February 2018
With February well known as the month of love, this Newsletter takes a look at not only how exercise affects us physiologically, but also how it makes us feel. I have talked about goal setting, but the best goals stem from loving ourselves and our bodies enough to make changes. With the link between exercise and endorphins well established, there are many benefits both emotionally and physically, to keeping up with your exercise plan.
A big thanks to FFA client Oliver Topping who helped to put together this video of some bodyweight exercises that will help you incorporate exercise easily into even the busiest of days. These exercises can be done anywhere, no equipment needed.
The popular Winter Run 10km (Cancer Research UK) Event took place on the 4th February. This is the 2nd biggest event of the year in London and London's biggest 10km capped at 20.500 runners and completely sold out. Plenty of runners didn't adhere to their allocated wave starts, which meant there was chaos especially within the first couple of km's due to the difference in speed. Well done to all the participants who made it such a special event.
It was a windy, chilly 2 degrees and despite the conditions, these were braved and the 10km course completed by Fit For Anything clients John (53.08), Manoj (56.21) and Angela (58.03). Roel (45.10) decided to take part too. A well worthy event to be part of although a little too crowded, no PB's this time round.
For those Obstacle Course Race (O.C.R.) fans, Nuclear Races put on well organised, professional and national award winning events at very reasonable prices. Once a month during the winter months they conduct a FREE taster session lasting 90 minutes mainly for newbee's in a buddy system. One of these sessions was attended by Fit For Anything (FFA) client Kash and Roel on the 21st January. Despite the very wintery conditions, the atmosphere was superb, the course provided great experience and it was really enjoyable, especially going down the slide in the snow.....
Hertfordshire School Athletic Association (HSAA) Cross Country event, 3rd February in St. Albans
Sabrina Jansen was selected to take part in the junior girls category (year 8 and 9) of this competitive event. It was muddy, hilly, bendy, rainy and at 5 degrees Celsius it made for a very challenging and technical course. Despite conditions and a talented field, Sabrina (year 8) finished mid-table which she was very happy with.
Sabrina will now take part in the National Cross Country event held at Parliament Hill (Hampstead Heath) on Saturday 24th February.
Winter Nuts Challenge, 4th March, Dorking.
The Nuts Challenge is run over a 7k obstacle course, with multiple laps available to those who want to increase their challenge to 14k, 21k or 28k.
Based at Dorking all year round with over 60 obstacles including, several cargo net climbs, fences, gates, walls, pole slide, rope swing, barbed wire crawl, log balance, tyre wall, jump through tyres, rope wall, swamps, water slide and lots of tunnels. The weather forecast looks promising (not) but Roel is going to try to complete 2 laps and aims to qualify for the O.C.R. World Championships which are going to be held at Nuclear Races grounds during autumn this year.
Fit For Anything (FFA) Training
There are lots of winter events happening to give you focus on your training.
Remember that there will be the opportunity for those interested to take part in some focused cross country running (between 4-10km) based in Whippendell Woods which is on the outskirts of Cassiobury Park towards Chandler's Cross.
Join us for free most Sundays from 2-3pm until the middle of March but let Roel know you are planning to take part. Meet at the 2nd car park on Rousebarn Lane which lane starts almost opposite The Prime Steak and Grill (WD3 4LU) in Chandler's Cross. From April it is very likely we will be back on the track at Merchant Taylors' School but we will keep you posted.
Reading Half Marathon
If long distance running is your 2018 goal, then set your sights on the Reading Half Marathon on March 18th. This is a popular and fast half marathon event in the lead up to the London Marathon where it is useful to test out training and race strategies, as well as preparation techniques such as nutrition, water intake and pace - and also how to navigate around other runners. Please let me know if you require any further guidance.
You can be(come) Fit For Anything!
All the best,
Roel