He’s light years ahead

CAFE owner James Gordon had always joked about entering the City to Casino Fun Run and Walk.

But this year, having adopted a healthier lifestyle and losing 15kg, he will be doing something he never imagined he would — running the event’s 11km course on May 20.

Mr Gordon said that for the past few years the City to Casino organising committee would meet in his Hobart coffee shop, The WhiteWall Kitchen, to organise the event and he would joke about entering.

“I would normally joke about joining in and say, ‘Oh sorry, I forgot to put my form in, looks like I missed out’,” he said.

But over recent months Mr Gordon has turned his life around.

“I’ve changed to a healthier lifestyle, I’ve cut out a lot of deepfried foods, reduced alcohol, I’m drinking more water, and I’m exercising,” he said.

Mr Gordon now runs most days and is looking forward to his first fun run.

“It started with three 5km runs per week, and now I do 5km most days and try to do 10km twice a week,” he said.

Having lost 15kg through exercise and healthy living, Mr Gordon feels 10 years younger and expects the 11km course to be a breeze.

“I’m 33, but carrying the extra weight and not exercising made me feel a lot older than I was,’’ he said.

“I’m now feeling great. I have more energy and I get up in the morning easier.”

Mr Gordon said he usually runs alone or with his dog, but is looking forward to running in a group during the City to Casino.

“Running in a large group, you’d probably get a better time I would imagine, so I’m sort of hoping I can push a better time in a group run,” he said.

Mr Gordon had some advice for anyone thinking about taking up running or entering the City to Casino Fun Run and Walk. “Enjoy it with friends,’’ he said. “I run with a friend three times a week.

“You can buddy off someone in life as well while running, and that sort of serves two purposes. It’s mateship, and they push you a bit harder, too.”

Entries for the 46th City to Casino Fun Run and Walk close on May 18.

Grab an old friend or friends and try an activity you haven’t tried before, such as indoor rock climbing, soccer, footy or basketball.

Do your long run over a flat course today. Don’t go any further than you have already. You should be up to at least one hour by now, but no more than one hour 10 minutes.

Do 40 minutes of easy activity such as cycling, swimming, walking or circuit training.

Jog for five minutes to warm up. Run 35 minutes at the pace you would like to run the event at. Do a five-minute cooldown jog and stretch those legs.

Choose a low impact exercise for 45 minutes today. Try boxing, circuit training, swimming or cycling.

Warm up with a jog for five minutes. Then run five efforts of three minutes at your event pace. Walk or jog for one minute in between to recover. Jog for five minutes to cool down and stretch gently. Rest and recovery day.