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How To Put The FUN Into This Fun Run!

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So, you’ve registered for Bridge to Brisbane, you’ve sorted out your best running shoes, and you’ve prepared yourself mentally and physically for completing the course. But, doing the Bridge to Brisbane doesn’t have to be challenging – in fact, you can take it as fast or as slow as you like, and have plenty of fun while doing it!

To ensure all participants have the most enjoyable day possible on August 26, we’ve pulled together our top five tips for putting the most FUN into our state’s beloved fun-run.

1. Dress to impress

When it comes to events like Bridge to Brisbane, you’re generally prepared to don your favourite activewear, built for movement and agility. However, what you might not know is that our fun run’s a little different!

You’ll see runners of all types on the course, many wearing costumes ranging from animal onesies to fairy tutus…and everything in between! Make your day at Bridge to Brisbane one to remember by donning your own best fancy dress – simply snap a photo in your costume on race day and upload it to your Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #bridgetobrisbane for your chance to win a cash prize!

2. Fun Runnin’ Friends

Speaking of friends, bring a plus one or a group of buddies to take on the course with you to add an extra spark to your experience. Sing, laugh, chat, dance or race each other all the way through the course and into the Finish Village. Completing the course together will make sweating a little sweeter AND you’ll have someone to enjoy breakfast (and the glory!) with afterwards – it’s a win, win!

3. Running – or whatever way you get to the finish line!

Just because it’s called a fun run, doesn’t mean you need to run the entire course… or at all! Runners, joggers, wheelies and walkers are all welcome to participate in the Bridge to Brisbane.

Whatever pace you choose, the only thing that matters is that you’re having fun and making memories while doing it! With live acts and entertainment at the Start Lines and at various stages of the course, there is so much to hear and see throughout the day, so run to the rhythm, walk in time, or dance your way to the finish line.

4. Picture-perfect

Ah Brisbane, the River City! You will be passing some of Brisbane’s most Insta-worthy spots, so whip out your phone or camera and take advantage of the beautiful scenery that passes you by! You’ll be crossing the Story Bridge at least once during the race and, we think – in fact, we know – that this makes the picture-perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy that Bridgey-didge scenery.

5. Rewards for all

Once you cross the Finish Line, it’s time to celebrate! South Bank comes alive on August 26 as Little Stanley Street and parts of the Parklands transform into our Finish Village – food, music, massages and more will all be within a few steps. Outside the Finish Village, select South Bank retailers will be open with special deals and discounts for Bridge to Brisbane participants – show your race bib to access these exclusive ‘Bib-ileges’.

Corporate teams and large groups also have the opportunity to enjoy a fun and relaxed morning in our Pop-Up Picnic Party area inside the South Bank Parklands. Here is where you can claim a dedicated space for your crew to enjoy that well-earned rest post-race, as well as access to the communal picnic games area. If that doesn’t put the fun in fun run, we don’t know what will!

So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t already, sign up now via www.bridgetobrisbane.com.au, but hurry…places are filling up fast!

How to Get the Most Out of Your Bridge to Brisbane Experience

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Regardless of your age or fitness level, Bridge to Brisbane is an event that you can truly set your own goals for and make your own! Here are our tips for getting the most out of the event and the day as a whole.

Tailor the run to you

With a choice of two courses – 5km and 10km – participants can test themselves on speed, endurance, and everything in between – Bridge to Brisbane is suited to people of all ages and fitness levels! Start times are organised according to fitness level, so whether you’re running, jogging or walking, you’ll be surrounded by participants of similar abilities.

Pace setters will also be easily recognisable on the day, carrying coloured balloons that correspond to your race time. If you’re looking to achieve a particular time, or maybe even a PB, match your pace with the correct pace setter to work out whether you need to speed up or slow down to achieve your goal.

Alternatively, you can forget the testing altogether and simply focus on enjoying yourself! With prizes for the best-dressed (read: best costumes) and a heap of activities in the Finish Village after you cross the finish line, the entire event day makes for a fun and memorable morning in the river city.

Bubs in prams can also participate with parents or guardians for free, so why not sign the whole family up as a team and make the event a goal you can all work towards?

