This CEO loves soft sand running at an iconic beach
Entrepreneur and investor Gavin Basserabie gets up early three times a week to keep fit and revel in the beauty of Bondi. He answers our Time Out Q&A.
Gavin Basserabie is co-founder of ConfidenceClub, an online supplier of incontinence products. He lives in Sydney.
Why running?
I love it – no other exercise gets my heart rate up like soft sand running. There is also the definite mental health benefit one gets from running, especially if it can be finished off with a dip in the ocean. I think we can take for granted what a beautiful city we live in, but it never fails to take my breath away when I drive into Bondi or Maroubra as the sun is coming up. It reminds me how fortunate I am to live here. Running also gives me the opportunity to catch up with friends I don’t see much otherwise.
Gavin Basserabie on the running surface he loves most – the soft sands of Bondi Beach.
Do you ever run on the road or track?
I stick to the soft sand.
Do you race?
I did in the past, but a full knee reconstruction 25 years ago resulted in early onset arthritis and that put paid to any competitive sports.
Favourite distance?
I have a standard six laps of Bondi Beach that I hit out – I’m a creature of habit. This takes me about an hour including the swim afterwards, which is always welcome after the run.
How often do you run?
I try for three times a week, but if I do less than two, I start becoming a less fun person to be around. It really highlights to me how good it is for my mental health, so I try and prioritise it to make sure I’m the best version of myself.
Basserabie says running benefits his physical and mental health.
Are you a morning or night runner?
Mainly early morning with the sunrise – no better time of day, and it sets me up well for the rest of the day. In summer, when we have more light, I’ve started running in the evening when the heat drops, which is great too.
Social or solo runner?
It definitely goes quicker with a friend, but I’m just as happy with a podcast.
Post-run fuel?
I don’t do it often, but a treat after a big run is breakfast at Speedos Cafe at North Bondi.
Ever been lost?
When I could road run, I used to go out as soon as I arrived in a new city. Once, in the days before smartphones and Google Maps (I used to run with hotel maps), I took a wrong turn in Calgary in Canada and had to get a taxi back.
What motivates you to run?
It’s hard to pinpoint one motivation, but keeping fit and making the most of the beautiful area we are privileged to live in are probably at the top of my list. Bondi is one of the most iconic beaches in the world, so it isn’t hard to motivate me to get up and go for a run there.
Early morning at Bondi Beach: Basserabie runs six laps and then enjoys a swim. Rhett Wyman
How do you mitigate the risk of injury as you get older?
I have definitely learnt the hard way and injured nearly every muscle or ligament. The best advice is to take smaller steps with a higher cadence. This seems to help a lot on very soft sand too. I’ve also slowed down. It took me a while to realise that not every exercise event was a competition and there is no real need to achieve a personal best time every time. I still run about six kilometres each time, but it takes me longer. I rationalise that I’m therefore actually doing more exercise and getting more benefit. It’s probably not true, but it makes me feel better about having to run slower.
Done any marathons?
Never done one, but never say never.
Do you travel to run and if so, where?
I haven’t travelled specifically for the purpose of running but any time I go near a beach I run along it.
Favourite piece of kit?
I’m going to go low-tech here – when the sand is freezing cold in winter, I have these volleyball socks that don’t let the cold through. On early winter mornings, I could not run without them.
Dream running buddy?
I would have to say it would be a good friend who sadly passed away in a freak accident while diving off the rocks at North Bondi earlier this year. It would be great to have one more run.
lifeandleisure@afr.com
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