Walking Lugano 2016

"Walking Lugano" is one of the most important Swiss appointments for walking and Nordic walking fans. You can choose from six different itineraries (from 6.6 to 18.6 Km), all extremely attractive in terms of landscape and well-suited for all sorts of fitness levels. There are longer and more demanding itineraries for those who want to test their endurance and  “softer”, more level itineraries of just a few kilometres for others. The most original itinerary is the 8.2km “Lake and Walking” which also includes a boat trip from Lugano to Gandria.

All you need to do is choose a trail and sign up in Piazza Manzoni as of 9 am on Sunday morning. For more info click here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Relax – 7 km
Melide – 8.2 km
Panorama – 10.7 km
Fitness – 16.2 km
Challenge – 18.7 km
Lake and Walking (with boat ride) – 8.2 km
Brè City Trail (competitive) - NEW!

And for those of you who do not feel like competing there are lots of other activities offered down town throughout the day. Just have a peak here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Have fun and stay healthy!

StraLugano 2015

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation ten years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

The six races planned are:
- 30 km - for the usual runners that practice the marathon or the half-marathon
- 10 km - half competitive: 10 winners will be chosen by lot from the finishers
- StraLugano Relay - race on the 30 km course with 3 fractions
- Kidsrun - race for children and kids (max 14 years old)
- Handbike

... and NEW this year the FLUORUN! On Saturday 26 at 21.00 get ready for a run that will illuminate the streets of Lugano! 45 minutes of non-competitive race, full of energy and super sparkly. So, choose your favourite fluo color and... participate together with your friends in Lugano's first FluoRun!

Hurry, you can still register until September 26th, 2015 (between 14.00 and 20.00) at the "Centro Manifestazioni" in via Campo Marzio.

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

Here's the programme:

Saturday, September 26th, 2015
14.00               Piazza Manzoni - Apertura Villaggio StraLugano
14.00 - 20.00   Centro Esposizioni - Ritiro pettorali e iscrizioni tardive
14.00 - 18.00   Piazza Manzoni - Iscrizioni e ritiro pettorali KidsRun
16.00 - 20.00   Piazza Luini - Iscrizioni FluoRun
16.00               Liceo 1 – Verifiche tecniche partecipanti gara handbike
20.00               Piazza Manzoni – Lungolago – Gara Internazionale di handbike
21.00               Piazza Luini – Lungolago – Partenza FluoRun
21.00 - 24.00   Piazza Riforma – Evento Musicale - 10 anni di StraLugano
                        Concerto dei Karma Krew e dei Vad Vuc

Sunday, September 27th, 2015
Race 30km, Staffette, 10km
07.00 - 09.00  Centro Esposizioni – Ritiro pettorali
08.30 - 09.45  Piazza Luini – Warm Up SUVA
09.55              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago-Cerimonia di partenza con inno svizzero
10.00              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Partenza 30km, Staffetta e 10km
10.30              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Primi arrivi gara 10km City
11.30              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Primi arrivi gara 30km Panoramic
12.00              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – podio maschile e femminile gara 30km
12.00              Centro Esposizioni – Migros Pasta Party
13.00              Centro Esposizioni – Premiazioni 10km City
14.00              Centro Esposizioni – Premiazioni 30km Panoramic e Staffette

KidsRun
Fino ore 12.00 Piazza Riforma - InfoPoint ultime iscrizioni
Fino ore 13.30  Piazza Riforma - InfoPoint ritiro pettorali
13.30              Riva Albertolli – Ritrovo partecipanti
14.00 - 15.00 Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago - gare delle diverse categorie
15.15              Piazza Riforma – Premiazioni
15.30              Chiusura della 10a edizione della StraLugano

Ticino's top 10 running songs tracks

There is nothing like listening to the right playlist when you need to burn calories. There are more and more Swiss runners (almost 2 million), and many use the streaming service Spotify. That's how Ticino online established the most popular songs in the different cantons. From Bellinzona to Basel from Zurich to Bern, from Chur to Geneva, they explored the Swiss joggers' preferences.