Prepare for race day so you can give it your best!

To ensure you get the most you can out of the day, make sure your mind and body are ready! Training and preparation beforehand is crucial – physical AND mental. On our blog, we have some advice on training and how to get started, as well as what you should be eating while training. To summarise our tip tips, we recommend creating a consistent routine, slowly building up your strength, setting yourself realistic goals, and having a great night’s sleep on August 25, so you can do your best on race day… no matter what your goal is!

Know the course

Familiarise yourself with the course maps, and take note of where the toilets and water stations are. That way, on the day, you can focus on yourself and meeting your goals, without worrying about which way to go.

Knowing the course will help you keep track of where you are and how far you have left to go, so you can keep motivation levels high where it matters. Of course, there will be plenty of volunteers and event staff along the course to help if you have any questions but, as they say, knowledge is power – even at Bridge to Brisbane!

Fundraise

Not only is our event an opportunity to be healthy, active and explore our beautiful city, Bridge to Brisbane is also your chance to give back to the community! If you’re passionate about a particular cause, you can raise funds for them by participating in Bridge to Brisbane.

When you do the Bridge to Brisbane, you’ll get two times – your race time and your Hero Time. Your Hero Time is your race time minus one second for every $1 you raise! Fundraising is just another way you can get the most out of Bridge to Brisbane and make a difference.

Remember to have fun!

Above all, Bridge to Brisbane is a fun run, and our goal is to provide every participant with an enjoyable experience! For some, it’s a way to achieve new goals, and for others, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family, and appreciate Brisbane’s beautiful scenery.

Sign up now to secure your spot! Visit www.bridgetobrisbane.com.au to register.

Running Back in Time: The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane’s 22-Year History

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Twenty-two years of Bridge to Brisbane…oh, how time flies when you’re having fun!

What started out as a local community event has grown to be Queensland’s largest fun run! Today, tens of thousands of people take to the streets of Brisbane to celebrate being healthy and active, and enjoy all that is great about our river city. For many people, it’s also an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a charity of their choice.

Read on if you’d like to learn a little more about our 22-year history!

When was the first race?

The very first event kicked off in August 1997, with around 5000 participants. Back in the day, the race headed east towards the Manly coast line and was originally called the ‘Bridge to Bay’.

finish area of bridge to bay fun run at elanora park wynnum brisbane

View of the finish area of the Bridge to Bay fun run – Elanora Park, Wynnum. Photo taken by Mark/Cranitch on 3rd August 1997.

Fast forward to today, where the introduction of our new course in 2015 saw 30,000 people pound the pavement and our event sell out. Last year was the same, and this year is looking no different…so you’d better get in quick!

Who was the first winner?

For the first three years, Brissie local Pat Carroll managed to breeze past the competition and win the 12-kilometre 1997, 1998 and 1999 races. He was Queensland’s best distance runner at the time and crossed the finish line in just 34 minutes and 20 seconds. Here’s a fun fact… did you know the yellow figure in The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane logo is an illustration of Pat victoriously finishing the race back in 1997?!

How has the course changed over time?

Our course hasn’t always taken in the same sights as it does today!

people running down gateway bridge for bridge to brisbane

The Bridge to Brisbane used to start at the Gateway Bridge. Photo taken by Drew Fitzgibbon, 5th August 2007.

When we were the Bridge to Bay, we started on the Gateway Bridge and headed east towards the bayside suburb of Manly. The Gateway Bridge remained the starting point for many years, but the finish line changed a few times – our name change to Bridge to Brisbane saw the route finish at New Farm Park, before settling on the Brisbane Showgrounds in 2008.

people cross the bridge to brisbane finish line in bowen hills

Participants cross the Bridge to Brisbane finish line in Bowen Hills, 2015. Photo taken by Jono Searle.

After eight events encompassing this route, 2016 marked the arrival of two brand new courses, created to encompass more of Brisbane than ever before. These are the same courses participants will take this year, and they’re here to stay!

