This is a copy of the weekly email sent out to the distance runners of Tonbridge AC, from Mark Hookway. Some of the subjects maybe of interest to others.
Introduction
I hope that everyone is safe and well, whilst the runners are keeping fit.
As I explained last week every age group, from under 13s upwards at the club, is now being offered some opportunity to train in small groups. If you have any questions please simply contact your coach or myself.
As I write we are still awaiting any more update from either England Athletics or Tonbridge School. There are more details below.
Chloe Bird Nutrition Survey – over 18s please help
Chloe is a TAC member, alongside her father Tobin and would like the help from as many over 18s as possible, with some research that she is doing for university. If you can spare a few minutes please can you help her by completing the survey, details of which are below –
Hi everyone, I’m currently studying my masters in Sports nutrition at St Marys University and I’m doing my research project on attitudes to recovery nutrition within club-level distance runners after a hard running session. I would be so grateful if you could help me by filling out a very short questionnaire around the subject (should take 5-10 mins). Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WJLCMFMLet me know if you have any questions/are interested in the results!Thank you- Chloe Bird
Club training latest
Please remember that for both Tonbridge School track and the fields a booking system is in place, through coaches.
I know that this week there have been many meetings going on at Tonbridge School, I assume to plan for a way of opening up more facilities, such as the gym, swimming pool, fitness classes etc. Iain Presnell and myself should find out more on Monday, when we meet with one of the managers.
In the meantime, there is no significant update, in terms of using Tonbridge School facilities. However, I thank everyone for their understanding and support, as we haven’t received any more complaints (touch wood) that groups are not abiding by the current restrictions.
Guidelines from England Athletics and the Government
As yet there has been no further update from England Athletics, although they said that some more information might be released this week. Their bulletins can be found here –
https://www.englandathletics.org/about-us/england-athletics-news/
Virtual Events
I must admit my enthusiasm for ‘virtual’ events, using GPS watches, has waned a fair a bit, having seen how inaccurate such measurements are on certain loops and in some areas. However, events still carry on and some virtual events can be found here and are still a means of testing yourself – https://data.opentrack.run/x/?type=VIRTUAL
Results
England Athletics Virtual 5km ChampionshipsThere were four of TAC’s runners who took part in the England Athletics 5k championships recently. Adam Roeder (18.02), Jason Barton (18.27), Russell McIntyre (18.50) and Tony Fullbrook (20.03)Results can be found here – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2020/GBR/ea_5k/event/R1/1/1/
English Schools Virtual EventA couple of the TAC girls managed to run ‘actual’ distances on a track, for this event, with Lily Slack running 4.47 for 1500m and Katie Goodge 10.02 for 3000m.Results can be found here – https://www.esaa.net/v2/2020/tf/national/tf20sgres.php
That’s about all for now, but if you are over 18 please spend a few minutes to help Chloe with the survey mentioned at the start of this email.
Please ask immediately should you have any questions or require any further help.
Best wishes
Mark
Current TAC position
Field Use
The field is divided into 5 areas
Grass Track = GTPump House field = PHHockey Field. To left of the gate, behind the all weather hockey pitch = HMiddle Field to left of the grass 400m and public footpath to style = MFFar Field over bridge = FF
Each must be booked for use
Track Use
The track is available in a very restricted manner, with one coach being allowed to book use with five athletes, whilst maintaining social distancing.
A timetable of sessions is available to coaches, in order to book these centrally.
We are trying to protect track use at busy times (Tuesday/Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings) for more senior sprinters, hurdlers and field eventers.
There are no toilets available and we are told that there will not be until the centre is allowed to open.
The current guidelines allow six people to meet, from different households, whilst remaining one or more metres apart.
Please liaise with your designated coach, should you require more information.