Tuesday 17 September 2013

RUNNING: THE HEALTHY OBSESSION AND A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF MISHKA SHUBALY


http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/21/health/cnnheroes-exercise-addiction/index.html


Of course (as runners out there will already know), running can be obsessive!

But, a healthy obsession can in many situations can help save the lives of people drowned in a more unhealthy life obsession - drugs, alcohol, etc.

The article attached is about Mishka Shubaly - the best selling author who used running - a healthy obsession -  in treating his sever dependence on alcohol.

Running, like for Mishka, changes lives EVERY DAY! It helps keep lives ON-TRACK as well.

This article is an interesting read which take s a look at a particular profiled individual to have taken the plunge in to a life with a "Healthy Obsession" for the good. Some people have "obsessive traits" and I personally think reaching out for a healthy obsession, for this demographic of people, is such and incredibly rewarding life choice - the best you can make.

WHY KENYANS ARE RUNNING GODS!

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/04/why-kenyans-make-such-great-runners-a-story-of-genes-and-cultures/256015/

 
 
 
 
 
Kenyans are fantastic athletes, in fact East Africa as whole begs the most fantastic athletes to have ever lived.

The attached article posts so many interesting facts on this issue and explains the African dominance in long distance running from a genetic perspective.

It discusses their superior BMI's for running and bone densities, their differing limb lengths that aid their speed and running precision and why, for an Ethnic population of only 4.4 million, they're so incredibly good at distance running.

HERE ARE SOME FACTS TO WET THE APPETITE!:

"The statistics are hard to ignore. This medium-size country of 41 million dominates the world in competitive running. Pick any long-distance race. You'll often find that up to about 70 or 80 percent of its winners since the late 1980s, when East African nutrition and technology started catching up with the West, have been from Kenya. Since 1988, for example, 20 of the 25 first-place men in the Boston Marathon have been Kenyan. Kenyan women appear to have had a later start, winning none of marathons before 2000 (possibly due to discriminatory laws and a tradition of forcing girls into marriages, both of which were partially rolled back by 1990s reforms) and 9 of 13 since then. Of the top 25 male record holders for the 3000-meter steeplechase, 18 are Kenyan. Seven of the last 8 London marathons were won by Kenyans, and the sole outlier was from neighboring Ethiopia*. Their record in the Olympic men's marathon is more uneven, having placed in the top three in only four of the last six races. Still, not bad for one country. And even more amazing is that three-fourths of the Kenyan champions come from an ethnic minority of 4.4. million, or 0.06% of global population."

Monday 9 September 2013

RUNNING : THE KEYS TO TRAINING AND KEEPING TRAINING VARIED AND BENEFICIAL!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/166919691/RIFREV-Article-the-Keys-to-Training-for-Running

Here's the link above, give it a read and see what you think....

 
People often talk about different types of training, but why? What are the effects and why is it important to range your training activities?

Within the article I look at varying types of training and why - looking at optimising your health, your development, your physical conditioning and psycho-social well-being and overall enjoyment.

If you ever have a question to ask, shoot it through to wll@rifrev.com.au
 and check out more resources at www.rifrev.com.au

A COMPLETE INSPIRATION - RUNNING OVER A DOUBLE MARATHON, BLIND!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtiEafs0pD8 - Here's the video


Meet Hazel McFarlane, who unexpectedly lost her sight over the course of 10 minutes when walking her son to School because of a rare condition, and decided she wanted to fundraise for the Royal National Blind Society.

She decided she wished to fundraise by running a double-marathon - running from Glasgow to Edinburgh! A 56 MILES TREK which she incredibly completed in 11 hours and 8 minutes on April 6th, 2013.

What an inspiration and what a way to show people what anybody can do, regardless of their circumstances!

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/blind-runner-takes-double-marathon-1769130-  Here's the article, for you to read further in to this amazing woman

Wednesday 4 September 2013

ANOTHER INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN/ RUNNER AND SURVIVOR OF TWO MAJOR STROKES!

http://notfastjustfabulous.com/2013/06/12/my-strory/


Meet Krissy Schintgen and please read about her story in the link I have attached. Despite two major strokes Krissy continues to run and inspire.

