We have a number of junior athletes who are physiologically sprinters (powerful, fast-twitch dominant, and can muscle through a 150/200m) but who wish to run the 800. The goal for these athletes is to sharpen sprint speed (faster turnover, cleaner sprint mechanics) while building aerobic capacity for the 800 so they have a second gear. This involves teaching them to run relaxed with pace rather than fighting against it.
Category Archives: Coaching
26
Mar
Mar
Vale of York members helped the University of York Athletics and Running Club with a volunteer takeover of York parkrun on 14 March. We filled a number of volunteer roles on the day including pacing.
Pacing is absolutely the key to a good parkrun time. Go out too fast and you’re doomed to underperform. Meter out your resources effectively from the start to the finish line and you’ll stand the best chance of achieving your time goal and fulfilling your running potential.
03
Sep
Sep
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new coaching manifesto, a document that formalises the values and philosophy at the heart of the Vale of York Athletic community. Agreed at our coaches’ meeting on 3 July 2025, with 18 of our coaches and leaders present, this manifesto is more than just a statement of intent—it’s our commitment to our athletes.
14
Apr
Apr
Yesterday marked the first meet of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League series for 2025. For my daughter, like many young athletes facing first-time athletics competition, it brought understandable nerves.
While she had cross-country experience, track and field athletics presents unique pressures: the feeling of being individually watched, the vulnerability of competing alone, and the technical uncertainties of starts and jumps. Moments like these can trigger anxieties and fear of failure, but can also build confidence and improve self-esteem.
I am a strong believer that positive and negative outcomes from competition are facilitated by parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and event promoters. The West Yorkshire Track and Field League does a great job of providing structured but relaxed competition that serves as a great introduction to track and field athletics for young people in our region.