smrac distance make running a habit; consistency brings success

Performance Group

Jack and Bradley running for Middlesex

AIMS
We continue to focus on the long-term development of the athletes but we start to do so with a focus on preparing for specific competitions. This is a smaller group allowing us to give athletes more individual attention. Working with the athletes in this group we....
- produce individual training and racing programmes aimed at performing well in target races
- continue to develop aerobic fitness
- increase intensity of anaerobic sessions for older athletes
- build general strength
- progress existing speed skills
- enjoy training and racing... it's still important!

WHO
We hope that members of the Development Group will aspire to progress to this group. Members of this group are...
- committed athletes who, in most cases, have chosen athletics as their main sport
- capable of making a Middlesex age group XC team or of medalling in a Middlesex Track Championship (or equivalent for other counties)
- at the vast majority of training sessions and let Noel know in advance if they can't make it to make alternative arrangements
- male or female and typically U15 or above

Membership of this squad is at the discretion of Noel and Dave.

Membership of the Performance Group is open to members of athletic clubs other than St Mary's Richmond. We believe that by having good standard athletes train together they can push each other on to higher levels, and as coaches we want to work with the best athletes regardless of club. Athletes waning to join the smrac distance coaching set-up should contact Noel and would need to join St Mary's 2nd claim to get access to the track.

Tink at Southern XC 2009

WHEN
Tuesday
- Grass sessions - 18:00 meet, 18:15 start warm up
- Track sessions - 18:15 meet, 18:30 start warm up
Thursday
- Grass sessions - 18:00 meet, 18:15 start warm up
- Track sessions - 18:15 meet, 18:30 start warm up
Saturday - 9:45 meet, 10:00 warm up starts
Sunday - Athletes expected to meet up for long runs

In addition to these sessions, athletes are expected to carry out easy running and conditioning from home. Arrangements can be made for groups to meet up with Noel for these parts of the training programme.

Punctuality is important.  If you're not on time you may not be able to join in so if you rely on public transport give yourself plenty of time to get to training!

WHERE
The location of training varies from week to week. The latest information can always be accessed from the Training News section of the website. If you don't know where a particular venue is, check the Venues page for maps and transport information.

COACHES
Training is set by Noel and sessions are lead by Noel and Dave.