The club is looking for more coaches.
I have interviewed Rachel Dawson and Bob Lyddon to get their views and experiences of coaching.
If you are considering or would like to become a Leadership in running Fitness coach please contact Kevin or any of the other coaches and they will be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
The course link is below:-
https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/qualifications/leadership-in-running-fitness/
Bob Lyddon
1. How long have you been running for?
I’ve been running for a about six years. I started with the NHS Couch-to-5k podcasts, and then graduated to Bushey Park parkrun, but it only became a serious interest when I joined RntS about three years ago. Since then it has been consistently up, and not just up Obelisk Hill.
2. What made you become a LiRF coach?
I felt it was something I could contribute, that I could probably do, and it might help others who were in a similarposition I was in a few years back, when I needed to work on a raised cholesterol level, a quite high stress level, and was rolling towards my mid-sixties.
3. What do you enjoy most about coaching?
It’s seeing when people who thought they couldn’t do a session, or might have to sit part of it out, get to that transition point when they lose their doubts, decide they can do it, and then they do, and you can touch their sense of satisfaction.
4. Where is your favourite place to run?
Anywhere in Holkham Park, we are so lucky, usually coming in through the East Gate, then either through to and beyond the Walled Garden, or up round Great Barn and on to the South Gate…superb for building up time and distance in small increments.
5. What is your favourite time of day to run?
Late morning or mid-afternoon, 1-2 hours after breakfast or lunch; that can be quite warm in the summer so I might switch to late afternoon.
6. Would you recommend becoming a running coach?
Yes I would. The RntS coaches group led by Kevin is very supportive. You don’t have to be a top-level runner yourself to be a Leader in Running Fitness, which was one of my worries.I am still working out how to use the stopwatch, though.
Rachel Dawson
1. How long have you been running for?
I did very little exercise until I met my husband (Liam). I used to think he was crazy running mile upon mile – then I got curious - how far could I run if I tried? I started running around 20 years ago, with a Race for Life in a park.
2, What made you become a LiRF coach?
My career has been in social housing and homelessness work. When I went part-time I had the opportunity to combine my interests and I set up a venture called Runningkind (we run and we are kind) to run with former rough sleepers as part of their recovery from drug and alcohol use and to help them step out of depression and anxiety. I had to be insured to do this and I wanted to know what I was doing – so I completed LiRF and went on to complete a further course (Coach in Running Fitness) to better support our vulnerable runners.
3. What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I’ve benefitted hugely from other people’s time and guidance – it’s time for me to give something back and I enjoy being able to do that, even though I’m not the fastest of runners.
4. Where is your favourite place to run?
I love to run through Holkham and on to the Beach Café. Running to a café has been a recurring feature wherever I’ve lived.
5. What is your favourite time to run?
About an hour after breakfast. I am not good in the afternoons and evenings – but always feel livelier after a Monday evening session than before.
6. Would you recommend becoming a running coach?
Yes absolutely. It was great to do the courses and learn more about running. I like being able to help out with the sessions, there is always help on hand if you need it and the more the merrier, I’d recommend it to anyone who is thinking of giving it a try.
7. Best one piece of advice you would give to other runners
Don’t ignore your injuries – get them looked at early and do what you are recommended to do – running is too precious to lose.