The 10km course starts at Roma Street Parklands and crosses three of Brisbane’s iconic bridges – the Go Between Bridge, the Victoria Bridge and the Story Bridge – and the 5km starts at the beautiful Captain Burke Park, crossing the Story Bridge twice. Both courses finish in the South Bank Parklands where participants can enjoy a morning of fun and relaxation with friends and family post-race.

Runners at start line for Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane 2017.

Runners at the start of the Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane, August 27, 2017. Photo taken by Jono Searle.

What’s new in 2018?

This year, the Finish Line for both courses is on Little Stanley Street, so your cheer squad can watch you from the South Bank Parklands and encourage you during your run.

We’ve also just launched the Bridge to Brisbane app, which is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store! With a countdown timer, event updates and selfie filters, make the app your go-to guide for race day 2018. Just search Bridge to Brisbane to download now.

We also launched a brand new Bridge to Brisbane merchandise line, as seen on our friends at FitazFk Gym in The Sunday Mail.  With a range of items to suit all activewear enthusiasts, shop the full range right here ahead of race day!

two females and males modelling bridge to brisbane activewear

Stand out on the course with our new merchandise range. Photo taken by Macauley Ryan.

Why do people continue to race?

From the very beginning, The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane has been much more than just a run. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy our event – Bridge to Brisbane is all about celebrating the very best of Brisbane, while appreciating being healthy and active. Elite runners, budding joggers and casual walkers can all take part in Bridge to Brisbane and have an equally enjoyable experience.

It’s also a chance to give back to the community – participants are encouraged to raise money for a charity of their choice, or for The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. Since launching the event 22 years ago, participants have raised over $9 million for charities, including funds raised so far this year!

members of Team Cure Brain Cancer participating in Bridge to Brisbane

Team Cure Brain Cancer participating in The Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane in 2017.

Where do I secure my spot?

What are you waiting for? Join us as we continue to make history and sign up today for Brisbane’s biggest and best fun run, taking place August 26, 2018!

After the race…now what?

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Congratulations, you’ve completed Bridge to Brisbane Day! Whether you raced your hardest through the 10km or took a leisurely walk over the Story Bridge with a group of friends, you’ve done a great thing for yourself and the community.

Achieving a goal is a great feeling. But what do you do after you tick that box?

Reflect – how do you feel?

Take some time to give yourself a pat on the back and think about how you feel after achieving your goal. Reflect on what’s changed since you decided to do the race – are you feeling healthier or happier? Is exercise a bigger part of your routine? Have you kicked any bad habits? Are there any other changes you want to make?

Decide what new habits you want to stick with and how you want to feel, then set about making your next health or fitness goal.

Setting new goals

Keeping the reasons you embarked on your Bridge to Brisbane Day journey in mind, think about what your next goals might be now that race day is over.

You might aim to continue running a few times a week, set a goal to continue cooking healthy dinners, or register for another fun run. Think about what long-term changes you want to make: do you want to improve your speed or distance, lose weight, or feel more energetic?

Use the S.M.A.R.T formula to set goals that are achievable and realistic, and write your goals down on a calendar or list. Think about the steps you’ll take to realise your goals, breaking them down into achievable chunks. Each week, think about what you’ll do to move a little closer to ticking your goal off your list, using a tool like the Healthier. Happier. Meal & Exercise Planner to write your weekly plan.

A suggested long-term goal is to write down your time from this year’s event and aim to shave time off this in 2018!

Keeping healthy habits

Sticking to healthy habits in the long term can be challenging, but there are a lot of tools to make it easier for you.

Stay motivated by tracking your progress, getting friends involved, and making sure you reward yourself when you stick with your new routine.

Use the Health & Fitness Age Calculator to get some insight into your overall health and wellbeing, either to motivate yourself to keep on working hard or to track the progress you’ve already made.

Mix things up in the kitchen by trying some new, healthy recipes, including healthy snacks, comfort food and fast family dinners. You can explore the Healthier. Happier. Library for more articles on healthy eating, exercise and goal setting.

What will you be doing to stay motivated now that Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 is complete? Let us know in the comments below.

We want to see your race day snaps! Keep your photos coming by tagging us and using the hashtags #BestTimeBNE and #Bridge2Brisbane. 

