Life as a coach

A varied week...

Seniors, Juniors, 1:1

This week has been a busy week on the coaching front. As a qualified event group (Level 3) endurance coach for our senior club, athletics coach for our junior club and a 1:1 marathon coach for some of our club members, life is full of variety.

This week's senior club session was a huge success with over 50 athletes of all abilities running in an interval session where they used a half mile loop to work at effort with alternate laps of recovery. Athletes worked in groups, supporting each other and encouraging each other when working on the 'effort' sections. The cold and damp didn't deter our athletes and they all jogged home smiling after a great session.

This evening it has been the turn of our junior athletes. We focus on building an 'all round athlete' so we work on a range of running, jumping and throwing disciplines and ensure that athletes are developing their 'ABCs' (agility, balance and coordination) as they work through the activities that I plan.

We have a great team of coaches each week who work together to provide our young athletes with a varied session which everyone clearly enjoys. Our 'athlete of the day' is a big highlight at the end of the session as well as recognising athletes who have competed in junior events the previous weekend. Coaching young athletes is something I love; as an ex PE co-ordinator and primary school teacher, I know how important sport is to youngsters. It is a real 'leveller' and academic ability is put aside while we focus on ensuring that the young athletes all enjoy the sport and leave with a smile on their face.

I have also had a great week so far with my individual athletes. I use the 'Training Peaks' app which I find excellent. My athletes are working through a 16 week plan for their London Marathon goal (for two of my athletes it is their first marathon). Each week I upload 'workouts' for each athlete specific to their training needs and their ultimate marathon goals. It is a great feeling to be able to share my vast marathon experience with others and I feel privileged to work with athletes who are working towards their marathon goals.

Roll on next week!