8 Ways To Prep For The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk Courtesy of Lisa Raleigh

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk that takes place on 22 May 2016. You have been training for it right?  

The annual event brings together people for a morning of exercise and great memories. Exercise improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, helps reduce cholesterol and blood glucose, helps to burn fat and maintain weight. Walking is low impact and a refreshing form of low intensity exercise.

All four routes get underway at different times from uShaka Marine World and all 30 000 walkers will cross the finish line at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Lifestyle and fitness expert, Lisa Raleigh, has these tips to make sure you’re well prepped!

1. Get advice. Talk to your doctor first before starting a new fitness programme, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time.

2. Choose wisely. Correct walking shoes are light and fit comfortably. Walking long distances can put strain on different parts of your body, so it’s good to invest in quality footwear for both your training and the walk.  Check that they fit properly and wear them in before the big day to avoid blisters.

3. Dress smart. Wear comfortable, light, breathable clothes to avoid chafing.

4. Drink up! Hydrate well and make sure you eat something an hour before you train or do the walk.

5. Walk wisely. Keep a brisk pace to elevate your heart rate, but stay in a comfortable walking pace where you can still talk and not gasp for air.

6. Chin up! Maintain good posture during your walk. Keep your chest up to avoid slouching.

7. Don’t forget to stretch.

8. Round up the troops. If you just can’t get going with your training schedule, find a walking buddy or join a club!

This week, people who have signed up for the event will be able to collect the race packs (that includes the event T-shirt, goodie bag and race number) from the underground parking area at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the following days:

Thursday 19 May 10am – 7pm

Friday 20 May 10am – 7pm

Saturday 21 May 10am – 2pm

If you have registered at a participating Totalsports store, you would have received a reference number. Please bring this reference number to Moses Mabhida Stadium to collect your race pack. If you registered online, please take along your confirmation of entry.

Companies that have registered 10 or more of their staff can send a representative to collect race packs but they need to provide proof of payment.

There will be loads of fun for the whole family at the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk on 22 May 2016. Find out more at www.ecr.co.za

Article by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton

Image: Provided

8 Tips From Lisa Raleigh To Make This Your Best Walk Yet

8 expert tips to make this your best walk yet!

The takkies are ready; your crew is excited; and the countdown to Sunday’s Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk! KZN health and fitness fundi, Lisa Raleigh, has this advice on how to make this your best walk yet:

1.    Eat your last full meal approximately 12 hours before your start time. This is not the time for heavy, fat-laden or carb-free meals. Simply opt for a balanced meal that’s easy to digest. Grilled fish, veggies and sweet potato are a great choice.

2.       There’s no need for a heavy breakfast on Sunday morning. Bigger meals can take up to an hour and a half to digest, demanding your body’s digestive attention. If you feel you must have more than a snack, make sure to eat at least an hour and a half before race time.

3.       Small and nutrient-dense snacks are ideal. A poached egg on a small piece of rye, a little yoghurt and a banana, or a small bowl of oats topped with raw nuts are great snacking options. And what should you give a miss? Processed, fried and fatty foods.

4.       Watch your water intake. Stick to your recommended daily consumption the day before your walk, drinking on an hourly basis. On Sunday, drink two glasses of water roughly two hours before the start, to allow it enough time to pass through your system.

5.       At the start line, don’t bounce! Whilst your feet should be rotating in a circular motion, take care to move low and forward, making an effort not to lose precious energy “bouncing” up and down.

6.       Be mindful of your posture. Try not to lean back while you move. Keep your body positioned slightly ahead of your feet. Your head should be comfortable, with your shoulders straight and not rounded.

7.       Relax your hands when running or power walking. It may sound silly, but many runners unconsciously clench their hands into fists while they move, causing unwanted tension to the body. Looser hands will guarantee a less stressful stride.

8.       Most of all, have fun! The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk is a great way to get some exercise while spending quality time with those you care about.

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk is the chance to get in some exercise while enjoying the best promenade in the country. It’s a chance to spend quality time with the family, or play catch-up with friends or bond with your colleagues. All four distances, 5km, 10km, 15km  and 20km, will start at uShaka Marine World and end at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Image: provided 

Are You Ready Durban?

Hey KZN are you ready to walk Durban together?

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk takes place Sunday 24th May 2015.

There is limited space so round up your friends, families, office pals and get in shape.

Entries open on 25th March 2015. 

You can register online on www.ecr.co.za or at selected Totalsports stores.

Take your pick from the 5km or 10km or 15km or 20km (timed race).

