Categories
sports

Half Marathon: Tips For Running In UK Marathons

Estimated read time 4 min read

The key to successful half marathon training is consistently putting in enough weekly mileage to get your body accustomed to running for long periods of time. However, aside from the physical training, there are some other preparations that you need to do as well.

But what if you don’t know where to start nor how to do it? In this guide, you will learn some tips and infos that are essential for your marathon journey.

Maintain Your Eating Habits.

Diet is critical to athletic performance, and if you need to be at your finest on marathon day, you can’t ignore this. You must eat what you’re already used to eat, and never binge on carbs to “recharge” all of your glycogen reserves. If your body is accustomed to consuming a certain quantity of carbs, pushing it to overeat may produce digestive or intestinal problems. If you do this, instead of assisting you, it may punish you greatly.

Take Extra Precautions When Racing A Half Marathon.

When you apply our suggestions, you should come at the race day physically and mentally prepared to handle the challenges of a 21k. Still, there is always much you could do to maximize your pre-marathon preparation.

Tend To Your Injuries As Soon As Possible.

You’ll be preparing for months to race a half marathon, and your health will go through many challenging moments and intense training. Hence, if you’ve had any damage or injuries, make sure to see a physiotherapist and have it fixed. It is critical to treat the condition immediately.

Build A Strong Mindset.

You may well have trained consistently and intensely before the race. However, despite being physically ready, your subconscious will always have worries about almost everything that may happen.

A distracted and anxious mind will not benefit you during the race. Hence, aside from your physical training, make sure to strengthen your mind, as well. Also, keep away from things that may stress you out and focus intently on your goals.

Rest And Sleep.

Several individuals do not get much sleep, which is terrible for their health and directly affects their health and physical performance. In reality, another of the leading causes of poor performance is indeed sleep deprivation, or a lack of decent naps (sleep on and off, having to wake up in a rush, peeing several times, not maintaining postural stability, etc.) Hence, make sure that before embarking on your half marathon journey, you have taken adequate sleep on a regular basis.

Running In UK Marathons

Pre-Run Advice

The following pointers will be helpful on competition day:

Weather: Check the actual prediction two or three days before the day of the competition and prepare appropriate clothing for the type of weather to come.

Checklist: About a week before the race, create a list of anything and everything you’ll need.

Luggage: Pack your backpack a few days well before the marathon, including a jacket for chilly, windy, or rainy days.

Rhythm table: It’s a great idea to figure out overall race timings based upon that course and your previous racing experiences. It’s not the same for the strategy, but it is essential to consider how you go for each step.

Race demonstration: If there is indeed a briefing session that day, attend to find out where the race will be held. This can help you get familiarized with the course itself. Also, you can work on your running pace here.

Final sprint: Remember, the last 5 kilometres of the race are where you may improve your personal bests. Increase your speed to near maximum when you feel like you’re pushing yourself but still in control. However, if you are in pain or have any injury, make sure not to overexert yourself. The half marathon may be important, but your health matters above all.

Conclusion

Every race is indeed a crucial day. For such an event, you must carefully nourish your body, have adequate and appropriate training, and be prepared both physically and mentally. Also, you need to make sure to stick with a consistent plan and work hard to achieve your goals.

However, aside from working hard, you should also note that sufficient sleep and rest is also essential to keep your body in its optimal running state. Make sure to eat a consistent and balanced diet, as well.

Moreover, finishing a half marathon is a significant achievement. The ambience at all of our events is exciting and electrifying, and you’ll enjoy yourself accompanied by colleagues as you work towards achieving your objectives – and have some fun along the way! So, look for UK marathons near you in order to gain such experience!

Categories
Travel

When can you see Broome’s Dinosaur Footprints?

Estimated read time 5 min read

An 80-kilometre dinosaur trackway can be found along the coast of Broome. Dinosaur prints from 130 million years ago have been fossilised and documented on the coast of this Kimberley town in Western Australia, with more being discovered even as recently as early 2021.