In the wake of misfortunate, that's the true test of your personality and I think in the wake of her physical struggles, Krissy has done more than show the World of what a charismatic figure she truly is!!!!

Tuesday 3 September 2013

STOP YOUR HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS TODAY!!!

http://www.rifrev.com/_blog/running-injury-free/post/stop-hamstring-pulls/


Hi Guys, check out our recent RIF REV video, by myself, delivering tips on preventing those hamstrings tears and ways of preventing long-term/ overuse damage.

Your hamstrings can really take on a lot of pressure if you don't move correctly and efficiently, so learn how to change your running style and it can go straight away!

If you have hamstring issues I also suggest watching this video I made below called "Finding your sweet spot" - it explains how to move without over-working your body!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=687SwoaUbrI

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2013


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ2rheTBrdY

Hi Guys!
I've read many times before, one of my ultimate running dreams is to run the gruelling UTMB - Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc - in Chamonix, France (also touching in to Italy and Switzerland!).

Taking place in the French Alps, this run, has become really the beacon of true Ultra running strength. By the sounds of it, if you want to be tested as a runner, this the run to try your hand at! Some of the best have tried and failed - DNF-ing - and not just the semi-elite, but even more of the best in the World/ best ever (Scott Jurek, Geoff Roes and Anton Krupicka have all DNF'd).

The UTMB took place at the weekend and the winner of the gruelling 166 kilometre race was youngster Xavier Thevenard, beating off some incredible runners including Tim Olsen, Winner of this Year's Western States 100 miler and Julien Chorier.

Despite the success of these men, the star of the show, and somebody who really represented female athletes more than any other female athlete around the World this year to date, was Rory Bosio.

She smashed the female record and was the first Female runner to ever come in the top ten in this event and came a respectable seventh of a MASSIVE FIELD.

Rory, who attributes a lot of her successes to her strict Yoga regime, is an incredible athlete and se represented North Face and the USA in the UTMB with great courage and grace. Ladies, you should be very proud.

THE TOUGHEST FOOTRACE ON THIS PLANET - MARATHON DES SABLES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQKGt10DCA


Marathon Des Sables, THE TOUGHEST FOOTRACE ON THE PLANET according to the National Geographic. What is the race and where is it?

Across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, a six day event in soaring temperatures rising to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, spanning 251 Kilometres or 156 Miles. Adventurers and adventurer runners set off each year and only the toughest finish this enduring challenge.

Watch the link and check out about this wonderfully beautiful and testing race.

I would love to have a crack ONE DAY!

Monday 2 September 2013

How Running can help you to get the most out of life!


http://www.scribd.com/doc/163397075/How-to-Get-More-Out-of-Life-by-Running-William-Wragg-www-rifrev-com


Running is great for you physically, but even more significantly, It can truly help you to get the most out of life.

I have written an article, that I have attached, that explains why running can be so good for us in terms of our sex life, our sleeping habits and even our general sense of euphoria.

Give it a read, and maybe and you'll start to understand why you may finish your runs with a smile on your face!

RIFREV: William Wragg's simple Marathon survival guide!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/161273236/The-Half-Marathon-and-Marathon-RIFREV-Survival-Guide-by-William-Wragg



Running a Marathon can be easier than you think. A lot of people often resort to "Digging in" when, in fact, if you have a few prompts and survival techniques, maintaining your speed and progression through a race can be fairly straight-forward and pain-free.

Check out the attached guide I wrote. It's very simple and there are some basic tips to follow that can be the difference between ending a marathon in a heap and finishing feeling fresh like a daisy.

Cheers guys, I hope you enjoy the read.

Keep running

Saturday 17 August 2013

Running Injury Free Revolution News Article

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/marathon-man-out-to-abolish-running-injuries-20130817-2s3cm.html


Thanks to the Brisbane Times!!!!!

With RIFREV gaining pace, it's really great for an article to be printed in such a good newspaper.

In line with the article, me, Paul and Ange are really excited for the future and truly hope RIFREV takes off, as we fight the International stigma that exercise and running specifically results in injuries.

Helping society to be educated and understand how to move in a way that combats the common injuries is really rewarding and if you haven't already, check out our videos and online resources today at www.rifrev.com.au 

Thanks again Brissy times and Helen Sabel for helping to get the article out there!