All 4 routes kick off at uShaka Marine World and end at People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium.

There will be plenty of entertainment along the way including clowns, jugglers and face painters. Look out for some awesome music as well.

Take a #healthyselfie with your favourite East Coast Presenter along the way.

Everyone who enters gets a race number and a goodie bag and a Discovery East Coast Radio T-shirt.
You can collect yours on 21 May, 22 May or 23 May at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Last year a record number of 33 000 people took part.


This edition by Fred Felton
twittter - @fredfelton

Image - supplied

The Tinman Triathlon Is Coming

4^TH TINMAN TRIATHLON: DO YOU HAVE HEART?

From Triathletes-in-the-making, to the serious die-hard kind, the Maxed Elite TINMAN Triathlon is designed for everyone who loves to move. It’s a high-speed, exhilarating race with categories for every one of every fitness level.

Maxed Elite TINMAN Series director, Damian Bradley is excited to welcome Mr Price Sport and the Maxed Elite brand on board with the Series.

"The brand and the event have a massive crossover appeal and we feel that both the Maxed Elite Brand and the TinMan will work well together in developing the sport and attracting new competitors to participate in something different and cool in Durban."

Mr Price Sport Marketing Executive, Nikki Viljoen agrees:

“At Mr Price Sport, our philosophy’s about appealing to every athlete: from the beginners to the pros, each with their own accomplishments and goals. It’s about their best, no matter what that ‘best’ might be.  Not only is the upcoming Maxed Elite TinMan Triathlon the perfect platform for every level of athlete to try beat their best, it’s also ties in with our current ‘What’s Your Best?’ campaign. This is exactly why partnering with TinMan is a perfect fit, and we’re more than excited about being on board!”      

The next Maxed Elite TINMAN takes place on the 16^th of November 2014, with four events taking place on the day. The first of these kicks off at 7am, all with a captivating view of the Indian Ocean along the Durban beachfront. The triathlon sets up camp on the scenic Suncoast Sundeck, with the start and finish line of each event situated on the grass area.

Triathletes from as young as 8 years old can take part in the day’s races – so if you’re a family that loves everything active, this is a perfect way to spend the morning. And for anyone older, today’s the day to ditch the TV, rally your buddies and lace up your racing shoes.

On the day, the swimming phase of each race takes place at Suncoast Beach. The cycle leg takes Triathletes onto the cycling circuit around the Durban Country Club and Kings Park swimming pool. And for each run, racers are treated to the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, all the way down to Blue Lagoon and back to the Suncoast Sundeck. 

For more information about the Maxed Elite TINMAN, feel free to get in touch through any of these channels:

Online Entry: www.bactiventry.com

Website: www.bactive.com

TinMan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tinmantridurban

B-Active Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BActiveSports

Twitter: @tinmantri

Phone: 031 764 1885

(Image - Supplied) 

The Midlands Ultra Triathlon Is Coming

KZN Midlands braces for big Midlands Ultra field

Race date:  30th November 2014 - Midmar Dam

Athlete Gerhard De Bruin - Photo by Anthony Grote

The KZN Midlands is bracing itself for the biggest field the Midlands Ultra Triathlon has had since its inception in 2009 says race director Damian Bradley from B-Active Sports. "Entries from all over Africa and the world have been flooding in since April this year and at this point we have far exceeded our past race entries. The Midlands Ultra, one of Africa's most popular triathlons which takes place on the 30th of November at the beautiful Midmar Dam has an entry cap of 1000 competitors.

On the international stage, our overseas Triathlon field gets stronger each year, with over 35 international athletes already attending the November race coming from Dubai, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Spain, United States , Swaziland, Botswana and Germany.

"Past winners of the Ultra include James Cunnama, Kent Horner, Stuart Marias, Donovan Van Gelder, Gerhard De bruin , some of whom have already secured their place on the Ultra starting line. The Event has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 3 years by securing strategic event partnerships. These partnerships have allowed us to focus on giving our Ultra Athletes what they want, One of the best loved triathlons in South Africa" Says Race Director Damian Bradley.

B-Active Sports the organisers of the event, have confirmed a FREE KIDZONE for all the competitors kids to play in while they are racing. The KIDZONE, organised and managed by TOPGEAR promotions who specialise in Kids play areas will provide a safe and secure sign in and out Kids area, where kids will be able to participate in numerous games and activities including: Colouring In Books & Crayons, Swing-ball, Volleyball, Kiddies Pool Table, Soccer Goals, Jumping Castle, Carousel Swings, Mini Trampolines and more. The KIDZONE will open at 6:30am and close after prize giving.

