the joy of coaching

First off thanks to those for my birthday message after my 31st year on this planet was celebrated on Saturday. Would have been a better day if I didn't have to work, but a day the welsh combined events in the Swansea sun, is not the worst place to spend it!

The highlight of the day was though two major breakthoughs in athletes that i coach. As some people are aware i pushing quite alot into the world of coaching and look after the UWIC squad as well a number of individuals. I am really enjoying the challenge and the success so far has been fantastic. last year saw David Bishop drop three secs in the 1500m to 3:45, helping to gain a place at New Mexico university. This led on to him running a 4:00 flat mile indoors and hopefully much more to come.

The first success at the weekend was Tom Marshall who gained a super bronze medal in the UK U23's 5000m Championship, on a very hot day he really raised his game. He has been a great personal success, as when i took over his training 6 months ago he was struggling, but I have just given him some structure and the rest is down to his talent. The thing you learn in this sport over the years, is it's not that complicated, just do lots of the right stuff. Keep it simple and mix it up once in while, then throw in some races, remembering to enjoy it. The biggest part of my job is holding back someone like Tom, saying do less and giving him the confidence to go out and perform. He believes what i tell him, which again to a coach is golden, as that trust is vital and can make an athlete.

The other success of the day was a young U15 lad called Mike Ward, who at the end of a multi event day ran a 2:06 -800m pb. This was a three second PB which is great to see and i think he has a 2:03 in him, which is great running for a 14 year old. He is a talent, but so is Matthew Antoniazzi that i also coach, who is also an U15 and has a bright future. I can see Matthew and Mike going a long way in the sport, if i can help them improve then it will be my pleasure.

Im still training hard, with the plan to get some races in soon over the 1500m. I do though see my long term future as coaching and i hope one day to make it over to the states, as my dream is to be a college coach. I have though much unfinished business with the lads im coaching now and can't wait for them to keep progressing.

If anyone he is interested in my coaching methods or a program, i am part of an online coaching team with Neil Speaight at www.miles-better.com and can be contacted at james@miles-better.co.uk

All standard are welcome, as i have said in my blog, it's simple stuff, but needs a structure and someone to give support, which at miles-better we can provide at the level requested.

All the Best James