Five Tips For Calming Race Day Nerves

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With less than three weeks of training left until race day, we sat down with elite athlete and osteopath, Steve Dinneen, to get his top tips for calming nerves when your foot hits the start line on August 27.

“A bit of nervous energy is good, so when you get nerves on race day, remember to use then in a positive way to improve your performance, not hinder it. Mindset is the key.”

Have a race plan – ask yourself, how do you intend on running the race?

Are you planning on starting out slow and working your way into the race, or do you intend on going out faster and seeing if you can hang on to the finish line? Will you run at a particular pace or feel, are you running with a friend/s, with a pack or solo? Going into the race with a strategy can help with calming nerves as you have a plan to focus on.

Self-belief – think positive

If you have done the training, the race is about putting the hard work into action. Those early morning runs or weekend training sessions have led you to this moment. Look forward to the finish line and testing yourself out along the way – there are people out there who would give anything to run. Be inspired by yourself and those around you who are getting out there to tackle the course.

Breathe

Take a moment on the way to the race, or before the start of the race, to find that relaxed and centred place in your mind.

Be organised and prepared

Get to the race early and be prepared for potential issues like traffic, toilets lines, getting to the start line, public transport or parking if driving. You might want to bring an old t-shirt to wear if it is cold that you can throw it off before the race starts. Have a $10 or $20 note in your shorts pocket in case you need money for something unexpected like a drink. Trying to stay relaxed and not get nervous when you are running late for a race is almost impossible. So think ahead.

Once the gun goes, so do all of those nerves!

Use them to work for you – know that nerves are a pre-race thing and once the race starts, the atmosphere, amazing views of Brisbane from the Story Bridge and endorphins will keep you Running Happy and nerve-free.

Good luck!

Steve Dinneen is a Brooks Running sponsored athlete, elite middle and long distance runner and coach. He works professionally as an osteopath and has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years.

This blog was contributed by our friends at Brooks Running.

Got any other suggestions on calming nerves before a big race? Let us know in the comments below. 

Yet to enter Bridge to Brisbane Day? It’s not too late – but hurry, last year’s event SOLD OUT! Get your runners on and enter NOW. 

Don’t forget to share your training snaps by using the hashtags #bridge2brisbane and #BestTimeBNE!

 

 

Top tips to be a successful fundraiser

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At everydayhero, we know how hard it can be to keep up momentum when you are fundraising for a cause you care about over a long period of time.

To help you continue to build on your fundraising to date, below are some tried and tested methods that will help you keep the ball rolling towards August 27!

Remind yourself

Remember why you are doing what you are doing – don’t forget the passion behind your reason to raise money for your cause.

Raise your profile

Make sure you have completely filled in your profile. Having a profile picture, an updated story, and sharing your page on social media can make a huge difference

Share your training

Connect your fundraising page with a fitness app such as MapmyFitness, Strava, or Fitbit and share your training updates with your family and friends. Show them how committed you are while getting in shape for the big day!

Don’t lose your momentum

If your donations slow down, you should speed up! Send out reminder emails to friends who have yet to donate, call in that favour you’ve been meaning to redeem andremind your loved ones of your passion behind what you are doing and the steps you are taking to achieve it.

Change

If you find yourself getting bored of your training programme change it, don’t risk hitting a plateau and becoming de-motivated. Try a new route or a new time to go for a run. Why not take a look at the Bridge to Brisbane day website and try out the official event route?

Goal setting

Set weekly or daily goals for your fundraising. Having smaller, more achievable targets will mean you’re more likely to achieve them and keep up your positive energy.

Pat your own back!

On that same note, reward yourself when you hit certain milestones within your fundraising or your training. Whether that’s taking time out to go to the cinema or just treating yourself to a day off, don’t forget to relax and recharge.

Raise money in good company

Get your friends and family to join in with your efforts, whether it’s for the main adventure or just helping out with your smaller fundraising events beforehand. Create a team for Bridge to Brisbane Day and join your efforts! As a team, you can all fundraise for the same organisation or pick the one you each care about most.

Enjoy!

Last, but by no means least, don’t forget to have fun!

Yet to enter Bridge to Brisbane Day? It’s not too late – but hurry, last year’s event SOLD OUT! Get your runners on and enter NOW. 

