Sat 02 Jun 07, Sherbrooke (Dandenongs)

I started the day early watching some Little Aths XC races and happily nearly every kid I coach, ran faster today than they did the last time they ran this course. Whilst I am not taking all of the credit for this as this was Rd 7, the last time at Presidents Park was Rd 1, so of course naturally everyone has got fitter. But the part that really pleased me was a lot of the kids beat other kids who were beating them a month ago. Also a break through, two who were not interested in running at the Regions in 3 weeks have now changed their mind and I have convinced (encouraged) one of the U14 girls to start with some gentle runs on Sundays to help her improvement. :-)


Today Western Aths made the trek (60+) to the Dandenong Ranges for our 'pack run'. Last night at our Coliban Relay planning meeting myself John & Burkie (3 coaches) decided we would force everyone to run together, enforcing pacing rules, which will help to teach the young ones how to pace and enjoy a gentle easy run. The plan was to pick a leader who would control the front and place the two who we think are having lots of 'going too fast' issues at the back. 10 min at 6 min pace and then slowly build into 5:30 and it was my job to ensure we never ran faster than 5 min pace.

Meeting at 2pm, I drove with three of the open women's team (Bel, Tegan & Clare). Due to a few later arrivals and then ensuring that everyone understood what we were doing and why, we took off at 2:30pm, a pack of 14 (noting I was the 2nd fastest in this pack). We started at the Sherbrooke Picnic Grounds and then run into the park. For anyone who has run the Dandy's before will now the surface, soft trails which can be muddy as there is a lack of sunlight due to the dense foliage, probably the second most popular running location in Melbourne (behind the Tan). A great run that went for 90 minutes and I think everyone was very happy, due to the early pace everyone (esp the juniors) were able to achieve the times that there coaches asked of them which was approx 15 min more than normal. :-)


You have to love it when a plan works..