Meet the Longevity City2Surf team: Grace & Rachel
Today, Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay,and Coburg, sit down with two more of our team members participating in the City2Surf , Grace and Rachel, to discuss how they have been preparing.
Grace Ryan: Team member at Edgecliff
I decided to run the City2Surf so that I had a goal to motivate myself to keep training. I have spent the last few years ‘umming and ahhing’ over whether to attempt the City2Surf and am glad I have finally decided to commit this year, alongside the Longevity team!
I have always enjoyed walking, but I never used to enjoy running – I always found it too difficult.
During lockdown I had a random burst of energy and decided to try running around the block. It was my first run in about 3 years! I realised I didn’t despise it as much as I thought I would, so I kept at it, and I haven’t looked back.
My goal is to run the full 14km of the race. It will be the longest run I have ever completed! The next goal I want to work towards after City2Surf, is to attempt a half marathon.
To prepare for the event, I have been completing resistance training 3-4 times per week. I also want to complete one long run per week, incorporating some hills to prepare myself for Heartbreak Hill.
I have been enjoying training alongside my team at Longevity, knowing that we are all training for the same event! I have it found incredibly motivating to be surrounded by like-minded people, encouraging each other to keep going.
I really love being part of a supportive team and feeding off one another’s good vibes and high energy levels to keep going! I am really looking forward to a fun day out!
Rachel Booker: Team member at Randwick
I chose to run the City2Surf as part of the Longevity team to set myself a challenge. I also wanted to take part in this iconic community event and spend time with like-minded people. I don’t have much experience with running, so I am excited to challenge myself with the event.
The opportunity to join the Longevity team was also a ‘no brainer’ – what a great way to combine my love for fitness and spending time with friends!
I have been building my running capacity gradually for the past 10 months. As the event approaches, I am also incorporating some more running into my weekly exercise routine, and I will look to practice some longer distances in preparation for the 14km event.
My current exercise routine includes consistent strength and conditioning training, but I have also started to incorporate some running-specific strength and endurance exercises into my program.
Throughout my journey preparing for this event, there are a few things that I have come to realise are important.
- Sleep: Getting appropriate sleep leading up to the event will be important to ensure your body is recovering and functioning well. A good rule of thumb is between 7-9 hours of good quality sleep, with little to no interruptions.
- Nutrition/fuel: Make sure you are fuelling your body with the appropriate nutrients it needs to sustain your body throughout your training, and the event itself. Are you getting enough protein for your recovery? Are you eating enough complex carbohydrates to fuel your running sessions? Are you drinking enough water to keep you hydrated.
- Tapering: The last week before the event, you will need to reduce your training volume and intensity to let your body recover and be fresh and ready for the event. We want to avoid too much fatigue or muscle soreness going into the event.
- Shoes: Investing in a good quality pair of running shoes will pay for themselves by ensuring your feet and body are well supported throughout your run. Make sure to test them out prior to the event to ensure comfort and limit any blisters or sore feet.
- Enjoy the process! Try not to get too caught up with being perfectly prepared, and instead enjoy the process of training. It should be a fun lead up with lots of excitement and enjoyment. Remember that any preparation is better than none, and the most important thing is to have fun on the day!
My goal for the day will simply be to finish the event and enjoy every part!
If I can run the whole the distance, that will be a bonus and a great accomplishment. However, I also want to support my fellow teammates, so I may walk or jog some sections with members of the team.
I am most looking forward to having the support of the whole Longevity team throughout the race and surrounding myself with the City2surf community. The scenery will also be a nice touch to the day, followed by food and conversation.
I would encourage anyone reading this blog to sign up and join the team for a fun day filled with community, endorphins and good vibes!
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Longevity team for the City2Surf, give us a call today to find out how on 1300 964 002!
Written by Grace Ryan and Rachel Booker.
