Manivannan (Mani) Janakiraman GCB.D’s Post

Sharing my first blog post for 2024, "Revitalizing 2024: Unlocking Health and Happiness in the Philippines Through Family, Biking, and Sports Life" https://lnkd.in/gt8Z9_G4

Last Saturday I ran my second marathon. That I signed up for 9 days earlier. I hadn’t been training for a marathon, and I had no plans to run one until next Spring. But then I got a DM from a follower offering me a free bib for a true bucket list race – The Marathon du Medoc. The world’s original wine marathon. With 22 wine stops, oysters, steak, cotton candy, and more local delicacies served while running. But to be honest, when I accepted the bib, I wasn’t thinking about how much fun I would have (tons). I was thinking about the chance to create content around a wine marathon. You see, over the last year I have made myself into an authority figure on wine marathons. My reels talking about the races regularly hit one million plus views, and my blog post of “Every Wine Marathon in Europe” sits on the first page of Google search results. This race was going to be another chance to learn more about wine marathons and gain more authority on the topic on Instagram. I wanted to find out: >>> What makes this race so special? From the silk artists over the start, to the people set up with picnics and cheering, every single part of this race creates an atmosphere of embracing life. >>> Is a wine marathon too long? Are wine half marathons better? Both are great depending on your fitness level and what you want from the experience. >>> Is the entry price worth it? Honestly, only €100 is cheap for this race. The average prices of the bottles being served are $30-$70. Plus, runners can have oysters, steak, Caneles Bordeaux, local meats, cotton candy, popsicles, and all the traditional fueling supplies offered by a normal marathon. >>> Is this child-friendly? Surprisingly, yes! I thought an event encouraging drinking would not have many children, but people of all ages lined the entire course and were dressed to the theme. The local community treats this race like a parade. >>> Does everyone really wear costumes? Yes, costumes are mandatory with a new theme released every year. The creativity of the runners is amazing to see – and one of the reasons the race is treated like a parade by locals. >>> What is the bathroom situation? The ones at the starting area were amazing, they had running water and sinks! The rest of the bathrooms could also be referred to as “the vineyards”. There were a few porta-potties, but not nearly enough. >>> How much do you need to train? I have been in training for a half marathon, and I was able to finish the race in six hours and 27 minutes. Technically, the time limit is 6 hours and 30 minutes, but realistically I finished around halfway through all the finishers and the time limit is closer to 7 hours. Overall, this race was an amazing experience, and I am so thankful I grabbed my opportunity to run it. If you have any more questions about this race, feel free to drop a comment below or send me a message!

Dear Marine Industry Partners, I am reaching out to present unique services that greatly benefit companies within the marine industry. With my extensive knowledge and expertise in tow sports—wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, and barefoot water skiing—along with my original speaking presentations designed for general interest audiences, I have four powerful ways I can assist your company: 1: Enhancing Tow Sports Experience I specialize in identifying and highlighting all boat and motor features and benefits that optimize the tow sports experience in family boats. By showcasing these features, we can emphasize the value and functionality that resonate with tow sports enthusiasts. I can educate dealers and boat buyers on how today's features on boats such as a solid tow pylon and a wakeboard tower, along with the right engine and propeller combination, make family boats exceptional for recreational tow sports. 2: Health, Wellness, and Positivity Promotion Tow sports offer more than just a recreational activity; they promote health, wellness, and positivity. I can assist in crafting marketing and media campaigns that focus on these intrinsic benefits, tapping into the growing consumer interest in a healthy, holistic lifestyle. 3: Engaging Speaking Presentations for Employees I offer engaging speaking presentations tailored to your company's employee health and wellness program. These presentations cover health, wellness, positivity, and self-improvement, aligning with the ethos of tow sports and fostering a positive work culture. 4: Community Engagement I propose hosting community-focused speaking engagements to offer valuable insights and benefits to local communities. My original presentations, such as 'I Have No Age' and 'From Passion to Profession,' offer strategies for healthy living, staying active, continuous self-improvement, and turning interests into passions with enriching experiences. These presentations include strategies based on my experiences and unique perspectives. Besides benefiting communities, this initiative will generate significant positive media coverage. These services boost sales of boats, motors, and accessories and align with the core values of health, wellness, and community engagement, strengthening the company's position with its customers and the community. Thank you for considering this proposal. I am eager to discuss how we can collaborate and further leverage these opportunities to benefit your company. Please feel free to explore potential synergies and initiatives at zenbilas@bellsouth.net or 561.319.7852. Best regards, Zenon Bilas Strategic Success Speaker 9X USA Barefoot Water Ski Champion Current World Masters Barefoot Water Ski Champion

