PROFILE

Almost 40 years ago I got involved with GN when my husband Alan took up running with the club and I went along to support him.  I got to know the athletes competing in Road and Cross Country and I became the “coat hanger with the black bag” holding on to the runners property that they left at the start and collected from me at the end of the race.

Those same athletes encouraged me to join GN as a helper when the Junior section started, and my attendance went from once a month to once a week, then twice a week very quickly.  I was hooked!  How many of you relate to that?

I soon got my L1 license, quickly followed by L2 as a sprints/hurdles coach to enable me to coach on my own, and shortly afterwards I completed my official badges for all disciplines.  This gave me a better understanding of what was required of the athletes in competition. I encourage all coaches to take at least one official badge as the club still needs officials at league matches and our Club Championships.

I initially coached all disciplines to all age groups.  As more coaches became available I was able to concentrate on coaching the older age groups of sprinters, hurdlers and middle-distance athletes.

For a number of years I enjoyed helping with the u11 age group on Thursday evenings before heading to coach the older athletes at a different venue. 

I am still happy to assist the u11 athletes when requested.

I will always remember the first time I saw the joy on the u11 athletes faces when they ran through the line at their first competition.

This is why I am still here coaching.  Some of those I have coached have come all the way from 9yrs to 30+ within the club, and have brought many accolades to the club and themselves. 

It is a complete joy to coach an athlete to achieve their goals and having fun whilst doing so.  I hope I will continue to do so for some time yet.