Vlad Shatrov Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Interview

5 Ways to Take Your Running to The Next Level

Ahead of Sydney's most iconic race – the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival – Blackmores has announced its partnership with Special Olympics Australia to celebrate and recognise all Australians, and inspire individuals from all walks of life to get active.

The partnership between Blackmores and Special Olympics Australia aims to celebrate diversity and inclusion, by introducing these inspirational athletes to the Blackmores trainer and influencer squad, to help break down stigma in today's society and to inspire all Australians to get on board.

The partnership highlights how many Australians overcome barriers that may be stopping them from exercising by encouraging everyone to move in some shape or form, even if it's just more regularly than normal.

"We are honoured to announce our partnership with Special Olympics Australia, ahead of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. Enriching the lives of Australians and helping to guide them on their wellbeing journey – no matter the obstacles they may face – is at the heart of Blackmores' philosophy," said Richard Henfrey, CEO, Blackmores.

"We feel passionately about the importance of diversity and inclusion and we believe there is a perfect fit with Special Olympics Australia, who are at the forefront of breaking down the stigma that still exists. Like Blackmores, Special Olympics is also committed to encouraging Australians to get involved in sport and to highlight the importance of keeping active. So it's a perfect cause for us to champion together," said Henfrey.

Today, there are approximately 668,000 Australians living with intellectual disabilities and only 3,000 athletes are involved with Special Olympics Australia1. More than half of those living with intellectual disabilities are high functioning individuals who are more than capable of success in sporting events and in the workplace.

With Blackmores sponsoring the Running Festival for 15 years, the event will see more than 33,000 entrants run among Sydney's most scenic landmarks and across the world famous Harbour Bridge, on Sunday 16 September 2018.

To prepare for the main event, Blackmores will be hosting several training days throughout August, which will be facilitated and led by Special Olympics Australia athletes. Special Olympics Australia members will also play a key role on the day of the event, hosting at the Blackmores Recovery Village, firing the start-line gun to kick-start one of the main races and leading the motivation groups there to encourage and support people completing the race.

In addition, Blackmores and the Special Olympic athletes will be hosting a dedicated awards ceremony following the race, recognising those who have overcome their own barriers in order to complete the run.

"Special Olympics Australia is helping to change the lives of Australians living with an intellectual disability. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics and through those years we have helped to ensure these individuals are not excluded from society. Today's announcement of our partnership with Blackmores is helping to take this a step further – enabling our athletes, volunteers and coaches to be part of a city-wide event and move with the nation. The joy it brings to our participants is priceless, and we are delighted to be part of such a positive partnership," said Corene Strauss, Special Olympics Australia CEO.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival consists of four events:
Blackmores Family Fun Run/Walk (approx 3.5km)
Blackmores Bridge Run (10km)
Blackmores Half Marathon (21km)
Blackmores Sydney Marathon (42.2km)

Be sure to register for the run that's fun for everyone at https://www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au/ - The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival taking place on Sunday 16 September 2018.
For more information on the Special Olympics Australia and how you can support, visit Special Olympics Australia

Interview with Vlad Shatrov

Question: What is the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

Vlad Shatrov: The largest running festival in NSW that includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km run and shorter 3.5km course. Put simply, it's an event which has something for everyone. I'm honoured to be working with Blackmores – a company that inspires all Australians to get in the mood to move more regularly. The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is taking place on Sunday, 16 September 2018. Find out more at http://run.blackmores.com.au


Question: Why is this Sydney's most iconic race?

Vlad Shatrov: The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, crossing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the spectacular finish line on the steps of the Sydney Opera House overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour. Blackmores is putting diversity and inclusion on the agenda, partnering with Special Olympics Australia to lead its commitment to motivate Australians to get exercising.


Question: Can you share your pre-race running tips, with us?

Vlad Shatrov: Warm-up well, eat breakfast early and arrive with plenty of time to ensure you are not in a panic and rush come race morning. Train well, and pace yourself.


Question: How are you preparing for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

Vlad Shatrov: Blackmores and Special Olympics Australia together want to demonstrate that barriers don't have to stop Australians from being active. While we're all running at our own pace, I've been training upwards of 100km a week and making sure I'm having a regular dose of Blackmores Super Magnesium+ to help maintain muscle health, and to prep my body before training in the lead up to the big race. I've helped many runners reach their goals with the programs I have written up for this year's event covering three levels of runners (Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner).

Question: How do you motivate yourself to run?

Vlad Shatrov: I remember and remind myself why I love the feeling of running. The soreness the day after a hard session is a satisfaction that keeps you feeling motivated to improve!


Question: Can you share your five ways to take our running to the next level?

Vlad Shatrov: Train smart with a long-term plan, which includes at least two races a year – this will keep you motivated and in training mode.

Incorporate weekly strength training and running drills to constantly move in new ways. This will help strengthen your body for running and ensure you are equally activating key muscles.

Also try to join a running club and train with a group that inspires and challenges you.

Don't go up and down with your weekly volume! Yes, not every week is the same but try to have a base amount of running you maintain almost all year.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix it up. Try new running routes and session types to invigorate the mind and challenge the body.


Question: How do you hope to inspire individuals from all walks of life to get active?

Vlad Shatrov: By providing quality training sessions and one off supersessions (with a focus on a specific aspect of road or trail running) through Runlab as well as running and a competitive level around Australia and abroad!


Question: What is your fitness motto?
Vlad Shatrov: "Achieve your impossible" - that is to say, do everything you can to hit what otherwise would not be possible for you!

If you're using a supplement, make sure you always read the label, and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional and remember your diet is so important! Supplements may only be of assistance if your dietary intake is inadequate.

Interview by Brooke Hunter