runGC

Why athletes need antioxidants

Robert Turner — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:07:45 +0000

When we think of athletes and active people, we certainly don’t think of exercise being dangerous to their health. It makes sense that active people would be healthier than sedentary ones. The truth is, exercise and strenuous physical activity can increase our oxygen consumption in order to meet our energy demands. This causes “oxidative stress” that leads to the generation of free radicals.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are organic molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases such as cancer. Oxidation occurs when free radicals damage cells in the body. Free radicals can enter our bodies in a variety of ways including tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants as well as from a poor and inadequate diet. Antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables, can help to neutralise free radicals in our bodies.

Athletes are at risk from free radicals

When an athlete’s training intensity is increased, the body’s cells are at an increased risk from the damage produced by free radicals. Studies have shown that both strength and endurance athletes produce more free radicals than untrained individuals.

The key to success

Of course, sticking to a well structured training programme is the best way for athletes to obtain successful outcomes but it is necessary to combine this training with an adequate diet and nutritional supplements to assist with post-event recovery and overall wellbeing.

Antioxidants improve post event recovery and accelerate muscle repair especially in older athletes. If you are competing in this year’s Gold Coast Marathon then it’s time to stock up on some antioxidant nutritional supplements now!

For more information, please watch our short video:

http://inessence.berryradical.com/home.jsf

References:

“Antioxidants for athletes” Dr. John M Berardi, Ph.D. http://www.johnberardi.com

Berry Radical Fact Sheet, Narelle Chenery, Miessence

“Nutrition For Endurance Athletes Should Include Antioxidants” Dr Keith Scott

http://vitaminconnection.com/nutrition-for-endurance-athletes-should-include-antioxidants%C2%A0%C2%A0/

“What Antioxidants & ORAC Mean for Endurance Athletes” Sally Warner, PhD

http://www.firstendurance.com/2011/04/what-antioxidants-orac-mean-for-endurance-athletes/

Gold Coast Airport Marathon training session – Run with Michael Shelley, Friday 17 June, 6.30am

Laura Perry — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:47:03 +0000

This Friday 6.30am at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport is your chance to go for a run with Commonwealth Games marathon silver medallist Michael Shelley! This free activity is for runners entered in or considering entering a race at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

As an ambassador for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Michael will take you on two laps of the beautiful Broadwater Parklands (approx. 10km in total). It will be a leisurely pace so runners of all levels are encouraged to join in. You can choose to run either one lap (5km, finish approx. 7am) or both laps (conclude at 7.30am).

Michael has recently returned from a top 10 finish at the prestigious Virgin London Marathon, a race in which he clocked a qualifying time for next year’s Olympic Games. He has earmarked the Southern Cross University 10km Run as the race he will contest at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

So come and have a run with Michael, get some training tips along the way and enjoy the beautiful Broadwater Parklands. All that is required is you and your running gear at the main stage of the Broadwater Parklands at 6.30am sharp this Friday. There will be giveaways and Café Rockpool located at the Broadwater Parklands will offer participants a free coffee or tea with any breakfast menu purchase.

Check out the event on the Gold Coast Airport Marathon’s Facebook Page, and click ” I’m Attending” : https://www.facebook.com/GCMarathon#!/event.php?eid=215176511848685

Details:
Run with Michael Shelley
6.30am, Friday 17 June (THIS FRIDAY), no cost
Broadwater Parklands (meet at the main stage)
Ample car parking south of the Southport Swimming Pool

Episode 4: Gold Coast Airport Marathon Online Training Video presented by NBN

Laura Perry — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:26:29 +0000

In Episode 4 of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Online Training Video presented by NBN, Event ambassador Pat Carroll gives us advice on how to stay motivated in your marathon training.

In addition to Pat Carroll’s advice, how do you plan on staying motivated in the less than 6 weeks before the Gold Coast Airport Marathon?

Latest Gold Coast Airport Marathon eNews

Laura Perry — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:18:07 +0000

Hey runGC members!

