COACH CLAYTON (week 16)

TEAM REPORT (week 16)

As the holiday season begins the MIDIRS 10K contingent was reduced to only six at this weeks training session. After a brief stretch out under the blazing afternoon sun we set off along our normal route of pain. Now usually the field will start and continue in roughly the same order each week according to distance running ability of each person, and this usually means Adam and Cara running at the front. For some reason this week I started at the front of the group, which caused me a slight problem, I am traditionally a sprinter, so if you show me some clear track I'll run into it as fast as I can – not the best idea on a distance run, but luckily after about a mile Adam passed by and order was once again restored to the universe.

With only seven more weeks to go until the big day, we all look for extra inspiration for our training and this came for some of my fellow team members this week. The Downs, where we train, is host to many a jogger especially on such a hot day, so when 'catalogue man' ran past us all with his semi-naked, bronzed, chiseled physique a few people quickened their pace in an attempt to stay with him, but to no avail; in a breeze of tanning oil and hair care products he was gone.

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP: 

When training for a race, keep yourself feeling motivated by varying your workout location – it's good to have something fresh to look at.

INFO STORE:

Every little helps – research shows that three ten minute walks is as effective as one thirty minute walk. So even if you don't have time for an hour's workout at the end of the day, you can find ways to fit things in throughout the day – walk to work, always use the stairs, etc.

CHINESE PROVERB:

Be the first to the field and the last to the couch.