Jo
How did you get into coaching?
Having come from an athletics background (middle distance) I offered to help as a volunteer while my daughter Lucy was participating with Harriers as a junior member , when she moved on to Uni, Jon Ireland (Head Coach) encouraged me to undertake the beginnings of the Uk Licence Coaching programme and do the assistant Coach . I then went under the mentor- ship with Aaron Thomas from Leeds University who encouraged and guided me to the next step as a fully qualified Coach of 10 years
What do you like about coaching?
Taking athletes under your wing from pre - puberty to Uni years is very satisfying especially watching them grow and transition into super confident performers. You can have a group of kids that really struggle with discipline and concentration but with time and patience its very rewarding watching them turn into strong individuals, succeeding at the discipline they choose to progress in and hopefully carry their experience into adult lives with a great work ethic in this competitive world we live in . Its been a pleasure and very rewarding to see athletes develop and move to the Top of the Uk Ranks and some producing international status even World Rankins (ie George Mills !)
What do you coach?
I coach the Middles group with a little 1-1 when required. Middles is a great event as it covers events 400m, 800m 15,00m, 3k, 5k, and Cross Country etc. all requiring Speed, Speed Endurance, Strength and gym conditioning so it involves a large range for the athlete to have a go at and for me to develop.
Something fun I'd like you to know!
In my early running years I use to race with Kelly Holmes – the laugh is when she use to leave me on the home straight “Keep it up“ we’d say at the finish “you‘ll be an Olympian one day!!“ Lol
I love anything outdoors which requires anything physical. My fun would be riding across the country these days on two wheels falling off my pedals which requires some very steep 20-30% climbs or decending at pace and wondering if I’m actually going to survive and get to the bottom. I’ve had a go at most sports and always love a new challenge!