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In weather more suitable for flying ducks, than athletes and coaches, Endurance Coach Martin McCarthy delivered a session on Southampton Common for Lordshill Road Runners. 

Carol Bradwell requested the visit for their extensive groups of coaches and leaders to get some new ideas.  The turn-out was impressive, but slightly lower than the usual forty to fifty runners, due to torrential rain and a clash with the England versus France football match.  Normally there are 6-7 ability groups running with two LIRF leaders per group, overseen by the lead coaches, Carol and Rob.  The coaches want to ensure that every ability group receives the appropriate training combined with the chance to move groups when ready.

Martin constructed an interval session for the whole group on an “up the clock” basis, starting with a 90 seconds effort up to 5 minutes and down again.  The athletes welcomed the change of pace in the session and the non-stop action.  The evening concluded with a question and answer session with the coaches and leaders in the local pub, with refreshments kindly provided by the club.

Martin concluded” "I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the athletes, coaches and run leaders at Lordshill. The run leader programme in place is particularly impressive and I was able to see how well this was working in supporting and developing the athletes across varying abilities and fitness levels".

Carol said “I have had lots of very positive emails in my inbox today, from athletes of all levels, who really had a brilliant training time.  It was so good for Rob and I to just be able to sound out advice from other coaches. We are trying to make everyone feel involved, worthwhile, etc. and keeping our 'fun, friendly, welcoming' ethos, whilst progressing keen athletes to the next level.”

Local Club and Coach Support Officer, Chris Benning said” It’s been good to see how the club has really built up the number of qualified leaders and put a good coaching structure in place.  I have also been really pleased that the local clubs have been working together to hold joint sessions such as the Oregon Circuit (a session where runners combine repetition running with an exercise). 

Working together like this can only help to improve the standards in road racing in the area.  It’s also great to see the sheer numbers of new runners improving their fitness.”

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