Some of the footprints can be tricky to get to, or require certain conditions to ensure visitors can see them. Here’s a quick guide to help you on your journey to walking in the footsteps of giants:

All about the footprints

These prints, dating back some 130 million years, prove that all the main types of dinosaurs once inhabited Australia. Sauropods, orthopods, theropods and thyreophora varieties have all been identified by their tracks in the areas surrounding Broome.

130 million years ago, tracks were left behind in muddy tidal flats by the dinosaurs. Over time, the footprints dried out and hardened. Small rocks and sand filled the prints, preserving them but covering them up. Then, millions of years later, erosion led to the surrounding sand and rock falling away, revealing the preserved print underneath.

Let’s talk about tides

Broome has some of the largest tides in the southern hemisphere, with a 10-metre difference between low and high tide. Each of the dinosaur print locations around Broome require low tide in order to see them.

Visitors unused to the swiftly changing tides in Broome can be caught by surprise. Make sure you study tidal charts before planning your visit to the dino prints so you don’t get caught out, or aren’t disappointed by missing your window of low tide needed to see the tracks.

The time of low tide changes depending on the time of year and the day, so it’s best to look at up-to-date info online regarding the tides before planning your visit to the dinosaur sites.

Best spots to see the footprints

Some of the best places to see the dinosaur footprints include:

Gantheaume Point

Located 6km from the town centre of Broome, Gantheaume Point is a tourist-favourite for seeing the footprints of dinosaurs. If the walk across the slippery rocks at low tide is too treacherous, or if you happen to visit when the tide is too high, casts have been taken of the prints and can be found higher up the point for you to examine.

Cable Beach

Often covered over by sand, the dino footprints at Cable Beach can be hard to spot. Again, make sure you visit at low tide for your best chance. You will likely find other visitors on the hunt for the footprints, too.

James Price Point

If you have access to a car, James Price Point is approximately 50km north of Broome. Make sure you visit at low tide to be able to see the prints, when they are fairly accessible.

Other things to do in Broome

Visiting the dinosaur tracks of Broome is a must-do, but it’s also time-specific. You may be wondering what else is on offer in the town to fill up your itinerary while you wait for low tide.

Broome’s Dinosaur Footprints

Flying boat wrecks

At Roebuck Bay you can see the preserved wrecks of flying boats which were downed during World War II. You will need to visit at low tide, and walk about a kilometre out onto the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay to see the wrecks. The wrecks are an important part of history, and it’s fascinating to learn more about them.

Camel rides

The picturesque image of a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach is perhaps one of the first images that comes to mind when thinking of Broome. There are several tour companies that offer camel rides along Cable Beach, and it’s a must-do whenever you choose to visit.

Boat charters

Some of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of Broome can be seen from the turquoise waters. Get out onto the water for a spot of fishing with a Broome fishing charter, and see what the rich waters surrounding Broome have below the surface. If fishing isn’t your thing, whale watching charters are a great family-friendly activity that will blow you away. The warm waters around Broome play host to a large population of humpback whales during their annual migration, and getting out onto the water is the best way to see the whales playing, breaching and teaching their calves. You’re sure to spot dolphins, sea turtles and other beautiful sea creatures, too!

Staircase to the Moon

This natural phenomenon is one that cannot be adequately described in words – you must witness it yourself firsthand. Occurring only for a few nights every month between March and November, the reflection of the full moon creates an alluring illusion off the exposed tidal flats at Roebuck Bay. It’s worth considering planning the dates of your visit around the Staircase to the Moon dates.

The dinosaur footprints around Broome are a must on your next visit, just remember to be mindful of the tide and plan your day accordingly. Enjoy slipping into ‘Broome time’ with a relaxing holiday in this stunning Kimberely town, with plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained.

Categories
Law

Family Mediation And Dispute Resolution

Estimated read time 5 min read

Mediation is a method of settling disagreements between individuals at odds, generally mediated by a neutral third party. Separated families are urged to utilise family mediation rather than the family law courts to settle disagreements about children.

What Exactly Is Family Law Mediation?

