training

> go to - sprint training
> go to - nutrition for athletes
> go to - frequently asked questions

Our usual training sessions occur twice a week at Westminster Lodge, on Sunday and Thursday. There are two separate sessions, one for the younger athletes, and another for senior members. All athletes up to the age of 17 are taught the basics of a wide range of events by our qualified coaches. Programmes are developed for our older athletes to assist them in their chosen specialisations. Each athlete should come equipped with trainers, spikes, a drink, layers of clothing for winter training sessions and waterproofs for inclement weather. You can check the weather forecast here.

Before and after each training session, the athletes are taken through a number of stretches and warm up drills by a coach so that the athletes are ready for training and to warm down the athlete after a training session.

Athletes should aim to arrive at the track 10 minutes before each session.

Qualified Coaches at the club:
Tim Higman, Debbie Steer, Sue Smith, Jonathan Redshaw, Martin Evans, Mark Howarth, Ellen Baldwin, Terry Brett

For more information concerning training contact:- Tim Higman 01727 836767.

The national AAA standards can provide a useful set of targets to aim for.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Do the athletes train when it's raining?
Yes, they train in the rain, sun, even snow sometimes, so long as it's safe. We don't train in thunderstorms!

2) How safe is this training?
There is a risk in any training, but we take all reasonable steps to mitigate it. Athletes and parents can help by: 

• Bringing and wearing appropriate clothes (correct fitting spikes / trainers, warm clothes where necessary) 
• Bringing a drink, whatever the weather 
• Bringing a towel if its raining 
• Making certain that any recent injuries or medical conditions are declared to the coach before each session 
• Remembering to bring any medication that is required, and again declaring this to the coach before each session

3) Do the athletes get muddy?
Yes, we're afraid they do sometimes! Most athletes will be doing work off the track during the winter.

4) What if my son / daughter just can't manage the training?
We treat every athlete as an individual, and wouldn't ask him / her to complete something that they were not able to do. Where necessary, we modify the session to suit the individual needs of the athlete.

5) Are you qualified to coach people?
St Albans AC has a number of qualified, committed and experienced coaches giving their time for free. Our coaches work closely together to make sure that our plans are sound, safe and effective.