Don’t forget to share your training snaps by using the hashtags #bridge2brisbane and #BestTimeBNE!

This blog was written for the Bridge to Brisbane Day community by our friends at everydayhero.

How to fit Bridge to Brisbane Day preparation into your busy schedule

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As the temperature drops, so too can our motivation to get out and pound the pavement, but with Bridge to Brisbane Day only eight weeks away, it’s time to re-ignite the fire in your belly to go out and smash your fitness goals. If you’re a little stuck on where to get started, we’ve come up with a few ways that will help you put the prep in your race day preparation for Bridge to Brisbane Day

Take the scenic route

There’s nothing pleasant (or productive for that matter) about sitting in traffic for an hour and a half. Why not throw on some running shoes instead and take the scenic route to work? Brisbane is an incredibly exercise-friendly city, with walking tracks, bike lanes and shared pathways forming part of most major routes. Walking, running or cycling is a great opportunity to soak up some Vitamin D and appreciate our beautiful river city in the flesh. Plus, as we move further into winter, you won’t need to worry about arriving at work dripping in sweat.

Lunchtime workouts

After a long day at work, it’s natural to want to curl up on the couch at home, rather than get out and exercise. Why not switch up the timings a little and exercise during your lunch break? Many gyms have classes over the lunch period, or if classes aren’t your style, find a walking track near your office and get your heart rate up over lunch. Not only will it help your cardio fitness, but that burst of endorphins will also help you smash through your afternoon to-do list.

Outdoor meetings

Rather than battling the noise of a café, or trying to stay awake in a boardroom, why not suggest grabbing a coffee to go and going for a walk for your next meeting? In addition to the physical benefit of being active, studies have shown that exercise improves creative thinking. Now that’s killing two birds with one stone!

Fun with friends

Working out with friends enables you to exercise and socialise, while keeping you motivated and accountable. Instead of seeing it as a 5km, look at it as a 5km talk. Positive encouragement from your workout buddies and achieving milestones together will set you well on the way to achieving your race day goals.

The commercial workout

If you like to multi-task, this one’s for you! If you like coming home from a busy day and sitting down to watch the news, why not bust out the exercise mat and work out while watching?

There are loads of stretches and workouts you can do while watching your favourite reality TV show – a simple YouTube search will open your eyes to a plethora of at-home workouts suited to your fitness level and style.

How do you fit Bridge to Brisbane Day preparation into your daily routine? Let us know in the comments below or share your snaps with us using the hashtag #bridge2brisbane!  

Don’t forget to check out the Healthier. Happier. Training Guide in The Sunday Mail each week in the lead-up to race day.

Have you registered for Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017? Last year sold out, so enter NOW to ensure you are one of thousands of people pounding the pavement on August 27. Get your runners on! 

How to make Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 the best run you’ve ever done!

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“Every journey starts with a single step, and every great fun run starts with a single training session.”

My name is Luke Heath, and I’m a running and fitness coach for beginner to advanced athletes. I’m also a mentor to some of Australia’s elite distance runners such as Josh Harris (2017 London World Championships Marathon runner).

In the blog below, I’m going to map out every step of the way to crossing the finish line at this year’s Bridge to Brisbane Day. I will show you the best single training sessions to make that start, help you set realistic, awesome and achievable goals, show you the huge benefits of morning training sessions, and set some sessions so you can share the whole journey with your friends and family to make it the best fun run you’ve ever done!

Where should I start my training?

That’s a great question, and one that is very often asked by the athletes I work with. My typical response is, “Tell me what kind of sessions you most enjoy doing?” Whatever your answer is, start with this. A session that you are comfortable with and enjoy is the first small step towards your big Bridge to Brisbane Day goal!

If you’re a runner and have a favourite ‘go-to’ route around the city, on the trails, or even a set of stairs or hills to get the legs going, start here. If you’re a cyclist, swimmer or ball sport player, a run will provide a great cross-training fitness effect if this isn’t your usual training session, and it will also improve your fitness for your sport. If you’re a ’gym junkie,’ start with a legs and core strength session specifically for runners, then progress into some lighter runs early to make a start. If you love yoga, start with a stretching session the day before your first run to keep your body in check and injury-free.

