BEXI athlete and you’ll receive a 10% discount off your shoe purchases.

PS: perhaps now is a good time to write your letter to Santa ?