Thoughts from Rob A few reminders so please read them carefully. Here we go:
If you are training with the outside group on the gateway then you must wear a head / body torch. See and be seen. You may see someone but they may not see you. We try to eradicate accidents, not create them. Other people use the track besides us. Cyclists, walkers and even dogs. Most of those using the track, other than us, tend not to have a torch and are almost, always dressed in black. Unsurprisingly, most of the dogs tend to be black too. Quite why anyone would prefer to walk a dog around the gateway while we are training I don't know but it's best for me not to comment further on this one. I'd just add that the track was designed with runners in mind and not dogs.
I've also been asked to remind you that training sessions begin at five to and not five past seven.
Kettlebells.
During lockdown one I handed out lots of kettlebells for some of you to use and keep in good shape. I have a list of those who took them. Yes, I know who you are. Could you please bring them to Thirsk school the first Monday after half term. If you do not hand them over to me then I will not cross you off my list. They will be kept in the school gym store for us to use.
Thirsk 10 trees. Planting date for your diary: Saturday 25th March.
So far 700 trees have been ordered in advance of the race. Numbers may increase. Everyone who runs the race gets a tree planted. The plantation is going to be down Newsham road along side the race route. Anyone and everyone can help plant them with us so we need volunteers. Around twenty of you have had previous experience at our autumn planting. This will be more or less similar, there are just more of them. All you require is a sharp spade, a strong back and a good pair of boots. It's simple, the more of us there are then the less time it will take. For those not used to using a spade then you can pop the trees in the ground and put a shelter around them. It's all about about team work so it'll be a good team bonding session.
I was asked last week If I'd ever run the Thirsk 10. I said yes, It's flat and it's fast. I've had time to think a little and this is my reply. A little bit of history and a few happy memories.
I once ran 53 minutes in the T10 and came 27th, disappointingly I was only 3rd fastest local runner. My previous best time for this distance was around 60 minutes, I'd improved my time by almost 7 minutes in less than than six months. It was short I hear you all say, but then, maybe it wasn't.
Two or three years later I finished third, this time winning the first local prize. I was also first finisher in the winning team and North Yorkshire ten mile champion all in the same race. Thirsk had three counters in the first ten. My brother Mervin, Charles Stead and myself.
Here is a copy from my training diary ten days before the event.
7am . 4 miles steady/ 28 minutes. Kilburn Wood/ warm and sunny.
6.30 pm . Thirsk School/ 400 metre track/ on grass. Hot and sticky.
First half of session on my own, second half with my brother Merv and other harriers.
20 x 400 @ 75 seconds/ 5 minute/ mile pace/ 20 x 400 @ 90 seconds pace. That's 40 laps/ 55 minutes/ 10 mile.
20 minutes warm up / 15 minutes cool down. Daily total 2 hrs / approx 18 miles.
Coach. Norman Smith. Weekly mileage, anywhere between 50 and 80 miles. I liked to compete (I still do) rather than train so tended to keep to the lower mileage.
I'm just an ordinary guy who loves running and loves life. There are no short cuts and there are no easy answers. I worked hard and just happened to get results. It took me 3 to 4 years to get to be my very best and you could do exactly the same. Keep your body strong, your mind fresh and just get out there and enjoy it. There is no limit to what you can achieve. The biggest problem is getting yourself to believe it.
Remember, no indoor training this week. See you on the gateway, Rob