For some people, purchasing that new pair of shoes and training gear is enough to inspire the first sessions, and Brooks will certainly help you out for this year’s Bridge to Brisbane Day training.

My point is, there is no wrong start! Just make that start today, and as you progress through your running journey, start pointing everything you do towards your goals.

Ok, so I’ve made the decision to start training…what should my goals be?

Let me walk you through three key considerations to help you set the most realistic, awesome and achievable goals for yourself and make this year’s run super fun.

1. Choose your course.

Do you want to experience running down the middle of the main road without cars or distractions, across three of Brisbane’s most iconic bridges in the most scenic 10km fun run you’ll ever compete in? Or would you prefer a faster, shorter dash across the Story Bridge, including a race to the finish line in South Bank for one of the fastest 5km races you’ll ever run? Make your selection…and once you’ve chosen your race day distance, move on to the next step of your goal setting.

2. When’s the race day?

Race day is Sunday 27th August, 2017, so you have around 10 weeks of training to complete. This is the perfect time frame for you to achieve some big goals. Maybe you competed in the 5km dash last year and would like to take on the endurance challenge of competing a more scenic and iconic 10km run this year. Maybe last year was your first fun run and you’d like to beat last year’s time on either course? Ten weeks gives you enough time to get into a good training program, enabling you to complete a couple of four-week training blocks, where you focus on increasing your fitness. I’d even suggest going to a few Parkrun sessions for ‘competition practice’ on the easy week between training blocks. This will help you gauge how your training is progressing.

Are you reading this article with only one month to go before race day? That is a-okay – nothing is too little too late! Sure, maybe you won’t achieve the big race time goals you originally had in mind, but four weeks of running training will definitely get the kilometers into your legs, helping you to build your fitness, strength and endurance. Keeping your training consistent in the lead-up to race day will help you to make the distance and have a fun, enjoyable running experience, while taking in the iconic scenery.

What is a realistic pace and time for me?

My handy ‘Pace Guide’ table below is one that I use for all my athletes, from beginners to those who are more advanced. This helps them to guide their training and race day times with realistic, awesome and achievable goals.

Pace Guide

Distance Beginner Intermediate Advanced
5km 24-27mins+ (4:48-5:24/km) 22-24mins (4:24-4:48/km) 19-22mins (3:48-4:24/km)
10km 48-54mins (4:48-5:24/km) 44-48mins (4:24-4:48/km) 38-44mins (3:48-4:24/km)

*Note: this a general male/female pace guide. On the race day, you will have marked ‘pace setters’ running to help you stay on track.

When is the best time to train?

I’m a big believer in morning training sessions! I know what you’re thinking… “But I’m not a morning person Luke!” Yes, I understand there are a lot people who are not morning people, but let me reassure you, a few morning training sessions each week will change your whole day, week and life. You may not start your run at a cracking pace, but once you’ve finished your warm up, you’ll be awake and cranking it through your session.

One of the big wins of morning training sessions is that they leave you with your metabolism firing for the rest of the day… great for fat burning! An AM session will leave you feeling revitalised, full of energy and ready for whatever life throws at you during the day. By completing a few morning sessions across the week, you’re achieving your fitness goals early in the day, combating the ever-looming procrastination of afternoon sessions.

I’m also a big believer in practicing for your race day conditions. I do this with all my athletes, whether they’re training for a fun run or world competition.

Bridge to Brisbane Day starts at 6am for the 10km race and 9:20am for the 5km race, so morning training sessions will help you get used to the temperature and conditions to achieve your race day goals. So come on! Get up and into it…what have you got to lose? And let’s be honest, our river city is pretty spectacular…does Brisbane ever really have a bad morning to wake up and work out to?

Who should I train with?

Training with a friend comes with huge benefits; physically, socially and mentally. Running is technically an individual sport, but everyone loves to train with a friend and share these experiences together. The training benefits go far beyond just the social aspects. If you and your friend run at about the same pace, then that’s perfect – you can push each other, and motivate each other towards achieving your training goals with a little friendly competition every session.

