Wow its 2009 - The Wyndham Rotary FunRun/Walk could be your target as you get fitter this year

Well, Christmas is gone, the New Year is here so let's make 2009 a special one. Now is the time to start a routine of regular exercise - whether it be walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, the gym,  or some combination of the above - or maybe like to roller-blading. Whatever you like - it said to take about 7 weeks of commitment to establish a routine so don't despair if you are struggling after even a couple of weeks.

Here is a tip to help - don't plan to exercise every day - its not practical if you are new to the game. There are too many issues in your life - work, friends, family, hobbies - a new routine needs to get embedded slowly.

And don't set specific days of the week - you probably can't keep or don't want to keep that commitment (are you really going to give up that day out at the beach or shopping in the city or going to the tennis/cricket just because you said you would exercise on a Wednesday?). A better idea is to say you will start by exercising for half an hour for three days in each week. That way you won't feel guilty missing a day or two. Just try to get your days of exercise early in the week - you know - build up some credits so the pressure is off later in the week.

And set a target to reward yourself - the Wyndham Rotary Fun Run - Take the First Step - on Saturday March 28 at 8.00 am -  where you can check your progress and set a benchmark for the year. Oh - and you will helping a good cause - the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal - how's that for multi-tasking! Log on to www.wyndhamfunrun.org and make an early registration - its good for the motivation.

 

Why the Fun Run

The City of Wyndham is the fastest growing city in Victoria so that means that most of us come from somewhere else. In fact around 40% of our population has been here less than five years - pretty scary stuff don't you think.

The Wyndham Rotary Club recognised this and we wanted to develop a community event that brought as many of us together as possible in a fun event that was aimed at health and well-being.

It just so happened we had a few members who are pretty keen on regular exercise and our club members have marshalled at triathlons and other sporting events - so the idea of a local fun run was born. This is our 2nd fun run. Last year 300 starters completed either the 3km or 8 km course and this year we hope that 600 people will participate. So bring a family member, a school mate, your club, church friends, or your neighbours - lets make this year's fun run/walk a growing community event.

 

My Grandma could do that!

My 8 y.o. grandson proudly informed me that his grandma could easily do the Wyndham Rotary Fun Run - walking the course (of course). He was pointing to the 3km walk but I'm sure that as there are no hills she could also manage the 8 km route. Anyway, come March 28 - we'll see whether he is right. Grandma might have to get in a little practice beforehand.
Make sure you bring your grandma and register her for the Fun Run/Walk.

Visit www.wyndhamfunrun.org to enter now.

 

Electronic Ankle Bracelets will again record your time

Well they may have started as a way to record criminals on parole but the ankle bracelets used nowadays in triathlons and used in the Wyndham Rotary Fun Run are used to record your time on the track. As you cross the starting 'mat' the unique ID in your ankle bracelet is activated and the time recorded, and the same again when you cross the finish line. And because it is electronic your time can be immediately downloaded to a laptop computer. You can also check your time using your trusty watch, mobile phone, or the large electronic clock at the finish line.  

 

New 15 Km option

This year there is a new 15km option for those participants wanting to prepare themselves for other upcoming running events. The 15km run means pretty much that you do two laps of the 8km track . The route follows the Werribee River in towards Werribee township - a fantastic scenic part of the river and sheltered from wind for most directions.