News: May 2020

While training at the track is still suspended we are running a number of zoom training sessions for different groups. If you are a member and do not receive an invite but would like further details please send us a message by emailing snhacchair@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the coach.

Zoom Sessions:

• Sunday 31st May LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 1st June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 4th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation only
• Sunday 7th June Endurance Group circuits & core
• Monday 8th June Primary School circuits invitation only
• Thursday 11th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits invitation only
• Sunday 14 June LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 15th June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 18th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation only
• Sunday 21st June Endurance Group circuits & core
• Monday 22nd June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 25th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation
• Sunday 28th LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 29th June Primary School circuits

Members of Stevenage and North Herts Athletics Club have been finding novel ways of keeping fit during ‘lock down’. Parks, fields, gardens and garages have been the venues of choice to train and stay fit since the Ridlins Stadium closed in March. Coaches have been setting home training plans and the Club Website has lots of ideas on it to improve strength, mobility and fitness. Many squads have been taking advantage of Zoom circuit sessions. Multi event athletes and hurdlers have been using Club training hurdles in the park or their gardens – Heptathletes Connie and Maddie hurdling in the Park. Throwers have been inventive – Libby has been using a pallet in a field to train for the hammer and Dani using a javelin ball in her local park. Pole Vaulter Aimee – has rings and ropes set up in the garage.

Have you got a training picture to share for SNHAC COVID Dairies?

Unfortunately, this year's Midweek 10k League has had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus. However, you can still run against other Midweek League Runners in the virtual Midweek League on Strava. Anyone can sign up, just follow the link;

https://www.strava.com/clubs/667091

In light of the government’s announcements during the last week England Athletics have produced guidance notes for athletes, coaches and facilities. The link for this is below. However the situation for the Club is as follows:-
SBC have decommissioned all their pavilions including Ridlins Stadium. In effect this means there will be a 3 to 4 week delay in re opening the facility when such facilities can be reopened. All systems at the Stadium will need testing and full risk assessments completed before any use of the stadium and track will be allowed. SNHAC’s committee are in the process of working out the processes which will need to be in place before small groups of users will be able to use the facility and these will include risk assessments, social distancing, equipment cleaning and facility cleaning.
In the meantime additional suggestions will be added to the Home Training page (under Club information on the website), Zoom sessions will continue for the Year 4, 5 and 6 group, LJ/TJ group and older PV athletes. Club members can contact their coaches to discuss training issues.
We will continue to keep you updated as the picture becomes clearer but currently we do not envisage Ridlins Stadium being open for training before late August or early September.

https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/guidance-update-for-restricted-return-to-activity-for-coaches-leaders-athletes-runners-and-facilities/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-personal-trainers-and-coaches-on-the-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation

It is with great sadness that we have to report the sudden death last week of former club member Marc Green. Marc was a key member of our teams when we first entered both the Midweek 10k league and the Southern Vets track and Field League. He was also an important part of the senior mens' cross country team. Many will remember Marc from matches at the track where he was always so supportive of our younger athletes. Marc's cheerful nature always brightened up people's day. He will be sorely missed and the club sends it heartfelt condolences to Kim, his partner, and the rest of his family.