If you are not currently a subscriber, please check out the latest issue of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon eNews. You can even sign up for this free regular newsletter. It contains important, up-to-date information on individual and team entries, other events supporting the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, transportation and accommodation options, runner preparation and chances to win prizes (including a trip to the Auckland Marathon) for referring a friend to enter one of the Gold [read more →]

Gold Coast Airport Marathon training session – Run with Michael Shelley, Friday 27 May, 6.30am

Stephen Lock — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:18:12 +0000

Michael Shelley

This Friday 6.30am at the Broadwater Parklands in Southport – your chance to go for a run with Commonwealth Games marathon silver medallist Michael Shelley! This free activity is for runners entered in or considering entering a race at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Details:
Run with Michael Shelley
6.30am, Friday 27 May (THIS FRIDAY), no cost
Broadwater Parklands (meet at the main stage)
Ample car parking south of the Southport Swimming Pool

Episode 3: Gold Coast Airport Marathon Online Training Video presented by NBN

Laura Perry — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:57:44 +0000

Event ambassador Pat Carroll takes us through the process of selecting the right running shoes to help keep you safe and injury-free during your Gold Coast Airport Marathon training.

With only 6 weeks left to go until the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, do you plan on purchasing new running shoes to assist in your training?

Why you need pre and post event massage

Robert Turner — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:52:36 +0000

When you give your heart, soul (and body) all year to training for a big event like this year’s Gold Coast Marathon, the last thing you want is to injure yourself prior to the big day. Many athletes neglect to book in for pre-event massage due to last minute training.

Robert Turner, from Active Body Therapies, providing post-event massage at the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman & Ironwoman series, Currumbin, Gold Coast, November 2010

Pre-event massage plays an important role in your training and preparation for a sports event or competition. Pre-event massage can be performed from two days to just before the event. Neither first time nor deep tissue massage is recommended as both can take a couple of days or more to recover.

Your massage therapist should tailor all treatments to your specific needs at all times and pre-event massage is no different. All athletes handle competition differently, some will need a relaxing massage to calm their nerves, others will want a short, invigorating rub-down simply to assist in warming up their muscles, increase circulation and prevent injury. The emphasis here is on the main muscle groups that will be used during the event.

Post-event massage is equally as important as pre-event massage. Many athletes neglect to do a proper cool down after competition due to exhaustion, celebration or disappointment. The aim of post-event massage is to reduce muscle tension, soreness, and inflammation and to assist with overall recovery. This massage generally takes 15-20 minutes and should be performed right after the event to reduce the amount of recovery time needed by the athlete. It is recommended that you book in for a longer massage treatment in the 1-2 days following the event as well.

Are you competing in this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon? We can assist you with pre and post-event massage. Simply phone Active Body Therapies on 0403 444 684 to book your massage today! Be sure to check out our website for our Gold Coast Marathon Super Specials!

Why runners are turning to Kinesio Taping for improved performance

Robert Turner — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:13:04 +0000

Photo credit: Kinesio USA http://www.kinesiotaping.com/

You may have seen bright coloured tape on other runners or athletes and wondered if it was a new form of body decoration; or you may have heard of people who have been “taped” – but just what is Kinesio® Tape and as a runner – why do you need it?

What is Kinesio Tape?

Kinesio® Tape was developed more than 30 years ago by a Japanese chiropractor, Dr Kenzo Kase. Whilst it has been in common use in other parts of the world for some time, it was only introduced to Australia relatively recently in 2004 by Dr Kase himself.

What’s so special about it?

Kinesio® Tape is used to give support after an injury and during rehabilitation to prevent overuse. It’s also used to:

Reduce pain
Enhance performance
Prevent injury
Promote improved circulation and healing
Help prevent muscle cramping and lactic acid buildup

Different to traditional taping, Kinesio® Tape works with the body to allow for full range of movement. The body’s damaged tissue can rest and heal naturally despite continued use. The tape is 100% cotton which means it is breathable and lasts several days through sweating, bathing and even swimming.

What running related injuries can it be used to treat?

Kinesio® Tape can be used to treat many running-related injuries. It supports the muscles and increases circulation around injuries and other painful areas, and is frequently used by runners prone to shin splints.

Kinesio® Tape can also help with the following:

Plantar Fasciitis
Runner’s Knee
Ankle Sprain
Achilles Tendonitis
And more!

Who uses it?

