PAC News 6, 18th February 2020

Melissa won steady 3000m in Germany

Nine days ago, running in the PSD Bank Indoor Meet in Dortmund, senior lady member Melissa Courtney-Bryant won the W 3000m race in a season opener, steady time of 8:49.78 (this compares with an indoor PB of 8:38.22 set in 2019). Such travelling to seek suitable competition for the stage of training is necessary in the lead-up to a major Games such as is due in Tokyo later this year. We hope she stays fit and healthy!

Change of age groups!

As most of our Juniors will appreciate, the U13, U15, and U17 age groups cover two years. In the throws this can mean an increase in weight of implement. In the hurdles the barriers get higher and further apart. So those athletes who go up into an older age group need to think, with their coaches, about how they tackle this. It seems self-evident that, when faced with competing against older athletes within your age group, some will feel inferior – even before you step onto the track, runway, fan or circle! But, as in all of life, including athletics – on any day, you can only do your BEST, within your physical and mental limits. Apart from getting stronger, genes will usually dictate your physical limits. But good mental and technical preparation can often make a difference!

So prepare well and tackle your 2020 challenges with confidence!

Important follow-up reminder about licence renewal.

As an U13 or older athlete, you may have received a reminder from England Athletics to renew your competition licence on-line. This usually must be done by June 30th. I have encouraged you to ignore this reminder, so make sure that you renew THROUGH THE CLUB, i.e. through Alison, our diligent Membership Secretary! This way it is CHEAPER and done in one payment. Another advantage for Alison is that she knows it has been done! It will help her if this can be done as soon as possible after March 31st., i.e. into a new Club year. Thanks!