Race Towards Your Bikini Body This Summer

Summer is on its way (although it may not feel like it) and with it comes the inevitable loom of getting into that bikini. We know the facts, running is one of the best ways to burn calories, tone up and get that much coveted all-over healthy glow. And the best news? All you need is a pair of trainers. But what most people struggle with is the motivation. Personal Trainer and runner extraordinaire, Max Wilcox, (Max has just run a 100 miler… its exhausting just thinking about it!) commented “It can be challenging to maintain a fitness or running routine. Signing up to a race is a great reminder that you have a goal to achieve. It can certainly help you get out the door on days when you might have otherwise not. The first step is always the hardest.”

Signing up to a race has been proven to be one of the best motivators to get people lacing up and out the door, and you would be hard pushed to find anything more motivating than supporting Cancer Research UK in the process – which is where Race for Life comes in.

With 5 and 10ks all over the country, Race for Life offers woman (yes – sorry men this one is for the gals) the chance to enter a race that really matters. Every two minutes, someone in the UK is told they have cancer. Just by taking part, whether you are in it to get fit, loose weight or to support a good cause you will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and once the first person has sponsored you there really is no better motivation to compete.

COMPETITION: WIN EXTRA SPONSORSHIP MONEY
And just for some extra motivation (if the thought of that bikini isn’t enough), Race for Life sponsor, AXA PPP healthcare is offering entrants the chance to raise their sponsorship through their weekly prize draws. They will increase it by £200 for AXA PPP healthcare members (including corporate members), but even if you are not with them you could win up to £100 extra towards your sponsorship every friday until 3rd August 2012. You just need to have a Just Giving page and have had raised £50 in sponsorship. Visit to enter: http://campaigns2.axappphealthcare.co.uk/raceforlife/prizedraw.html?CID=raceforlife&CRE=comp# or send this link to friends and family (or tweet and Facebook this page) so they can take part too… after all its all about strength in numbers!

TIPS FROM THE TOP: JOIN A LIVE RUNNING CHAT WITH THE EXPERTS ON 26 APRIL
So you have signed up, you have bought the trainers and raised some money. Now you need an expert to give you some tips on how to be the best you can be on race day and unlike the celebs you see running these days who come to a race armed with their own personal trainer, you don’t have cash to splash at the problem. Fear not, AXA PPP have just announced that they will be hosting a live chat with three top health and fitness experts; John Crudington (PT and Fitness Expert will be online 10am-12pm), Lucy Wydham-Read (experienced Personal Trainer to celebs and sportsmen – she has even trained an entire football team, online from 2pm-4pm) and Dr Sarah Schenker (one of the most influential Nutritionists in the UK is around to answer your questions from 5pm-7pm). You will then have the opportunity to ask questions on a range of running topics – from, training guides and injury healing to race day tips and energy fueling foods (banana and peanut butter sandwiches aren’t for everyone).

THE DETAILS: The live chat will take place from 10am -7pm on 26th April. Just click on the following link on the day to take part: http://www.axappphealthcareblog.co.uk/content/ready-set-go-join-our-upcoming-expert-live-chat-on-running-jogging-and-walking-2/

AXA PPP HEALTHY TIPS
If you can’t make the live chat though, or even if you are just looking for some other top health advice then go to the be healthy section of AXA PPP healthcare’s website for other great wellbeing tips, such as healthy recipes, health experts and other inspiring articles for those just wanting to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Just click here to be taken through to a world of wellbeing goodness that will whip you into shape so fast you will be desperate to embrace that bikini: http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/personal/health-nutrition-fitness-information/be-healthy. They also have a dedicated online Cancer Centre to give support to those who are affected by cancer specialist advice on the topic.

CONNECT WITH AXA PPP: If you are already signed up, or once you have, join AXA PPP on their Facebook page or Twitter to get running tips and exclusive updates on special events at the races:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AXAPPPhealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AXAPPP

The Last Word: Running tips from PT Max Wilcox:

What is your top tip for a first timer running a race?

Relax, take it at a comfortable pace and enjoy yourself. In the last few days leading up to a race all that can be done is plenty of stretching and hydrating, all the hard work has been done by now. When you’re standing at the start line take a deep breath and don’t set off too quickly, it can be easy to get carried away. Preparation is key, have an idea of how fast you want to run based on how well training has gone, base your race day running pace on this. Always run your own race.

Tips for someone trying to achieve their best time?

Once again preparation is the key to success. If you’re going for a PB it’s a great advantage to know your course. There are plenty of runs that have a few hills, which can completely change a race it’s always nice to know when you should be putting in the extra effort. If you’re running a flatter course then know the pace you need to better your record. Have a plan and stick to it, timing is crucial, save your ‘sprint finish’ till the point you’re comfortable with, this is something worth practicing.