Sunday 11 August 2013

Leo Lighter, a 100 mile runner at 84 years old and planning for some 24 hour runs at the age of 85!

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/meet-clevelands-very-own-forrest-gump-avid-runner-isnt-stopping-at-age-84




A Complete an utter legend!

Meet Leo Lightner. At the age of 84 years old runs over 25 miles a week and even ran a 100 mile event in his 85th year on our planet!

And he's not slowing down - planning on running a 24 hour event as an 85 year old!

People always say to me when I say I coach running and teach how to running injury free - "I wish I wasn't too old and could still run!". Well, great news, for 99% of you, YOU STILL CAN!

People find reasons why not to run regarding time, potential injuries, mythical articles and mis-informed resources and a lack of understanding but running is a sport for pretty much anyone.

Running is shown to slow the ageing process, improved psychological functioning, fight against depression, make you live long, improve cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure recording etc etc etc etc.....

People often however reflect of the belief that running causes injuries and that running brings on osteoarthritis! That's wrong. Certainly, running "wrong" can. But, learn how to optimise your body and I truly believe that running is an incredible tool to prevent against osteoarthritis and bone density issues and disorders , in general.

Leo is an amazing person and character! I hope people read about this amazing 84 year old twice-timed stroke surviving running legend and get out and hit the tracks! If Leo can still be running 100 mile events, there's no excuse for 99% to be able to run a mile!

Cheers, Will

Hamstring length! Fight off Hammy tightness and make running more enjoyable.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXvusJvN5c8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUdbe7oVsJTRN7sgwnVy4GIg



Hamstring tightness can be a symptom that can truly hold you back as a runner. Understanding how to lengthen and strengthen the hamstrings can help keep any hamstrings injuries at may, and can prevent this tightness and pain from inhibiting technique and performance.
CHECK OUT THE ATTACHED VIDEO TO SEE HOW!

Learning how to move and utilise Gravity in making running effortless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=687SwoaUbrI&list=UUdbe7oVsJTRN7sgwnVy4GIg




NOWADAYS, PEOPLE MAKE RUNNING WAY TOO HARD!

By understanding how we move and how to utilise Gravity as we move is crucial.

When we swim, we accept that mechanics are key because we can see our resistance (our resistance being water). Because we can't see Gravity, we simply presume that we can run, and run correctly.

Have you ever stayed straight and keeping your body in this column and leant forwards until you felt yourself stumble? That's Gravity acting, and pushing us forwards, in-motion. Understanding how to run at this tipping point ("Sweet spot") will mean you can create movement without over-working your muscles and will make running way easier.

Check out this video and find out how this is possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IDA DEMPSEY. Check out her story - as a stroke survivor and her mission to claw back to become a marathoner re-born and her steps to achieve this

http://www.mydreamrun.com/idas-story.html



Dear All,

This is the amazing Ida. Ida is a stroke survivor. Ida is not only a "stroke survivor" but is one of the most inspirational people I have recently crossed paths with, at least online!

I'm so happy to be able to help mentor Ida in her return with some advice and support and coaching; ensuring Ida does as she suggests, and shows stroke who's the boss! She's an incredible person so please check out her website, and read her to-do list, post-stroke below....I find it so inspirational and to go from where she was to where she's looking forward to is nothing short of Magic.

Thanks for being an inspiration to all, in particular fellow stroke-survivors, Ida! You're amazing!!!!!!!

1. TO BE ABLE TO WALK - without assistance

* Get off a wheelchair
* Stop using a walking frame
* Stop using a walking stick
* go to the toilet on own
* walk up and down stairs

*stop slapping that foot down while walking!