Starting with the Ticino: Bellinzona's runners like hip hop: there are 6 tracks of this kind in the top ten lead by the Black Eyed Peas.

But the music tastes are not the same everywhere: in fact Zurich's joggers like basking in Latin beats which even include merengue and reggaeton.

The more rhythmic are the Bernese with an average frequency of 142 beats per minute (bpm). The Ticinesi average at 131 bpm. In Basel, they are more relaxed with 122 bpm and their playlist says it all, where they go from Lilly Wood & The Prick' Afro-pop to the rock of Florence and the Machine.

Here is Ticino's Top Ten runners playlist 2015:

Shut Up - The Black Eyed Peas (113 bpm)

What Them Girls Like - Ludacris (170pm)

Westside Story - The Game 115 (bpm)

Furious - Ja Rule 94 (bpm)

Skydive - Chuckie 128 (bpm)

Mozart’s House - Clean Bandit 125 (bpm)

Tom Ford - Jay Z 154 (bpm)

Lights On - Wiley 127 (bpm)

Dirt Off Your Shoulder - Jay Z 160 (bpm)

Locked Out Of Heaven - B. Mars 128 (bpm)

Join Lugano's road runners

There is no excuse! It is time to get fit and make new friends at the same time!

Amy's motto is: " RUN TO A HEALTHIER, SEXIER, MORE CONFIDENT YOU!"
Running is the best energy boosting, heart pumping, calorie blasting workout you can do anywhere, anytime with anyone! It's the perfect stress reliever, confidence builder and total body workout that'll literally take you to new places while you have some fun (hopefully in the sun!) too!

Road Runners will hit the road every Tues (pm), Thurs (pm) and Sat (am) for the next 8 weeks. The programme is designed to take you from 0-5km in just 8 weeks. Sessions will be one hour long (not ALL running!) including:
- Body Pumping warm up
- Lugano Lake run focused on that week's goal
- Strength training/Active cool down. ​

​The programme will begin with a Run/Walk balance to build up stamina, gradually increasing "time on feet", eventually changing the focus to build mileage. Finishing with your successful completion of a 5km run! Non-Stop :)

Sound too good to be true? Nope, just click here and sign up now!
For more info call call Amy at 079/588'05'26, e-mail her at amyker@amykfit.com or check out her website here.

Road Runners begins 04.05.2015 (first group session Tues 5th May).

This girl can...

Every once in a while a video crosses my screen that I feel the urge to share. This is one of them.

"This Girl Can" is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It's a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

"This Girl Can" is here to inspire women to wiggle, jiggle, move and prove that judgement is a barrier that can be overcome.

 

Lady's run Ticino 2014

This weekend, don't miss the renowned walking and Nordic walking event in Locarno. The event is open to the public and is dedicated to all those who wish to spend a day of health, movement and fun. It is definitely worth the trip up the valley.

You'll find three Nordic / Walking paths of various lengths and difficulties (5.5 km, 12.5 km and 16.5 km). Locarno is also providing a varied entertainment programme. They'll be a 5km "Family run" especially designed for families with games and animation along the path.

The biggest news is that the 9th Walking in Ticino edition will feature the 1st ladies run in Ticino. An easy, flat 5km path, suitable for all fitness levels and exclusively for women! Do not miss this Ticino premiere! See you there.

Download the flyer of the Ladies Run in 2014 here.

For more info, click here: http://www.walkingticino.ch

Venue: Lady's run Ticino
Where: Piazza Grande, Locarno
Date: Sunday, September 21st, 2014
Time: 11:00

My morning jog through the hills of Lugano

While preparing myself for this Sunday's Walking Lugano, I thought I'd take you with me on my morning run. What more can one ask for: breathtaking scenery, crispy fresh air, bright sunshine and tranquil surroundings. Welcome to my life in Lugano.

