Hello folks

Back safe and sound.

I had a wicked time in Ireland. I managed 3 rounds of golf with Maria's dad who at 115 can still play a mean round, although I always catch him moving his ball for a better lay - that's winter rules only Mr Carville you little cheat. Maria had great time shopping every day with Mrs Caville and brought a wicked pram, glad the mother in-law paid for it as it was over £500 - thanks mummy 2. As always I was spoilt rotten and can't wait to go back for 2 weeks in December.

Training went really well too, Lindsay is just keeping me ticking over for a few 1500's and then we will start planning for the winter. I don't think I have ever met a more genuine guy who loves running as much as him. Coach's like Lindsay, Bud, Ashwood give up so much time for us and it make a massive difference. If I could be half as good when I start coaching properly then I will be well pleased - well done guys.

On to Goolab, the birdless wonder.

Some one has asked where his future lies.

I have been coaching Nick for about 2 years after he split from one of my best mates, Steve Mann, who is still working wonders down at Ealing and has some special athletes coming through. Nick was training in with me allot at the time and asked if he could still jump in after leaving Steve. I was goods mates with Nick and could not say no, then after a while he asked if I would coach him. I was in 2 minds what to do as Steve and Nick were both very goods mates, but after a good think I decided to help Nick out the best I could. I don't have any qualifications, but I have been in the sport a long time so I thought I could be some help. Thankfully Nick is first class to coach and listens to what I say, and it has worked wonders as he has run for GB on the country, run the fastest road relay legs as an under 20 and run massive PB's this summer over 800, 1500, 3k. There has been a few sticky moments where I have put my foot down when Nick has had a little sulk after not coming out and run massive PB times in his first track races, but now things are coming together I think he realises what I was saying, well I hope he does.

Also knowing the coaches I know its always good to get advise and pick there brains. I regularly talk to Bud and I will also chat with Lindsay when I feel I need some help.

I believe Nick can be a class 5k runner, but needs to work on his speed before moving up. Once he can run low 3:40's I will let him have a crack at running a 5k, maybe next year he can run one if he really wants to test the waters. We will target the Euro cross as he is still a junior and then switch to a few roads races and maybe run indoors as Nick will be a senior on the cross and he will not be strong enough to run with top guys yet. Some will have a dig at this, but I don't want Nick getting hammered and get cheesed of with running as this happens a lot when moving into the senior ranks. I won't push Nick into any races he don't want to run and don't give a shit who it pisses off.

Training.....

I think for what its worth, which is not much, that keeping some quality in the winter is a must and that's what I will continue with Nick. Along with a few more miles a week I think he will continue to improve bit by bit which is far better than making a massive break through an then making no improvement.

Hope I did not bore you to much and if there are any questions please go ahead and ask.

Laters

Sharpy

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