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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Triathlon Training...update







28:51
The time recorded for my first biathlon!




The event was hosted by Men’s Health at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in Sydney. It was extremely well organised and a whole lot of fun. The 4km run followed the path lining the botanical gardens and finished with a 300m swim in the pool. The contestants were sent in ‘waves’ so that there was not a mad rush in the pool, with the lightening speed men and women heading off about 10 minutes before ‘wave 4’ (this was me!)

Although competitive and a great fitness challenge, the event was relaxed and the staff extremely encouraging and helpful. It was quite amusing running past all the city dwellers in their suits, as we jogged our hearts out in swimmers, shorts and sneakers.

To any of you thinking of trying out this event, I wish you well! I would encourage all fitness levels to use this as a training tool or simply an enjoyable fitness activity at dusk in a picturesque location.

27:00….. My goal time for next race!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Triathlon training!

                  
I have a new goal!! 


 

(You may notice that I say this a lot.)

 




In order to keep myself motivated I like to mix up my training from week to week. I love trying out new sports and fitness activities and can get just as much enjoyment from a pilates class or Zumba lesson, as a 10km run or gruelling weights session. 2010 brought with it spin classes, bootcamp, stair running, kick boxing, body weight workouts and yoga just to mention a few…

However, this year I am determined to train for and complete my first triathlon. As long distance anything is not my forte, I have decided to go for what seems to be called a ‘sprint’ event. (Whoever decided that swimming 700 metres, cycling 20km and then running 5km was a sprint, probably needs their head checked!). Luckily, I not only have a motivating triathlon buddy but also a very supportive husband, both of whom have been dumped with the role of encouraging me in my latest fitness challenge.
To soften the blow, I have entered a biathlon, run by Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in the city. These biathlon’s run every Thursday evening and involve a 4km run around iconic Mrs Macquarie’s chair, followed by a 300m swim in the Andrew Boy Charlton pool. To me, this sounds much more civilised than an ocean swim and a technical road bike ride.

I'm not new to running, swimming or cycling for that matter, but I also do not excel at any. If I am to complete a triathlon this year without injuring myself or 'burning out', I should probably apply some basic 'tips for success'. (Like most things, I chose a few tips I liked and discarded any that deflated my iron-woman motivation).

1.Don't sweat the technical stuff:

They say this is a sport for everyone. From the well trained iron-man, to the complete beginner. So.... if you are like me and own a very pretty, bright shining bike which you use only to gracefully circle centennial park ..and the only time you have swum more than 700 metres is in your mum's backyard pool, desperate to keep up with broad shouldered and flipper feet husbands...you are ready to enter your first beginner triathlon!

2.Find a training plan that works for you:

After some research I have decided to loosely follow beginner triathlon training guide to help me reach my goals. However, I can’t decide whether to follow the “from couch to 5km” or the "Original Sprint -13 Week To Prepare” section, as I don’t quite fit either.
Each guide suggests a rough plan to follow which slowly builds up your aerobic and muscular fitness. By the time your event comes around, you should comfortably complete the required distance.

3. Rest, Recovery and Sleep:

Three of my favourite words when said in a context of health and fitness. The importance of rest and recovery is something I can vouch for. After a number of knee injuries and a bout of glandular fever, I have finally learned to rest when it is required. Having days where you take a break from workouts or including physical activity in a fun day out, is a great way to stay motivated and ensure your body is ready for it's next challenge.

“Workouts tear the muscles down, and without the opportunity to rebuild, they become weaker instead of stronger”. (Alice Hohol, iron distance triathalete.) Lets remember this and enjoy rest days as much as 'work' days.


Day 1 of my program starts tomorrow, so watch this space for update on my progress and if you like, jump on bored with some training of your own..... I'd love to see you at a race!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Balmoral stairs :

My New years resolution for 2011 was not only to think of different ways to motivate myself, but also to have others  join me in my fitness adventures. So far I have successfully recruited  two of my colleagues to start the year afresh with some challenging and fun workouts.

I should probably warn you that my idea of ‘fun’ has often been questioned (usually half way through a particularly gruelling burpees sequence or towards the end of a trail run in 30 degree heat). Our first challenge was the deadly ‘Balmoral Stairs’. From the bottom of said staircase, these look daunting and quite possibly unachievable. HOWEVER after completing 2 rounds of stair runs and managing to not pass out or hurl, we were feeling pretty smug and on top of the (fitness) world.