Corsa della Speranza - Run for Hope 2013

While you get ready for the StraLugano 2013 you can start practicing with your family in a real fun way: the Corsa della Speranza.

Run of Hope is a Festival celebrated in more than fifty countries worldwide for cancer research. The idea was originates in the late 80s, from Canada, where the 23-year-old Terry Fox, lacking a leg amputated of a bone cancer, decided to cross the country, with a metal prosthesis in order to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Terry failed to conclude his stoical challenge. The cancer took him away before. But his brave and generous spirit continues to live through the Runs of Hope.

It is a non-competitive event. You can run, march or just walk on a 5 km route through the most emblematic streets of Lugano. The youngest can even join with their scooter (monopattino).

It's a race for everyone: families, schools, societies, children, grandfathers, grandmothers... Revenues, made from inscriptions and from spontaneous offers or donations, are entirely paid to the Ticinese Foundation for Cancer Research, which funds International research projects taking place in Ticino.

You can registrer on the actual day of the race at Piazza Reforma as of 11.00 am.
For more info click here: http://www.corsadellasperanza.ch/presentazione.html

Start is at 18.00 in Piazza Manzoni along the lakefront. All the participants are invited for a pasta party after the race with music in the piazza. In case of bad weather the pasta party is organized at the pavilion Conza.

Venue: Corsa della Speranza
Where: Piazza Manzoni
Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2013
Time: 18:00
Registration cost: CHF 25.- for adults and CHF 10.- for children

StraLugano 2013

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation eight years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

The six races planned are:

- 30 km - for the usual runners that practice the marathon or the half-marathon

- 10 km - half competitive: 10 winners will be chosen by lot from the finishers

- StraLugano Relay - race on the 30 km course with 3 fractions

- StraSingle - non-competitive romantic 5km walk

- Kidsrun - race for children and kids (max 14 years old)

- Handbike

Hurry, you can still register until September 22nd by clicking here: http://www.stralugano.ch/registration.

There is even a babysitting service while Mum and Dad go running: http://www.stralugano.ch/babysitting

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

Here's the programme:

SABATO 28 SETTEMBRE 2013

14.00 Apertura dello StraLugano Village

14.00 Intrattenimenti vari e animazioni nel villaggio con la presenza delle mascotte Cooley e Stralüsc

14.00 - 20.00 Distribuzione pettorali al Ciani

16.00 - 17.00 Zumba con Larissa del Move Me Fitness Centre - Scarica il volantino »

17.30 Presentazione della Lotus F1 con Alex Fontana

18.30 Prove del percorso Handbike

19.00 - 20.00 RoundTable Cup - gara internazionale Handbike

20.30 StraSingle gara popolare su 5km

20.00 Migros Pasta Party

20.30 Premiazione SUVACare Handbike Cup

DOMENICA 29 SETTEMBRE 2013

07.00 - 09.00 Distribuzione pettorali al Ciani

09.55 Cerimonia di partenza con inno svizzero cantato da Ines Moné, seconda classificata a “The Voice of Switzerland 2013”

10.00 Partenza della 30km Panoramic e staffetta 3x10km

10.45 Partenza della 10km City

11.15 Primi arrivi della 10km City

11.30 Primi arrivi della 30km Panoramic e della staffetta 3x10km

12.00 Podio maschile e femminile della 30km Panoramic

12.00 Migros Pasta Party

13.30 Premiazioni della 30km, della Staffetta e della 10km nella tenda del Migros Pasta Party

14.00 - 15.00 Gare della KidsRun con le diverse categorie: U8-U10-U12-U14-U16

15.00 Premiazioni delle gare KidsRun

16.00 Chiusura dello StraLugano Village e fine della manifestazione

Just a regular evening jog in Ticino

In order to keep eating all the chocolate I do, I go jogging. I listen to audiobooks and start running. Two decades ago it was at the Zürichsee, later along the Lac Leman, then the Parque de Palermo in Buenos Aires, on a treadmill in a posh Milano gym and nowadays through Paris' Bois de Boulogne.