The warm up and cool down chats can become very therapeutic, even if you find yourself training with friends way out of your pace league. From my experience, these ‘training chats’ with others may not have fixed any world problems, but the chat, laughter and general conversation about the small things in life really do make a world of difference to your day!

These benefits go far beyond the training too. The experiences you share with a friend on race day, even if you’re not racing together, will give you memories for a lifetime with Bridge to Brisbane Day becoming an experience that you can chat about for weeks or even years, to come.

So, go on, pull your friends together for this life-changing experience! Remember, you can run with a pram on race day so the whole family can join in the fun. Registrations are open now at: http://bridgetobrisbaneday.com.au/, so get your runners on!

 

ABOUT LUKE

Luke Heath, running and fitness coach with over 30 years experience in athletics. Founder and creator of Luke Heath Fitness, motivating and inspiring you to become healthier, fitter and leaner, through his efficient and effective workout programs and meal plans. Check out his 10 weeks to Fun Run programs and read all about Luke over at www.lukeheathfitness.com.au

Five Ways to Shake Up Your Fitness Regime

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With May done and dusted and winter officially upon us here in Brisbane, we have less than three months until Brisbane-ites pound the pavement for Queensland’s favourite fun run, Bridge to Brisbane Day.

The month of June has already brought with it much more chilly mornings than we’re used to, and the temptation to hit the snooze button every morning and stay curled up in a warm, sleepy ball is more real than ever before.

But while the rest of Brisbane goes into hibernation, now is the perfect opportunity to up the ante on your fitness routine and take advantage of the quieter winter months…here’s how!

1. Become a team player

We’ll let you in on a little secret – playing a social sport is so much more fun than it is hard work, that sometimes you forget you’re exercising! You can play a highly cardio-intensive sport, such as basketball, touch football or soccer and forget that you’ve just run the equivalent length of a court or field more times than you can count.

PLUS the added guilt you feel when you cancel on a group of friends means there’s almost no excuse not to show up…nobody wants to let the team down.

2. Embrace the group mentality

Do you need some #mondaymotivation every day of the week? Group exercise classes are a great way to mix up your fitness routine and will speed up the road to your fitness goals. With great music, inspiring instructors and a range of different classes to suit your fitness levels and interests, the time goes by quickly!

ADDED TIP: For classes that will get your heart pumping, try HIIT, F45 or Body Attack classes. If you prefer a more gentle style of exercise, yoga or Pilates classes might be up your alley.  

3. That’s what friends are for

Exercising with company is always more fun, especially if you and your pals share similar exercise interests. Not only will you be less inclined to bail on your buddies, working out together kills two birds with one stone – it’s a great opportunity to catch up and socialise, while still squeezing a workout into your packed schedule.

4. A change of scenery

Everybody has their ‘go-to’ training tracks, but switching up your regular route not only keeps it fun and fresh, but it also builds your strength. Do you normally run outdoors? Pop into a gym for a change. Normally run by the river? Switch the fresh water for sea water and travel to the beach for a new vantage point AND more challenging training track.

5. Treat yourself

When you are pushing yourself extra hard at the gym, or waking up before the sun’s up to go for a run, it’s super important to reward yourself in order to keep those motivation levels at a high. Why not treat yourself to a coffee after your run, or meet a friend for brunch before power-walking it off?

By no means does the reward need to be food-related – it might be an experience, such as a swim at the beach, or some spectacular scenery at the end of an uphill incline.

ADDED TIP: It’s also important to remember that sometimes the best way you can treat yourself and your body is by having a rest. Make sure to give yourself a pat on the back in whatever way will keep you motivated and take a ‘rest day’ when your body is telling you you need it!

How do you spice up your fitness regime to achieve your fitness goals? Let us know in the comments below.

Share your training snaps with us by using the hashtags #bridge2brisbane and #besttimebne!

Haven’t registered for race day? Enter now to take advantage of our Early Bird registration period. 

The Lowdown on Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017

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WE’RE BACK! After a very special Bridge to Brisbane Day in 2016, we cannot wait to do it all again this year and we want to make sure you can join us too!