Dear Marine Industry Partners, I am reaching out to present unique services that greatly benefit companies within the marine industry. With my extensive knowledge and expertise in tow sports—wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, and barefoot water skiing—along with my original speaking presentations designed for general interest audiences, I have four powerful ways I can assist your company: 1: Enhancing Tow Sports Experience I specialize in identifying and highlighting all boat and motor features and benefits that optimize the tow sports experience in family boats. By showcasing these features, we can emphasize the value and functionality that resonate with tow sports enthusiasts. I can educate dealers and boat buyers on how today's features on boats such as a solid tow pylon and a wakeboard tower, along with the right engine and propeller combination, make family boats exceptional for recreational tow sports. 2: Health, Wellness, and Positivity Promotion Tow sports offer more than just a recreational activity; they promote health, wellness, and positivity. I can assist in crafting marketing and media campaigns that focus on these intrinsic benefits, tapping into the growing consumer interest in a healthy, holistic lifestyle. 3: Engaging Speaking Presentations for Employees I offer engaging speaking presentations tailored to your company's employee health and wellness program. These presentations cover health, wellness, positivity, and self-improvement, aligning with the ethos of tow sports and fostering a positive work culture. 4: Community Engagement I propose hosting community-focused speaking engagements to offer valuable insights and benefits to local communities. My original presentations, such as 'I Have No Age' and 'From Passion to Profession,' offer strategies for healthy living, staying active, continuous self-improvement, and turning interests into passions with enriching experiences. These presentations include strategies based on my experiences and unique perspectives. Besides benefiting communities, this initiative will generate significant positive media coverage. These services boost sales of boats, motors, and accessories and align with the core values of health, wellness, and community engagement, strengthening the company's position with its customers and the community. Thank you for considering this proposal. I am eager to discuss how we can collaborate and further leverage these opportunities to benefit your company. Please feel free to explore potential synergies and initiatives at zenbilas@bellsouth.net or 561.319.7852. Best regards, Zenon Bilas Strategic Success Speaker 9X USA Barefoot Water Ski Champion Current World Masters Barefoot Water Ski Champion

🌟 ғᴇᴇʟ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ғʀɪᴅᴀʏ: ᴇᴍʙʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴍᴏᴠᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 🌿✨ As we wrap up the week, let’s take a moment to celebrate the importance of movement and the joy of being active outdoors. Whether you prefer walking, hiking, running, skiing, paddling, or cycling, getting outside can have a profound impact on your well-being. Here are some benefits of engaging in outdoor activities: 1. Boosts Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Spending time outdoors enhances this effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. 🌈 2. Enhances Creativity: Being in nature can spark creativity and improve focus. A change of scenery often leads to fresh ideas and perspectives. 🌳 3. Improves Physical Health: Regular movement strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones. It also boosts your immune system, helping you stay healthy and active. 💪 4. Connects You with Nature: Outdoor activities allow you to appreciate the beauty around you. This connection to nature can foster a sense of peace and gratitude. 🌼 5. Builds Community: Engaging in outdoor activities with friends or family strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories. Whether it’s a group hike or a cycling adventure, shared experiences bring us closer. 🤝 6. Encourages Mindfulness: Being active outdoors encourages you to be present in the moment. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations as you move, helping you cultivate mindfulness and awareness. 🌍 This Feel Good Friday, let’s commit to moving our bodies and enjoying the great outdoors. What activity will you choose today? ✨ Ready to explore more ways to enhance your well-being? Book your FREE discovery call with me today and let’s unlock your potential together! Limited slots available! 🔥 #FeelGoodFriday #OutdoorMovement #Walking #Hiking #Running #Paddling #Cycling #Wellness #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #NatureConnection #Mindfulness #Community #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #smallbusiness

I 💓 GPO's annual walking challenge. It reminds me that the little things are the big things. That tiny changes to behavior, when repeated, become habits that lead to big results. (AND the walking challenge reminds me how long I SIT every day! And that sitting for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity has a risk of dying similar to that posed by obesity and smoking. Ouuccch.) https://lnkd.in/e9v37mEY. #AtomicHabits #goGPO #worklifebalance

A total of 65% of people surveyed by active travel charity Sustrans want better links with public transport, like secure cycle parking at railway stations. The Walking and Cycling Index (formerly Bike Life) is the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland. It is delivered by Sustrans in collaboration with 23 cities and urban areas. Each city reports on the progress made towards making walking, wheeling and cycling more attractive, everyday ways to travel. The latest report, published this year (2024), found that walking is the most common form of travel among the 21,374 people taking part in the survey. It also found 24% of residents want to drive less, yet 36% of residents often use a car because no other transport options are available. Meanwhile 60% agree, while 18% disagree, that increasing space for people socialising, walking, wheeling and cycling on their local high street would improve their local area. And 56% support, while 17% oppose, shifting investment from road building schemes to fund walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport. The data is used to explore the impact walking, wheeling and cycling is making and to support the delivery of schemes and programmes that give more people the choice to take part in active travel. As a leading provider of cycle parking solutions to schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, visitor attractions and in the public realm, we understand why better cycle parking provision is needed at public transport interchanges. We have a proven track record of providing cycle parking infrastructure at locations such as Euston Station, Dundee Railway Station and across the wider Transport for Greater Manchester network. Take a look at our case studies or contact our team on 01782 54411 to discover more about the cycle parking products we design, manufacture and install.

