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.
Many thanks to all of you who I have heard from at some stage in recent weeks, as it’s always good to know how people are doing.
Introduction
It’s quite difficult to know what to write each week in the current circumstances, without knowing how everyone is doing. I am so conscious that the circumstances vary considerably and whilst some are in a good position, others may be struggling.
However, I think that it is important to maintain this contact on a weekly basis, although it has been good to have dialogue with many of you in other forms.
So here are a few highlights that I can think of from the past week.
Current TAC position
Last night (Monday) we had a committee meeting online.
The current statement from England Athletics is that there will be no competition until the end of June at least. The reality is that it will be extended beyond this date.
There is no club training/activity until the end of May at least.
The government guidelines have changed a little this week, in as much as you are allowed to exercise with one other person, not from your household, provided that you stay two metres apart and outside.
Common sense is clearly the name of the game and I would still urge everyone to be really careful.
The statement from England Athletics can be found here – https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/coronavirus-statement/
Meanwhile Tonbridge School Centre and the track are closed and being used as a COVID 19 testing centre currently.
Virtual race results
There are is still some forms of competition going on –
British Milers Club Virtual 1 mile races
Using GPS watches and logging results on the Open Track system a number from TAC took part in this event between 4th and 6th May
There were 21 TAC runners who logged times and a few others who ran a mile but didn’t log onto the system
Full results are here – https://data.opentrack.run/x/2020/GBR/bmcmile/event/T1/1/1/
Put TONB in the search to pick out the Tonbridge runners
Chris Olley and Kieran Reilly both ran 4.18, to be the quickest from the club and were 23rd equal overall.
Lily Slack was our fastest female with 5.22
The fastest veterans were Tom Woolley with 5.02 and Helen Gaunt with 5.33
Medway and Maidstone Vs Invicta 5km, with guests
A few TAC young athletes have registered to take part in this event, which is going on now until 16th May
Details are here – https://data.opentrack.run/x/2020/GBR/mmviek-u20/
TAC Adult Development and Masters events
Nichola Evans is administering a weekly challenge, mainly via the TAC Adult Development and Masters Facebook page.
Last week the focus was on the 1 mile
Currently plans are drawn up for round eight, which involves the ‘Longest Royal Flush’ challenge
This challenges each competitor to string together a run that involves running each kilometre quicker than the previous one, for as far as possible.
Next virtual races
British Milers Club 1km, 22nd to 25th May
So far almost a thousand entries have been received, including four from TAC
Please enter here, for free, if interested – https://data.opentrack.run/x/2020/GBR/bmc1k/
British Masters Virtual 5k road relays, 14th to 20th June
Russell McIntyre, from TAC, is heading the organisation for this event.
The details are here – https://data.opentrack.run/x/2020/GBR/bmaf-virtual-rr/
If you are over 35, simply register as an individual and the system and organisers will handle the rest eg team make-ups.
As I write 640 have now entered, although only ten from TAC so far.
Some of the other virtual events can be found here – https://data.opentrack.run/x/?type=VIRTUAL
Please ask immediately should you have any questions or require any further help.
Best wishes
Mark