2. TO BE ABLE TO TALK -

*talk clearly and in a tangible sentence

3. TO BE ABLE TO EAT

4. TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A SHOWER and self care - without assistance

TO BE ABLE TO USE MY HAND

 5. TO BE ABLE TO LOOK AFTER MY FAMILY AS A MOTHER SHOULD

 6. LEARN TO WRITE AGAIN

7. TO BE MENTALLY TOUGH

8. FIND STROKE SURVIVOR FRIENDS - people that know what you are going through

9. SPREAD AWARENESS OF STROKE

10. DO A BUSH WALK - high degree of difficulty

11. FUN RUN with the family

12. HALF MARATHON

13. FULL MARATHON

14. FUNDRAISE FOR THE NATIONAL STROKE FOUNDATION.

15. BACK TO WORK (yep, this isn't a priority)!

The last few months - AND THE START OF THE RUNNING INJURY FREE REVOLUTION!

www.rifrev.com.au Running Injury Free Revolution is the result of passionate people wanting to draw runners to the fact that running doesn't have to mean injuries. We're centred by the belief that, "RUNNING DOESN'T CAUSE INJURIES, RUNNING WRONG DOES" because, the way we look at things "EVERY RUNNER HAS THE RIGHT TO RUN INJURY FREE, FOREVER!"

Running Injury Free Revolution is the result of myself, Paul and Angela Trevethan. I met the "Trevethans" - Paul, Director of Body Leadership Australia and Physio and his Wife Ange, Former professional Ballet Dancer, Pilates Genius and marketing whiz when they offered me their support during the 50 marathons. Their giving nature along with what I soon realised, their equalling belief and passion regarding "prevention" and the belief that running and exercise didn't cause injuries, but performing those activities without any strategies set in place did, we started to work together.



We ended up soon making videos about running. Before we knew it, we had our first Running Injury Free Workshops happening around Brisbane. And resultantly, just over three weeks ago, we launched RIFREV - Running Injury Free Revolution!

We, as a company, are driven towards making free online resources for runners all around the World, for providing workshops and awareness, as well as providing in clinic sessions and online analysis to help runners all around the World to be empowered by understanding their bodies in running injury free.



The response, thus far, has been incredible and we're fully enjoying watching the company grow at this point and in to the future.

Please subscribe to our website, Like us on facebook and if you're local, check out one of our free workshops or sign up for a session with myself. We'll be bringing workshops to neighbouring cities soon but, wherever you reside, we have many helpful  tips and strategies online!

Check us out and we hope you enjoy the resources we provide!

CITY2SOUTH


CITY2SOUTH

On June 16th, on the back of the success of the Youngcare fundraiser, I was proudly asked to run with fundraisers for the first ever CITY2South run in Brisbane.

On the day I thoroughly enjoyed running with the Youngcare co-fundraisers.

With 10,000 people on the starting line, and it being the first year run, I thought there could be a rush at the start line. Surprisingly, the whole run felt so organised and well-marshalled.

What an amazing day and a spectacular run which I hope to be involved in for future years! I can't wait for the race to prosper and eventually hit the same numbers as the City2Surf and the 85,000 masses.

The Event organisers certainly made the City of BNE very proud!

The Youngcare Fundraiser

To Mark the end of the 50th Marathons, with the support and the superior marketing skills and organisation skills of my Wife, Zoe, we hosted an amazingly successful fundraiser.

The fundraiser marked various things but, significantly, as well as raising $11000, it helped to significantly raise the profile of Youngcare.

Having the opportunity to speak, alongside fellow speakers was very exciting and a lot of people were able to go away from the occasion feeling inspired towards fundraising and running.

Here below is a link from my speaking. It's not too clear (not the best sound quality), but it summarised my experiences during the 50 days - my struggles, motivations and the techniques I used to succeed. I hope you enjoy the watch! It's a bit embarrassing really but, oh well.......Cheers, Will.
.youtube.com/watch?v=1-k6qVNCHVY

Marathons 42 to 50!

At the end of the 50 Marathons, I stopped blogging. I went overseas and it became out of sync from my lifestyle.

I'm back and blogging and am going to be back with force.

Here was the list of my final Marathons that I ended up running - Marathons 42 to 50 that brought my runs to a close; resulting in the end result of the 50 Marathons and our successful fundraiser - raising $11000 for Youngcare.

Times:

42 - 3:53 Hrs
43 - 3:50 Hrs
44 - 3:35 Hrs
45 -  3:47 Hrs
46 -  4:00 Hrs
47 - 3:33 Hrs
48 - 3:51 Hrs
49 - 3:58 Hrs
50 - 3:20 Hrs