Breakfast with an Iron Man 🚴♂️ On Tuesday I met with Bruce Leishman Bruce is the founder of KitUp, a platform to rent outdoor equipment for your next adventure! KitUP helps connect people to equipment hosts and renters. Growing up around a diving school and business, there's no surprise Bruce has taken to the world of outdoor sports. We spoke about: - Cycling in London and cycling in general! The fun of long distances, cool cycle routes and even the UK's most current topic... potholes! - The impact of Netflix and sports-based documentaries on the awareness of outdoor sports to the mass market. - Creating a newsletter mailing list of people in anticipation of launch as well as the importance of following through with the list to understand how to get users from signed up to active. - Building a rental marketplace business and the challenges that come with building the critical mass of supply and demand. How to find acquisition channels that stay away from the 'There's not much on there' or 'There's not enough demand for this'. - Leveraging partnerships and B2B2C play to encourage usage of the platform. We discussed understanding user behaviour to understand how best to improve platform utilisation. Do outdoor users plan in advance, rely on the weather, book an Airbnb first and then equipment? These sort of questions help understand - Building and enabling groups of people to try new activities removes the barrier to entry of outdoor sports which can sometimes feel difficult to start off with. I could totally relate as the sort of person that would turn up to my first triathlon with a mountain bike, no goggles and a pair of old trainers. ----- If you're an investor or founder keen to meet, I'd love to have breakfast with you in London. Link to waitlist is in my featured section. Naturally, I can't meet with everyone, but I'll always try to make time to speak!

Real runners, you are not allowed at Diplo’s Run Club 👇 Because this event was too fun for you… So I went out to Diplo’s first run club event in San Francisco. For context, it’s a 5k run followed by Diplo performing on stage. Really a first of it’s kind event style, but with that, I didn’t really know what to expect. Is the crowd gonna be runners or house music fans, and will this blend of fitness and partying work? Well, I was pleasantly surprised, as 13,000 people showed out and ran alongside Diplo. He ran among the crow, cold plunged with people after, and then played in front of an insane crowd. The vibe of this event was different than any fitness event I’ve ever been to. I’ve done Ironmans and marathons in the past. But the vibes at those are intense and hardo, which isn’t appealing to a majority of people.. But Diplo’s Run Club had the opposite feel. It was fun, social, welcoming, and experiential for people. Showing that running and wellness doesn’t have to be so serious and hardo. Instead, let’s have fun with it in a social setting. Overall, super fun, and I think this event style is really gonna take over. #run #runners #runclub #plunge #coldplunge #diplo #diplosrunclub #fitness #wellness #fitnessevent #rave #housemusic #dj

🚣 **Row House Marks a Decade of Success with Celebratory Month and Exciting Challenge** 🌟 This April, Row House is not just celebrating ten years since its inception in 2014 but also commemorating a decade of remarkable growth and community building. As highlighted by Yahoo Finance, the Row House brand has become synonymous with not just achieving personal health goals but fostering a strong sense of community among its members. The centerpiece of this celebration is the "Decade of Row House" 10-day challenge, set to kick off on April 18th and wrap up on April 27th. This challenge is more than just a testament to the endurance and spirit of the Row House community; it's an opportunity for members to push their limits, reflect on their growth, and perhaps even embark on a dream vacation. Indeed, 10 lucky participants who complete the 10-Day challenge will be randomly selected to win a cruise for two, courtesy of Princess Cruises, to a destination of their choosing anywhere in the world. It's a fitting reward for a community that's all about journeying together, whether it's on the rowing machine or across the globe. As Row House looks back on a decade of success, it's clear that its impact goes beyond the physical. It's about creating spaces where people come together, support each other, and achieve things they never thought possible. This challenge, and the month-long celebration it anchors, is a reflection of that ethos - a way to say thank you to the members who've made it all possible and to welcome new ones into the fold. Here's to Row House: celebrating ten years and looking forward to many more. Click the link below to learn more.🎉 https://yhoo.it/4aHnmlJ #RowHouse #FitnessChallenge #CommunityBuilding #AnniversaryCelebration #RowHouseChallenge #ADecadeofRowHouse