When two people divorce, issues such as how property will be divided between the parties and how children from the marriage will be cared for may arise. The Family Court prefers that such disputes be resolved outside of Court. This may be performed via mediation. Mediation is an alternative method of settling problems in which former partners meet with a competent person known as a mediator to discuss concerns and reach an agreement.

How Does Mediation Work In Family Law?

During Mediation, the mediator will direct the parties’ dialogue. The family mediator will remain neutral, not make any decisions or provide advice to the parties, but will encourage communication so that all parties may express themselves and explore all options for reaching an agreement.

Mediation may occur in person, in different rooms with the mediator moving between the two parties, or over the phone. If mediation is effective, it might result in a consensual agreement expressed in the parties’ own words. Even though this arrangement is not enforceable by law, it might be used as the foundation for future Court proceedings.

How Does The Family Mediation Process Work?

Mediation procedures vary depending on the mediator, but they usually include the following steps:

Pre-mediation. Your mediator may desire to meet with you in person or over the phone before your mediation to decide if mediation would be beneficial in your circumstances and to address any questions you may have.

Introduction. Typically, the mediator will provide a statement at the opening of the mediation stating their role, the mediation process, and any ground rules.

Identification of Problems. Then, each party will have a chance to explain their viewpoint and concerns.

Discussion. The mediator may then ask extra questions to gather more information. This will help the mediator decide which issues to address first.

Private Discussion. Each party may then have the opportunity to share their ideas with the mediator or, if they have one, with their lawyer.

Negotiation. The parties will then work out a solution to the problems. The family mediator will also work with the parties to find all possible options.

Agreement. If an agreement is made, it will be documented in writing by the mediator.

Is Family Mediation Better Option Than Court?

If the parties are prepared to collaborate and achieve an agreement, mediation may be a viable alternative to litigation. However, an effort at mediation might also be a need for the court since the law occasionally requires parties to attend mediation before filing a Family Court application.

For example, if there are children involved in a divorce and the parents cannot agree on the children’s living arrangements, the law compels parents to attend mediation before going to Court. Mediation is often used in combination with the Court procedure to speed up the process by resolving matters outside of the Court.

Why Should You Consider Mediation?

Mediation may assist ex-partners in resolving financial, parental, and property disputes. It is far faster and less stressful than settling matters in Family Court since it does not need the same amount of procedural activity as the Court. When compared to the time required to settle family disagreements in court, this is significant time-saving.

Moreover, mediation is much less costly since it may be completed quickly and without the need of a lawyer, as opposed to the expenditures of attorneys conducting protracted discussions on behalf of the parties.

Family Law Mediation

Is Mediation Legally Obligated?

A written agreement reached by the parties during mediation is not legally binding. However, if the deal is incorporated in an Application for Consent Orders to the Family Court or a Binding Financial Agreement, it might be made legally binding.

Are You Able To Refuse Family Mediation?

Yes. You have the right to decline family mediation, even if the law mandates you to do so, such as when there are concerns with children. However, if you refuse mediation and it is required, you will be given a certificate stating that you did not attend mediation. If the certificate is utilised in Court, you may be blamed.

What Exactly Is An FDPR? Can Family Mediators Act As Professional Lawyers? 

Family Dispute Resolution is another name for family mediation (FDR). A Family Dispute Resolution Professional facilitates FDR. An FDPR is a certified mediator and negotiator who specialises in family law. Moreover, an FDPR need not be a lawyer. Some FDPRs have a background in social work, but all FDPRs must be recognised under family law.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of mediation depends on the issues involved and the parties’ willingness to cooperate and compromise. Single mediation sessions are usually several hours long. However, specific conflicts may need many mediation sessions.

How Much Does Family Mediation Costs?

Mediation costs are influenced by factors such as the problem’s complexity and the parties’ willingness to compromise. While the cost may appear high at first glance, keep in mind that a family lawyer will charge per hour.

Conclusion

It is possible to infer that, in general, family mediation is an excellent alternative technique of resolving family problems since it promotes methods of amicable resolution and reduces the economic and social costs of separation and divorce for families, the state, and society.

However, for family mediation to be effective, the primary principles of mediation must be followed, particularly the family mediator’s impartiality and neutrality about the result of the mediation process.