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The second Kent Coach and Athlete Development Day attracted nearly 60 endurance athletes and coaches.  Held at Canterbury, the morning began with a practical strength and conditioning session focusing on how to develop good fundamental movement skills and the importance improving flexibility.

This was followed by a Q and A session with former London Marathon winner Mike Gratton who explained his progression from schoolboy middle distance runner to top level marathon runner.  One young athlete commented afterwards "listening to Mike was really inspirational as he started running here in Kent when he was our age and we could see how he gradually increased his training as he got older."  Road runners and their coaches got the opportunity to specifically discuss marathon training and preparation with Mike.  
 
At lunch time coaches attended a 1.5 hour presentation/workshop on Planning and Periodisation that was delivered by Andy Neal.  Andy is a Level 4 coach and UKA Coach Education Tutor and Assessor.  
 
The afternoon session focused on the importance of pace judgement and practical demonstrations of the types of training sessions that coaches can use to help athletes develop pace judgement skills. The day finished with a cool down and stretching session led by Blackheath and Bromley coach Mick Jones.        
 
"In Kent we have a great team of endurance coaches all working together to improve their knowledge and expertise as part of the coach development programme and very importantly they are all willing to share this with other coaches and athletes" explained England Athletics Area Coach Mentor Stella Bandu.  "These development days are supported financially by the Kent Athletics Network and aim to provide coaches of all athletics events with a supported learning environment and the opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions." 

Further Kent Coach and Athlete Development Days are planned for February and March 2010.  There is no charge for any qualified coach to attend.  For further information see the Kent Athletics Squad website.
 
For more details contact Stella Bandu at sbandu@englandathletics.org or on 07841504495

• Kent Athletics Squad website