WCAC Newsletter #285, 07-08-20
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Frances Hopper, Ilias Moufakkir, Darren Shillington, Scarlett Barton, Eliza Barton, Eddie Fulton, Bradley Spurdens, Dan Nowosielski.
And Next Week: Jane Palmer, Curtis Rodway, Isaac McKenna, Richard Hunt, Mark Duffey, Liam Lawton, Lewis Morris, Frank Rose.
BACK TO TRACK & FIELD TRAINING
It felt great to help welcome Club members back to track and field training this week at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
A big thank you has to go to Eddie Gore and all those volunteers who took time to prepare the arena at the Sunday Track Tidy Days.
All the hard work in the background has paid off and hopefully we are now on track to a return to a new kind of normality.
The Club has received permission from Brio to extend the number of days we can hire the track to help the Club cater for every training group once a week.
Brio have accepted the Club’s Covid-19 Risk Assessment and Training Plan and Club Coaches are inviting athletes in their training group for a safe return.
Please note the following points:
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, Β£1.00 per hour or Β£2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. Also, the trackside toilets will not be open in an emergency they can use the EPSV toilet facility. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
THE TRAINING PLAN IS:
Mondays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Hurdles group with Karl Fenney, using lanes 6 & 8).
Mondays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Middle Distance group with Ian Ackroyd and Tim Palmer, using lanes 1 & 3, and Big Field).
Mondays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Plyometrics with Jane Palmer using High Jump D).
Tuesdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Under 11s group with Jill Gore, Joanne Cartwright, Aaron Scott & Adrian Gledhill, using lane 6 & 8, High Jump D, Big Field, and Long Jump Runways).
Tuesdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Junior Middle Distance group with Tim Durrant and Dennis Wall, using lanes 1, 3 and 5, and Big Field).
Wednesdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Sprints group with Paul Waters using home straight and High Jump D).
Wednesdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Sprints group with Victor Oyesola using back straight and Throws D).
Thursdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Under 13s and Under 15s Multi-Events Group with Dennis Wall, Jane Palmer, Ben Sache, John Manning, and Mark Duffey, using lanes 6 & 8, High Jump D, and long jump runway).
Thursdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Senior Middle Distance Groups with Graham Patterson and Chris Morgan, using lanes 1 and 3, and Big Field).
Thursdays 6-7pm and 7-8pm (Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using Throws D).
Saturdays 10am-12 noon (Sprints group with Jon Moss using home straight and High Jump D).
Saturdays 10am-12 noon (400m group with Alan Littler, Liam Davoren & Phil Howe, using lanes 1 & 3, and Throws D).
UNBELIEVABLE STEVE FERNYHOUGH!
Congratulations to Steve Fernyhough who is enjoying a well deserved break after finishing his Virtual Race (jogle), running 825 miles during the last six weeks.
WELL DONE MICHAEL!
Congratulations to Michael Young who posted 1:12:01 in the Virtual Chester Half Marathon.
2020 CHESHIRE TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELLED
Cheshire County Athletic Association has confirmed they will not be organising any County Track and Field Championships this year.
West Cheshire Athletic Club were planning to host the fixture in May at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track, but the Covid-19 crisis forced the event to be postponed until a rearranged date in September, and now the fixture has been cancelled.
A statement on the Cheshire AA Facebook site read: “Cheshire County Athletic Association can confirm that we will not be organising any County Track and Field Championships this year.
“However, it is possible that the County Cross Country Championships will happen in January 2021. We have not decided on a venue, or a host club, and will be restricted by any Covid rules current at the time. Relaxation of the lockdown rules has only just begun and it is difficult to foresee where we will be then.
βWe are keen for the event to happen, if it can be safely organised, but will delay a decision until things become clearer.β
BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE UPDATE
A decision on whether to organise this season’s Borders Road Running League will be made next month.
A statement on Facebook read: “Please find a small segment of what was discussed and agreed upon at the online Borders AGM.
“At the meeting last week the consensus was that there is unlikely to be much racing in 2020 and as such the league should not attempt to put any races on this year.
“Options for racing in 2021 were discussed. It was felt that any racing in the early part of 2021 is still in some doubt, and that there is likely to be a log-jam of events and there would be difficulty finding suitable dates. As such it was felt that at the moment we should not be planning to stage a Borders League in the season 2020/21. A final decision on this will be made at a meeting to be held in September.
“Various options for putting on a couple of events were considered, either one-off races or relays in March or April if conditions are appropriate. These will be considered later.”
WIRRAL MULTI-TERRAIN RACE SERIES LATEST
Organisers of the Wirral Multi-Terrain Race Series in September have updated local runners and clubs about their preparations.
A Facebook statement read: “Thought I’d give you an idea of where we are with regard to this September series of Multi Terrain races. Run Britain have now said that they will grant licenses for road and multi terrain races after July 31 subject to certain guidelines / restrictions.
“We are discussing it as a committee currently. Some routes may need to be re-routed to avoid pinch points. We may need to cancel some race / races and just have 1 or 2 that can be managed safely within the guidance, we may have staggered starts and we will have on line entry and timing.