Many world-class athletes now swear by the tape such as: Serena Williams, David Beckham, Lance Armstrong, Lleyton Hewitt, and Tiger Woods. Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon, and Molly Huddle, current American record holder in the women’s 5,000-meter run, are just two of the many top-flight runners who use Kinesio® Tape in their training. Kinesio® Tape is now used in practically every sport and at all levels from elite athletes to weekend warriors.

Where can I get taped?

Kinesio® Tape must be applied by a professional who is trained. For more information on how Kinesio® Tape can help you or to book in for a Kinesio Taping session, please phone Robert at Active Body Therapies (Miami & Robina) on Tel: 0403 444 684 or visit: http://www.goldcoastsportsmassage.com.au/

photo credit: ransacker http://www.ransacker.co.uk/

Sources:

Kinesio Tape. – Colleen Morrissey Wheatley, The Runners Blog. http://blog.timesunion.com/running/kinesio-tape/2171/
Kinesio Taping official website http://www.kinesiotaping.com/

Four Ways to Benefit from Sports Massage

Robert Turner — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:55:46 +0000

Pre-event Massage
All athletes should incorporate regular massage into their training program. A pre-event massage warms up the muscles which can help increase flexibility and movement and reduce the likelihood of injury. It also helps to relieve any tension in your body and joints leading to a more positive frame of mind.
Post-event massage
Post-exercise or post-event sports massage greatly decreases recovery time by flushing out toxins such as lactic acid much faster than the body can do by itself, reducing the effects of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This allows you to return to a higher level of training sooner therefore increasing your fitness and overall athletic/sporting performance.
Recovery from injury
Sports massage is tailored to different individuals and different sports in that order. Athletes are often at high risk of injury due to high impact sports played, i.e. football and rugby, or excessive stress put on particular muscles, i.e. running, basketball. During competition sport, old injuries can flare up, current injuries can be aggravated and new injuries can occur. Tight muscles injure easily and sports massage, combined with stretching, can speed up injury recovery time and assist in the reduction of scar tissue.
Maintaining good physical and mental health
Regular sports massage will assist with maintaining good long-term general health. Massage helps to relieve tension and relaxes you and your tired muscles. It helps your muscles retain and increase their flexibility, keeping you in optimum condition. Sports massage can also help improve circulation as blood is pushed through the veins more effectively making healing and repair faster. Sports massage helps athletes maintain a positive attitude by decreasing the stress of competition.

Entries now open

Marsha Graham — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:30:55 +0000

Entries opened this morning for the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Events Queensland Gold Coast General Manager Cameron Hart said early indicators were that a record of more than 25,000 runners was on track.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon has grown its entry numbers every year since 2001,” said Mr Hart.

“Last year we had 23,812 participants so the goal this year is to put on the best running event in Australia for 25,000-plus runners.

“An important statistic for the tourism industry was more than 18,500 of last year’s runners came from outside of the Gold Coast including 5,609 from interstate and 2,129 from overseas. These runners also brought more than 24,000 visitors with them.

“There wouldn’t be too many events in Australia that can bring visitors into a city like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon can do.”

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan, who is also the Chairman of Gold Coast Tourism, said the event was set to bigger and better than ever.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is now firmly entrenched as one of the key major events on the Queensland calendar,” said Mr Donovan.

“Every year it attracts more and more people from intrastate and interstate who travel to the region for the event.
“Most significantly it continues to attract an ever increasing number of participants and their families from overseas who come for the Marathon and stay for a holiday.

“We look forward to this event again breaking records for participation in all the races, as well as seeing tourism numbers increase to the Coast during the first weekend of July.

“We will all be ensuring that this event promotes the Gold Coast to the world, particularly in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games bid decision later this year.”

The first entrant in this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon was 31-year-old local resident and Gold Coast Airport staff member Zoe Nolan who will be embarking on the challenge of the full 42.195km marathon. An accomplished triathlete, Zoe will be stepping up to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon after completing the ASICS Half Marathon last year in just under one hour 47 minutes.

Joining Zoe on the start line in the large Gold Coast Airport corporate team will be its IT Manager Peter Nelson, who along with wife Michelle, are the first couple to sign up for the full marathon this year.

To enter or for more information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au or follow the links in our menu above.