This staircase was rumoured to be used as a training tool on Australia’s ‘Biggest Loser’ and to think that we had accomplished a workout created by trainers Shannon and Michelle, we gave ourselves a metaphorical pat on the back and a serious quadriceps stretch.  I even managed to count the number of stairs while running and i came up with 262 ( you are welcome to correct me if in my fatigued state, i miscalculated) 

This workout is great for cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular endurance. Conveniently there are a couple of platforms mid way up for you to have a rest as required. This can act as tool for interval training and will certainly help to keep your heart guessing. To make the session a tad longer we ran from the bottom of Awaba st Mosman, to the stairs and then jogged back on our return. (2.3km total calculated on a favourite website of mine Map My Run)

The stairs are located across the far side of Balmoral park, close to the skate ramp.


 

They are hard to miss once you have crossed the oval as you will see numerous people walking up and down throughout the day and evening. The stairs close at 8.30pm during daylight saving and 6pm all other months.

My aim by mid year is to be able to complete 5 rounds of the stairs in 1 session.

 

Are you up for the challenge!?

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Assuage Massage Clinic

Don’t you sometimes find that if you’re onto a good thing....stick to it. This is my feeling about Pete Dent and his massages. Following this therapist as he moved into his own private practice was the smartest decision I’ve made in a while!
With a solid knowledge of the body and its inner working, I have trusted Pete from the very beginning to work his magic on my often stiff and stubborn muscles. From relaxation to brutal sports massage, this man knows his stuff.

I have been going to Assuage now since it first opened and make a point to book monthly appointments, not just as a treat to myself but as a way of preventing injury. Massage is often seen as a luxury in life and something which is regularly put on the end of the ‘to do’ list. I strongly urge you to change this way of thinking.


Pete and his therapists specialise in a number of different treatments such as pre and post natal pregnancy massage, muscle pain relief and sports massage. The sessions I book are typically I hour in duration and cost $85. A small price to pay to keep your body in good working order and to ensure physical and mental well being.

Pete always completes a thorough initial assessment and offers explanations of his treatment along the way. This is helpful to understand why aches and pains may be occurring and how best to treat them, as well as taking your mind off that niggling pressure point!!
Assuage has a number of specials on at the moment so be sure to check out their website: http://www.assuagemassage.com.au/index.php and make an appointment today. 

 Their treatment rooms are located on Level 1, 38 pacific Hwy, St Leonards.
 Pete Dent can be contact via email: peter@assuagemassage.com.au

Monday, January 3, 2011

Bodyrock.tv

Bodyrock.tv

Let me start by saying I am a dedicated ‘bodyrocker’. I first discovered this addiction while lazing at Balmoral beach, with a couple of my Sydney gals. When asking a particular ‘gal’ with a particularly sizzling body what her secret weapon was, 1 word and only 1 was exclaimed...’BODYROCK’.

Those of you like me who are forever searching for the ultimate fitness advice/training log will appreciate that finding an exercise routine that is tailored to your needs can be difficult. Without forking out daily $$ for a personal trainer (who will closely monitor your form, guide you in nutrition and continue to create fun and body sculpting workouts) I wanted something that would keep me motivated.

Bodyrock.tv is a website run by a couple currently living in Prague who post daily exercise routines of the intense, enjoyable and most of all short description!

Zuzanna comes up with a never ending supply of bodyweight routines which cause my heart rate to skyrocket and are starting to considerably decrease my body fat. The posts offer detailed descriptions of each exercise and even have a youtube video so that you can do you ‘bodyrocking’ along side her.



I choose to do these workouts on the floor in my gym but others are known to complete their ‘burpees, jump lunges and jump rope time challenges in the local park or in the comfort of their own living room. As the idea of the routine is quick and intense, you will find that often you have burned off 300 calories in less than 20 mins. Far better than running those never ending km’s on the treadmill.

Zuzanna has a huge amount of followers who are dedicated to these routines and are seeing great results. It is tailored to all levels of fitness, showing beginner modifications for those just starting  while at the same time flirting with our competitive nature by allowing others to try and beat her times/reps. She has started to introduce some interesting fitness tools such as a sandbag, jump rope and  dip station and her workouts target muscle groups i didn’t even know I had!!

anyway.. I challenge you to have a go and see if you too become a dedicated Bodyrocker.

Have fun



(not a photo of me unfortunately but of Zuzanna @ http://www.bodyrock.tv)

About Me


sydney wellbeing...

aims to motivate, educate and update you on fitness, food and wellbeing.

Coming to you from a Sydney blogger who is passionate about fitness and wellbeing, this blog will feature training logs, restaurant reviews, inspiring articles and all things health related in sunny Sydney.



getting to know anna...

She is a blogger from Sydney who works as a social worker and ‘plays’ as a fitness addict. Qualified as a personal trainer, she is taking her love of health and wellbeing to different heights by creating this blog and sharing it with you.

Follow her as she welcomes you to her favourite fitness experts, ideal yoga studios and quick healthy recipes.

Enjoy the ride!