Taking place on Sunday 27 August (mark it in your calendars now!), Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 is expected to be just as big and even better than ever – see what to expect below:

Two iconic courses

Last year, we celebrated 20 years since the first Bridge to Brisbane Day with the introduction of two brand-new courses that encompassed more of Brisbane than ever before! In 2017, we’re excited to announce that these courses are here to stay. More info about each course:

10km

Starting from Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill, the 10km route will take you over THREE iconic Brisbane bridges! Have your camera phones at the ready for this one – you’ll be treated to some of Brisbane’s best sights as you run over the Go Between, Victoria and Story Bridges before crossing the finish line in South Bank Parklands. Find out more about the new 10km course right here.

5km

Those signed up for the 5km race will be lucky enough to run over the Story Bridge TWICE! Beginning at Captain Burke Park, participants will pound over the iconic Story Bridge, before looping back across the bridge, through Kangaroo Point and down to South Bank to cross the finish line in your #BestTimeBNE. Find out more about the new 5km course right here.

FINISHER VILLAGE AND EXCLUSIVE ‘BIB-ILEGES’

Just because your race time stops when you reach the Finishers Village, doesn’t mean the fun of the day has to! Celebrate the beauty of Brisbane for the entire day in the ‘Finishers Village’ in South Bank Parklands. All Bridge to Brisbane Day runners will be treated to a range of ‘Bib-ileges’ from participating venues on Little Stanley Street and surrounds – keep your eyes on our social media and website to find out what deals you can take advantage of.

EARLY BIRD ENTRIES

Early Bird entries for Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 are now open! Last year’s event SOLD OUT, and again this year, entry numbers are capped. Get your runners on to ensure you are among the thousands of people pounding over three iconic Brisbane bridges on Sunday 27 August, 2017.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out – get your Early Bird entries in for Bridge to Brisbane Day 2017 NOW to experience Brisbane’s most celebrated fun run!

Don’t forget to share your fitness journey with us by using #BestTimeBNE and #Bridge2Brisbane across Facebook and Instagram!

How to Start Running and Stay Running

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With The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane Day 2016 just around the corner, our training program is ramping up at HQ!

If the new look course and Finish Village aren’t enough to get you training, we’ve asked our friends at The Athlete’s Foot for some words of wisdom that will inspire you to register faster than you can say ’10 kilometres’.

Luke Beauchamp, Run Coach for The Athlete’s Foot Carindale, shares his top tips on how to start  and stay running.

  1. Give yourself a reason to run.

Setting short AND long term goals is a great way to track your progress and see results over time! Use that as motivation throughout your training period. No matter how big or small, you’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment.

  1. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.

This is so important. Everybody runs at different paces and in different ways…we are all unique, after all!

Instead of comparing yourself to other runners, concentrate on the personal goals you have set, and focus on how far you have come since you started your journey. Celebrate all the milestones!

  1. Wear the right shoes for you.

It’s all in the shoes! It’s incredibly important to wear the right footwear while you run in order to stay injury free and confident in your training.

Pop in to your closest The Athlete’s Foot store to get professionally fitted and sized for your next pair of runners. Our personalised fitting process involves determining each customer’s running needs, and uses our exclusive fitting technology FITZI to map the foot and identify the perfect fit.

For more advice on how to choose the perfect shoes, read our blog by fitting specialist Tennille here.

  1. Mix up your training.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and run the same route, for the same amount of time, every training session. Keep your body on its toes and spice up your routine! Take your long runs easy, and take your high-intensity sessions harder.

  1. Join a running group

There are many weekly run clubs around town. They’re a great way to keep your motivation at a high and get your speed sessions ticked off! Join us at one of our free Run Clubs around South East Queensland – check in with a store near you for the details, or visit their website.

The Athlete’s Foot are providing The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane Day participants with a weekly training program to take you all the way to the big day. Grab a copy of The Sunday Mail each week or visit The Athlete’s Foot website to view the program and work your way towards your #BestTimeBNE!

Do you have any other running tips you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments below!

#Bridge2Brisbane #BestTimeBNE

bridgetobrisbaneday.com.au

#TheAthletesFoot

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