Conquer City2surf With Tim Robards

The fitness guru shares his ultimate training tips ahead of this year's City2Surf

On Sunday August 12, over 80,000 participants are expected to lace up their running shoes and participate in one of Sydney's most iconic events, The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac.

Amongst those preparing for the world's largest fun run is City2Surf ambassador, fitness guru and Australia's original suitor on The Bachelor, Tim Robards. Luckily for those looking for a bit of guidance ahead of the event, Tim has shared his top five tips to help get you to the finish line in Bondi this August.

Tim Robards Top 5 Tips for Conquering City2Surf:

1. Don't go too hard too fast
This is an important tip for everyone who is planning on running City2Surf to remember. You need to last the distance and that doesn't just mean on the day, it also means through your training plan. Try mixing up your training along your journey to City2Surf by doing a slow long distance run one day and a short fast paced session on another day. This will help you to find the right pace for the big day.

2. Conditioning beforehand is essential
Before going into an event like City2Surf you have to train and build yourself up to the pace or distance you're planning to run. If you're planning on walking the course, your training might be upping your walking distance slightly each time you train. If you are planning on running then I recommend slowly trying to step up the pace as you build up to 14km.

3. Pay attention to your running style
Getting to know your running style and assessing any weaknesses you may have before a long distance run is essential. Our most natural running style is on our forefoot, something we can forget when we wear joggers. If you find that you're heel striking too much, try to get back to a mid-foot to forefoot running style.

Whilst joggers are great for protecting your feet and helping you run faster, knowing your running style before a big event will help you avoid injuries down the track, so have a go at running barefoot as part of your training to check out your style. If you are a heel striker, don't try and change this the week of the race or you may be sorry, this is something that should be slowly conditioned over months.

4. Warm ups are key!
This applies not only on the day but also in your training leading up to City2Surf. You want to make sure you don't injure yourself so warm ups are important along with good cool downs, plenty of stretching and pacing your training.

Joint mobilisations, for example rolling ankles through a full range of motions, a few deep squats (bum to heels) and some spinal rotations are great examples of warm-ups.

Ballistic warm-ups, for example legs swings and skipping on the spot, are great exercises that can also be done easily on your way to the starting line.

5. Enjoy the journey!
City2Surf is one of my favourite events, and there is such a great energy along the course thanks to all the participants, the music and the general atmosphere from crowds cheering you on. Make sure to soak it all up and use it to propel you along the way. By the time you get down to Bondi the party will be kicking off and you can celebrate getting over the line.

Tim Robards is excited to join the thousands set to participate in City2Surf this year, commenting; 'As a Bondi local I love City2Surf and I'm stoked to be an ambassador for this year's event. I'm always looking for ways to challenge myself, and City2Surf is the perfect way to push your limits while having a heap of fun. I can't wait to run alongside the massive crowds again and get my adrenaline pumping!"

Be Moved and challenge yourself to register for The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac at city2surf.com.au.

May 30 – July 24: Standard Entry (save $10)
July 25 – August 11: Late Entry
August 9 - August 11: City2Surf Expo and Run Nation Film Festival
August 12: The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac

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