August 2017
I hope that you all have enjoyed what Summer we have had here in the UK, or abroad with family and friends.
Despite the holidays, many of you have been busy with events, personal challenges and training. We have also been lucky enough to have had the World Championships on our doorstep in London. I hope that some of you were able to go and appreciate athletes at the very top of their game. Inspiration if ever it was needed during the summer break.
Inspiration is a bit of a theme running throughout this Newsletter. I am inspired on a daily basis by professional athletes, family and my clients. Watching people overcome physical and mental boundaries to physical fitness as well as helping clients become fitter, healthier and doing things they never thought possible, is why I love what I do.
Ride London
On Sunday 30th July, Ride London saw the combination of fun and accessibility of a free family ride in central London, with the excitement of watching the world’s best professional cyclists race in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic and Prudential RideLondon Classique.
Amateur cyclists also participate in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 – a 100-mile challenge on the same closed roads as the professionals, with the added incentive of raising money for good causes. This event is gaining popularity each year, with a ballot to gain entry. It is, after the London Marathon, the must-do event in the UK.
This year it was the second year running Sudheer and Vivek took part. Fit For Anything asked Sudheer some questions about their experience:
Why did you decide to do this event?
We did this event last year and despite the fact it rained a lot, it was a great sense of achievement when we finished. Riders bond and help each other where they can and of course, it was great to be able to do an event like this with the family. So again this year, we decided to give it extra purpose and decided to ride for NSPCC charity, please see link for details as it isn't too late to donate. https://www.justgiving.com/vivek100bike?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=vivek100bike&utm-campaign=pfp-email
When we decided to ride for charity we knew it would be the best fit to ride the 100-mile distance and not anything less, but I can tell you, it is a long way!
How did you train for it?
Generally, I did a spin class twice a week and from about April onwards, I went out on my bike for a longish ride sometime during the weekend. I also do weekly personal training sessions with Roel to ensure I get challenged, remain injury free and stay on the right track. I often bring Vivek along for a joint session too.
How did you find the event and would you recommend it?
This cycling event is hard to beat as it has everything in it, but you should definitely train according to the distance you decide to ride. Don't just turn up and have the gear but no idea. The more you are prepared and the better fitness level you have, the more you can enjoy the ride. I definitely recommend it for most people, as long as they are prepared to train for the distance they are going to undertake on event day.
How has it inspired you?
During September myself, my wife and my sons are also doing the Geneva to Milan bike ride organised by Ride 25. This ride takes place over 4 days and is a total of about 350 miles through the breathtaking terrain.
Please see www.ride25.com for further details.
Coming up
Whatever level of challenge you are looking for, September is a busy time in the calendar with upcoming events. So sign up and get inspired!:
Nuts Challenge - 3rd September - Dorking
Rat Race Coast to Coast - 9/10th September
Run the River - 5 or 10K along the river Thames starting at 7 pm
Rough Runner - 17th September, Clapham Common
The Hunger Games Run - 23rd September at a secret London location!
Spartan Beats - 30th September, Windsor
In the News .....
New FFA sessions start at Merchant Taylor's School in Northwood on Saturday 16th September. Sessions are aimed at helping to improve your running performance and learning to obstacle course-run on purpose built equipment. Follow our Facebook page for details and top tips!
For more information on any upcoming events, new sessions or availability, get in touch.
Roel