Anyone looking for a quality exciting event, should give the Midlands Ultra or Sprint race a go. The Event can be done in Teams and Individually and there is something for everyone. To book you place at one of SA’s premier Triathlons, go to www.ultratri.co.za

We Interview Health and Fitness Guru @LisaRaleighSA

Greetings readers.

This week we interview the lady who knows everything about health, wellness and fitness, Lisa Raleigh.

1. What fitness tips do you have for business people?

Do what you can with what you got from where you are. Never stop. Take the exercise with you.

2. It's the silly season what tips do you have for us so we don't eat too much?

Use a balanced approach. Moderation is key, find different ways to exercise. Pick one meal a day and have what you like.

3. We see you doing inserts on the Dr Michael Mol show and on the Expresso show what do you do there?

We show the latest trends, lifestyle, fitness news, we start filming again soon.

4. We hear you have a new product out called @HealthboxSA what is that?

It's a solution for people wanting lifestyle changes. We deliver to your door. Wellness delivered.

5. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs, seeing as you are one yourself?

Follow your passion, it's hard work, you work long hours. It's fun, it involves sacrifice.

Love what you do.

6. How do you use social media.

I love Twitter. I'm a Twitter addict.

I have someone who does my announcements and the rest is me.

I have also just started on Pinterest.

Social media has opened doors for me
like the show.

I tweeted people and asked them to be on the show.


Lisa Raleigh is a health, wellness and fitness expert.

You can tweet her on @LisaRaleighSA
Find out more about Healthbox at @HealthboxSA


Article by @fredfelton

An Adventure Boot Camp Like No Other

Greetings Dear Readers.

Last week @UmhlangaLife was invited to attend An Adventure Boot Camp which is held at the
wonderful Chris Saunders Park near Gateway.  What a wonderful setting.
We met the wonderful owner of the Umhlanga Franchise Tshepi.  What a positive role model for entrepreneurs.

                     Tshepi Tshabalala - Adventure Boot Camp For Women

Make no mistake about it.  You really get a workout at this Camp.  Located in the beautiful
Chris Saunders Park, a wonderful setting to get some good exercise.

                                                Working out at Chris Saunders Park

I attended the 8am class and they really are a friendly group.  Some people have done over
30 Camps.  You really get a good workout.  The Chris Saunders Park is such
a refreshing place to work out.

Tshepi has a passion for fitness so when the opportunity came she grabbed it and
opened a branch.

The workout consists of Skipping, Jogging around the park, stretching and twisting your body
in many different positions.  You also jog up stairs as well.  Tshepi also puts you through
Crunches in various positions.  If you want to get fit and have fun this is the place to be.

                                           Working out in a wonderful environment

Tshepi certainly puts you through your paces and you will find yourself doing lots of skipping.
The workout is for 1 hour and they have various classes.  So book the class that works
best for your time schedule.
The workout is based on circuit training which really helps you get fit.
The perfect thing to do with your friends.

                                                        Skipping into good shape

Tshepi also puts them through a good run around the park which is then timed at the next
workout to see how well you do.

                                            Tshepi & Vicky

One of the participants Vicky told me that she loves it.  She joined last year and is now addicted.
She is on her 3rd Camp now.


The trainer Tshepi is certainly a interesting person.  She was born in Vosloorus.
Raised by her single Mum.  She has studied Sports Management and done an Aerobics Course.
She has taught at many Virgin Actives both as a Lifestyle Consultant and Personal Trainer.
Tshepi even worked on a Cruise Ship and at Unilever helping with their Wellness Campaign.
She is now freelance and still gives classes at Virgin Active.

I asked her what advice she has for Female Entrepreneurs?

'Grab any opportunity that presents itself, always seek opportunities.  Don't let
opportunities go by.'

Where does she see herself in 10 years?

' My own gym in a township, doing Sports Development for girls.'

Tshepi loves to go to the Movies for fun.

What fitness tips does she have for the ladies?

'Always pull the navel into the spine.'

Tshepi tells me that Adventure Boot Camp is very easy to sign up for.
Just go online and select the Camp nearest you.
There are 72 Camps around South Africa.

Useful Links.

Website:  http://www.adventurebootcamp.co.za/

Find them on Facebook  -  http://www.facebook.com/AdventureBootCampSA

Follow them on Twitter - @ABCbootcamper

You can also find Tshepi on Facebook - Tshepi Tshabalala