How do I know where to go for training?
To locate the coach for your event, see Coach Details below.
What do the locations on the Coach Details page mean?
During the winter, some groups train indoors. This 'indoors' is often the Oakengates Leisure Centre, ask at the reception where the athletics club is training. The 'stand' for groups such as pole vault means the stand on the home straight, about 50m before the finish line. Many coaches' groups are based in there before they move to the track or field to train.
How often do I have to train?
Most groups train twice a week. Training is not compulsory, but the more you go the more familiar the coach gets with you, the more you learn and improve, and the higher your chances of being selected for competitions. When selections are considered, commitment to training can be a factor and someone who trains regularly is more likely to get picked than someone who trains once a fortnight.
What does it cost?
Training costs £1, to be paid in the hut after your session.
What do I need for training?
For kit, see KIT section. You should also bring a drink, preferably not fizzy. If you are doing a throws event, you should bring a small towel that you don't mind getting muddy. Don't drink much in one go but take sips as your body absorbs the water better, and your drink lasts much longer.
How difficult is training for...
under 14?
It is bad for youngster's bodies to do much training, so their sessions are kept relatively easy, as the club doesn't want to put them off the sport. They will have adequate breaks, and will not be pushed beyond what they are comfortable with.
14-18?
As an athlete gets older, in the junior groups of secondary school age, they will have more difficult sessions but can sit out whenever they like, and have enough breaks.
over 18?
If you are new and looking to join a seniors group, our experienced coaches take the individual into account and won't make you train too hard, easing you into fitness and training. There is often a period when a senior first joins where he trains to be fit to train, before he joins in with the others in the group. Only a bad coach will push you when you want to stop, and athletes are free to stop any time.
NB. Due to a coach’s retirement, the middle distance and distance groups are being reshuffled, hence some information on the table is not exact. School-aged athletes looking to get into these events should go to Margaret Cooper and Malcolm Dawes Snr., who train indoors at the leisure centre until around May, weather permitting, after which they train on the track. Adult athletes should speak to Terry Davies.
Margaret Cooper- Youngsters
Margaret trains the youngest members of the club, from 9 years old, to
when they are ready to leave the group and specialise in one event,
usually when they are 12 or 13. Margaret teaches the techniques of all
events, from javelin, shot and the throws, to high jump, hurdling,
running and long-jumping. She gives each child a taste of as many
events as possible to see what they will be best at in the future.
Eric Cartwright - Junior Sprinters
Eric takes sprinters after
they are promoted from Margaret Cooper’s group, usually when they are
about 13. Eric trains athletes up to 17 years old, where they progress
to Dave Drew. Eric concentrates on technique, giving the young athletes
grounding on sprint technique which they can take with them into their
seniors training. He also teaches speed, conditioning the young
athletes for the training they will face at senior level. On top of
this, he helps prepare the athlete mentally with useful tips on racing
and how to deal with the pressure of a race.
Dave Drew- Senior Sprinters
Dave trains 100m-400m runners
after they are promoted from Eric’s group. Dave builds on what they
have learned from Eric, and continues to develop their speed and
strength by stepping up the training regime to that of a senior
athlete.