“However, the big issue is whether Wirral Council give us permission to go ahead. Even if our governing body says ‘yes’ the council can still say ‘no’.
“I have contacted the council and so far not received an answer. Until we get this we cannot move any further forward (or to do so would be potentially futile). In the meantime it would also be useful to know your thoughts.”
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition features news, work-outs, links to video clips, and a list of club members who are celebrating birthdays.
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition features news, work-outs, links to video clips, and a list of club members who are celebrating birthdays.
Remember that you can all play your part in communicating and sharing your thoughts and ideas during this lull in Club training and competition.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next weekβs Newsletter β please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Membership
PLEASE SUPPORT FRASER CAMPBELL’S FUNDRAISING BID…
Next summer, Club member Fraser Campbell will be undertaking a month long expedition to Kenya with Tarporley High School and Camps International. During this time, he will be taking part in a community project to improve school buildings for a rural village, and conservation projects such as digging waterholes, making elephant fences and even worming goats! To be able to take part in this amazing opportunity, Fraser has to raise money towards the cost. A sponsored walk of the Sandstone Trail was suggested, but Fraser decided walking wasnβt good enough, he would run it! Therefore, week commencing 10th August, he aims to run the 36 miles of the Sandstone Trail in 3 days. If anyone would would like to sponsor Fraser, he would be very grateful and this can be done on: https://gofundme.com/fraser-campbell-2021-kenya-expedition Thank you very much for your support.
GET BEHIND ALEX STANIFORTH’S BIG CHALLENGE…Alex Staniforth is running The National 3 Peaks Challenge. This involves Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, and running the entire distance between, approximately 445 miles in under 9 days, the fastest known time.He’ll be running (very slowly) through Chester on Day 8, Friday 14th August, and he would like support and company for a few miles.
He’s raising funds for a charity he recently co-founded called Mind Over Mountains to restore mental health through the outdoors and would welcome any kind donations at: www.givey.com/3peaksrun
TRAFFORD AC OPEN TRACK & FIELD MEETING UPDATE
The Saturday, August 8 meeting at Longford Park Stadium, Trafford, will operate in a Covid-secure environment. This includes only one spectator per athlete.Trafford are hosting several more meetings throughout August and September.Β Any queries please email: admin@traffordac.co.uk
ENTRIES OPEN FOR BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE
A new Covid-19 secure race will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately 7 days before race day.
The entry link is:Β https://runcheshire.niftyentries.com/Bartletts-Farndon-10K-2020#entryoptions
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here.The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only Β£20pp. Available dates: Saturday 1 August, Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses itβs 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Markβs contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
Mark can be contacted at:07494 869 282 and by email: mark.shepherd@871candwep.co.uk
ENGLAND ATHLETICS UPDATE
England Athletics has announced a restructuring and details can be found here.
England Athletics has provided an update on the latest guidelines which can be found here.
ROAD RUNNING UPDATE WEBINARS
England Athletics are organising four road running webinars to help update everyone about a way forward and other relevant road running topics.
WHY NOT BECOME A RUNNING LEADER?β¦
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop β a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only Β£20. New dates available β Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCKβS REHAB EXERCISESβ¦
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you canβt visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATEβ¦
If you havenβt completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun βat homeβ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALLβS WORK-OUT INVITEβ¦
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELLβS LOCKDOWN PHYSIOTHERAPY
Jason Oswell has been in touch to say he is doing Physiotherapy video consultations during lockdown. If anybody has any issues, he is prepared to provide a consultation to anybody from the club for Β£10. His email address is jason_oswell@live.com
HELP AND SUPPORT
Anyone requiring help and support while self-isolating can contact the local council hotline number of 0300 123 7031.
This is a dedicated hotline number for those self-isolating and who donβt have anyone to help. A call to this number will provide help organising food or medicine deliveries, or some sort of social contact. The number for the most in need is 0300 123 7031. It is open Monday to Sunday (8am-7pm).
ALSO β Please feel free to ring me (Dennis) if you want a chat or need any help or support. My numbers are: 0151 201 1254 and 07968 643038.
UPDATED ONLINE ATHLETICS WEBINARS
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the clubβs attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on βRunning @homeβ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars can be found here, here and here.
STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY
The links below offer a range of advice on exercises we can all do while confined indoors.
MIND provides a series of workouts here.
Joe Wicks has become a household name with his daily online morning workouts which can be found here.
Sport England is offering tips, advice and guidance on how to stay active around the home on this link.
Youth Sport Trust is providing healthy tips including a series of 60-second Challenges on this link.
Realbuzz has provided strength and conditioning exercises to help avoid injury.
MORE GREAT MEMORIES…
This week it’s a series of Olympics specials from the BBC. Enjoy…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/olympics/53498188
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000lbff/olympics-rewind-britains-greatest-olympic-moments
ITβS GOOD TO TALK
Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about the club:
FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, West Cheshire AC Jnr to U20 middle distance group
WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/westcheshireac/