I know, I have been spoilt. I do believe the coolest place to jog is through New York's Central Park. It feels like being in a movie.

However, after an invigorating Saturday afternoon jog around the countryside of Lugano, I have come to the conclusion that nothing beats the stunning scenery, fresh air and friendly greetings along the way you'll encounter in this corner of the world.

See for yourself:

Stralugano 2012 - Get running everybody!

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation 7 years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

The five races planned are:
- 30 km - for the usual runners that practice the marathon or the half-marathon
- 10 km - half competitive: 10 winners will be chosen by lot from the finishers
- Relay - race on the 30 km course with 3 fractions
- Kidsrun - race for children and kids (max 14 years old)
- Handbike

Hurry, you can still register until September 27th by clicking here: http://www.stralugano.ch/registration.
There is even a babysitting service while Mum and Dad go running: http://www.stralugano.ch/babysitting

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

Here's the programme:

Saturday 29th September 2012
10:00/20:00 - Delivery of the numbers
14:00 - Opening of the Village
14:30 - Zumba
16:00 - 16:45 Concert of the Junior Band of the Civica Filarmonica of Lugano
16:45 - 17:45 Concert of the Swiss Accordion
18:00 - 18:20 Telethon's Race
18:30 - Start of the Handbike race
19:45 - Prize giving for the Handbike race
19:30 - Pasta Party

Sunday 30th September 2012
07:00/09:00 - Last delivery of the numbers
09:00 - Warm Up for 30km and 30 km relay
09:45 - Warm Up for 10 km
10:00 - Start of the 30 km and 30 km relay
10:45 - Start of the 10 km
12:00 - Pasta Party
13:30 - Kids Run
13:45 - Prize giving
15:00 - End

Stralugano 2011

"Most people run a race to see who is fastest.  I run a race to see who has the most guts. "
Steve Prefontaine

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town this weekend and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation 6 years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

This year Stralugano renews its support of the Telethon movement by providing visibility throughout the event as well as financial contribution.

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

The five races planned are:

30km Panoramic
10km City
Kidsrun
Miglio
Handbike

Please head over to their site for more detailed information: www.stralugano.ch

Vita Parcours - a healthy Swiss invention nobody has ever heard about abroad

“Our paths are to be found in the most beautiful gym of the world: nature. "
Josef Bächler, Percorsi Vita

Living in Ticino is all about living outdoors. You make the best of the spectacular nature around you: hiking, mountain biking, skiing.  It’s a sporty lifestyle to be enjoyed with your family. Furthermore, these are all activities that parents will continue to enjoy with their kids even when they have grown up.

An activity less well known abroad but typically Swiss is the “Vita Parcours”.

Vita Parcours are paths devoted to sport, equipped with obstacles or stations distributed along its length for exercising the human body to promote good health. They are mostly 2 to 4 km long with 15 exercises along the path.

Equipment exists to provide specific forms of physiological exercise, and can consist of natural features including climbable rocks, trees, and river embankments, or manufactured products (stepping posts, chin-up and climbing bars) designed to provide similar physical challenges. The degree of difficulty of a course is determined by terrain slope, trail surface (dirt, grass, gravel, etc), obstacle height (walls) or length (crawls) and other features.

The original Vita parcour was invented in 1968 by Swiss architect Erwin Weckemann with support from Swiss life insurance firm "Vita" (nothing like a good Swiss insurance to take care of you). They are now maintained by the Zurich insurance. The first course was built in Zurich, Switzerland. The about 500 Vita parcours are free for the public and often located in forests close to the cities.

Washrooms/changing rooms are usually located at the beginning of the track.

I have added the official Swiss Vita Parcours link as well as the Lugano and the Ticino Percorso Vita links for you to take a peek at.

I highly recommend taking off on a sunny, autumn afternoon to discover the parcours closest to you, walking or running. Your kids might even know it already, given that some schools take advantage of these paths during gym lessons. Nothing beats the healthy, natural Swiss lifestyle.