Biggleswade AC April 2008

Our web site has full results of the 10 mile race and 3km fun run, and they will also be published in the Biggleswade Chronicle (4th April edition). And don't forget that every helper and marshal can claim their Goody Bag and tee-shirt, so please contact Nigel at Tues/Thurs training nights or call 01767 682251.

Icknield Way Run - 24-26 May

Plans are coming together for this. Starting on Sat 24th May (about 8 am), finishing that afternoon at Baldock railway station. Re-start 8 am Sunday (at Baldock obviously) and finishing that afternoon at Balsham (two pubs !). Zoe and Pat have agreed to make room in the garden/floor for tired runners and Pat is already polishing the barbeque. Restart next morning to finish at Thetford railway station.

We already have one offer of help to top-up drinks etc on route. Any other offers gratefully received. Of course anybody who wants to run part of the route can join at any time. Just don't expect us to keep up with you !

Monday Night Training...

...will resume in the Autumn

The Seniors Tuesday Night Programme

You can find these and other training events in the training section of the Club website

1st Apr Black Barn
8th Apr Speedwork with coach Zoe
15th Apr Everton Loop, down Donkey Hill (2008 FLM runners please bring medals)
22nd Apr RSPB loop
29th Apr Club Pentathlon Championship
(change from original programme)

6th May AWAY DAY- Tempsford lead by Paula (postponed from 29 Apr)
13th May Speedwork with coach Zoe
20th May Black Barn
27th May AWAY DAY - Navigators Way lead by Nigel

3rd Jun Lonely Pines loop
10th Jun Everton Loop, UP Donkey Hill!
17th Jun Speedwork with coach Zoe
24th Jun AWAY DAY - Grafham lead by Mark/Cassie (and picnic)

1st Jul Black Barn

*** you may need a track pass or to pay for a day pass when doing Speed or Track work

Thursday evenings will usually be "General Running", dictated by the race calendar, and are tailored on the night to the participants needs. Runners are usually split into ability groups to ensure everyone has a good run.

If anyone would like to organise an AWAY DAY in your village or town in 2008, or a run on your favourite training route, please let Gavin or one of the committee know.

Leagues, Series, and Other Events

Round Norfolk Relay 20/21 Sep
Rumours are rife that Bedford Harriers are entering a team this year so we have local competition.

Southern Womens League
All dates are on Saturdays in 2008

31 May	Cambridge University
28 Jun	Northgate Stadium, Ipswich
26 Jul	Mile End Stadium
30 Aug	Braintree Leisure Centre

Southern Mens League
All dates are on Saturdays in 2008
We are in Division 4, which currently has 11 teams

3 May	Battersea Park	host QPH (6 teams)
7 Jun	Cambridge	host Cambridge (5 teams)
28 Jun	St Ives	host Hunts AC (6 teams)
12 Jul	Luton	host Luton (5 teams)
2 Aug	Ridlins (Stevenage)	host Biggleswade (5 teams)

National Junior Athletic League
All dates are on Sundays in 2008

27th April (changed date),	25th May,	29th June,	27th July
7th Sep - Promotion matchs
14th Sep - Finals

Eastern Young Athletes League
All dates are on Sundays in 2008

27th April,	8th June,	29th June,	13th July,	3rd Aug
14th Sept (Finals)

The first event, on 27 April, is at St Ives.

UK Women Athletes League
The 4 dates in 2008 are on Saturdays

Some International Events in 2008

Sat 10 to Sun 11 May	World Race Walking	Russia
Sat 14 June	Race Walk Grand Prix	Leamington Spa
Tue 8 to Sun 13 Jul	World Juniors	Poland
Wed 23 Jul to Sun 3 Aug	Euro Masters
Fri 15 to Sun 24 Aug	Olympics	China
Sat 6 to Wed 17 Sep	Para Olympics	China
Sat 13 to Sun 14 Sep	World Athletics	Germany

Some Domestic Events in 2008

Sat 3 to Mon 5 May	BUSA	Bedford
Sun 11 May	County Champs	Bedford
Sun 18 May	Loughborough Games
Sat 24 to Sun 25 May	SEAA Champs U15/17
Sun 25 to Mon 26 May	CAU
Sun 1 Jun	BIG Games	Bedford
Sat 14 to Sun 15 Jun	GB Masters	Ashford
Sat 14 to Sun 15 Jun	Sen/U20 SEAA Champs
Sat 21 to Sun 22 Jun	AAA U23/20 Champs
Fri 11 to Sun 13 Jul	Olympic Trials	Birmingham
Sat 26 to Sun 27 Jul	London Grand Prix	Crystal Palace
Sun 10 Aug	Hibbard (Eastern Inter-Counties)	Essex
Sun 24 Aug	SEAA Intercounties (U15/20)
Sat 30 Aug	U20 Inter-territories
Sun 31 Aug	British Grand Prix	Gateshead

Technical coaching - a report

Some technical coaching was recently provided by the county, which some of our athletes attended. Senior athlete Angela King sent this report:

The day was sunny but chilly. We were shown out to the track and divided into our training groups. I went with the shotputters - Hazel and Beth from BAC, and a couple of young men from Bedford.
Andy [a UK GB squad coach for shot] gave a short talk about the aims of his coaching methods, and the similarities between the throwing styles. He also explained the importance of fitness, followed by a warm-up.
The training started with Andy asking us to throw a shot our normal method. The session continued with adjustments and refinements to our throws. Andy was encouraging and supportive throughout - the girls really improved their throws.
I found the session very helpful and, more importantly, Fun! It would have been nicer to see more seniors there (I did feel a bit old next to all the teenagers), but then again I got to have a lot of coaching from a first-class teacher. I would love to see these posted as regular sessions - to see how much effort everyone puts in to improve themselves is amazing.
Now I'm looking forward to our session at Sandy on the 15th March - maybe I'll get better and show those kids a thing or two!