The blossom is on the trees, the sound of petrol mowers is drifting across the warm breeze and that means it is time for the TAC Spring/Summer Training Plan 2024.

We have some exciting changes for this term:

• We are trialling additional Thursday evening sessions (7:15pm) to help those who cannot make Tuesdays, or want the opportunity to do group runs at ‘tempo’ pace.
• We have confirmed dates for:
  • TAC Summer Handicaps
  • Nonsuch Relays
  • Imber Court Relays
• Brian Hunton has kindly offered to lead some 5k-specific training over the coming weeks at the Harrier Centre track each Wednesday
• And, of course, we also have our long-standing Tuesday training fixtures, which will be moving to our summer locations over the coming weeks and will continue to start at 7:15pm

The full training plan is available on the training pages of the website.

Thursday sessions

The new Thursday run sessions will be runs of 45-60 minutes and all paces will be catered for.  For this we will split into smaller groups, if required.  These runs will take place in different locations.  A short warm up will take place at 7:15pm prompt, followed by a nice tempo (“comfortably hard”) session of constant speed running. 

During weeks where there is a handicap or relay race, the traditional Tuesday intervals session will instead take place on a Thursday.

Handicaps and relays

Keep an eye on your emails for information about these events, including an explanation of how they work (if you don’t already know).  More details will be provided before each event.  If you can’t wait that long, speak to one of the Committee or Training Team.

5k training

Brian has prepared a 12 week training plan to help those who want to improve their 5k or Parkrun times.  These will take place at the Harrier Centre, track, Poole Road, West Ewell on Wednesdays.  Brian will be emailing more information out shortly.

Locations

Summer allows us to introduce some more variety in locations.  Among new additions for this term are Nork Park, including the grass track there, and Walton Heath – formerly famous for Dave’s Ron’s Special Sessions, but hopefully soon to be enjoyed over other sessions too.

How the training happens

Thank you to our team of 7 coaches and run leaders for giving up their time to make this happen.  If you enjoy the sessions and are interested in giving something back to the club, please do think about becoming a licensed Leader in Running Fitness so that we can continue to run a full programme of varied sessions. If you are interested, speak to the run leaders or to a committee member.

All of us on the training team hope you enjoy this new programme and look forward to seeing you over the spring and summer.

Ian Matthews
Training Coordinator