Attention all juniors (and parents)
Participation at events, both local and national, is the cornerstone for developing athletes.
Lothian Running Club, like most other athletic clubs, is proud of the work it does for its junior members. We would like to do everything we can to encourage participation at future events to ensure our juniors are not missing out on vital development opportunities as well as potential reward and enjoyment. We are looking to encourage participation by targeting some events during the current Cross Country Season and then events beyond it.
Cross Country training and racing is fun and we hope everyone doing it finds it enjoyable, whilst learning to love running as a way of life, so as to reap the benefits that it brings in terms of health and quality of life.
Training – Friday nights
We plan to introduce group runs into our Friday evening training sessions for those aged 9 years plus, once or twice a month. These will be coach lead and cater for all levels of experience and fitness. As such, we will require at least one or two more adults running with the group to run in the middle and tail run.
The course will be an out and back so some in the group can go longer and/or faster and be able to track progress on each run. At the end of each run there will be some short interval work on the track for speed on tired legs. The aim of these runs will be to train for the distance corresponding to the distance that the athlete’s age group generally run in competition. This would progress in anticipation of moving up age categories and distance.
We would like to hear from adult members and parents that would be wiling to be included on a rota for joining these group runs. The more that volunteer the less often those on the rota will be called upon. Everyone will require have a Disclosure Scotland check carried via Scottish Athletics (paid for by the club).
Please contact the Coach Coordinator, Alan Moffat, to put yourself forward for the rota: coachingcoordinator@lothianrunningclub.co.uk
Training – Sunday mornings
Juniors should consider other training and in particular the Sunday morning section at Dechmont Law is ideal for off-road running training in a beautiful setting.
All of our training session details can be viewed on the club website at: www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk/training
Target events
The club is looking to target some key upcoming events to start more junior participation. These are:
Main: National Cross Country Championship – 24th February, Falkirk
For ages*: Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s, Juniors and Seniors
The pinnacle of the Cross Country season is the end of season National Championship. Only open to athletes born on or after 1st September 2001, this is the key target event where we would like Lothian to be well represented.
Details for this event will appear on the Scottish Athletics website nearer the time and the club will announce it too.
Others: East District League Cross Country – 18th January, Broxburn
For ages*: Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s, Juniors and Seniors
A great local Cross Country, this is open to athletes born on or after 1st September 2003. For those aiming to do the National Championship race, this event will provide great experience. For those competing in the under 11s, this event will provide good experience ahead of next years Cross Country season, and ahead of the track, road and hill season.
Details for this event will appear on the Scottish Athletics website nearer the time and the club will announce it too.
Other: Cockleroy Fun Run– 26th December, Beecraigs Country Park
All ages
A club event, this is a fun run up and down Cockleroy Hill on Boxing Day open to all juniors. A great introduction to Hill running that provides a good foundation for Cross Country training.
Details: https://www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk/festive-handicap/festive-handicap-info/
What is needed?
In order to compete in The East District League, athletes must be a member of Lothian Running Club.
In order to compete at the National Cross Country Championship, athletes will require to be a member of Scottish Athletics, in addition to being a member of the club. It is £5 for a junior for a years membership. You can join online here: http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/membership/
Athletes will also be expected to wear a club vest whilst competing, which will be provided for by the club.
What next?
Announcements will be made about these events on a regular basis. Please support us and speak to any coach about participation at these or any other events
After the Cross Country season, we’ll look to highlight a few target events in spring, summer and beyond.
*AGE CATEGORIES
Born During
Under 11: 1/9/03 to 31/8/05
Under 13: 1/9/01 to 31/8/03
Under 15: 1/9/99 to 31/8/01
Under 17: 1/9/97 to 31/8/99
Juniors: 1/9/94 to 31/8/97
Seniors Born Before: 1/9/94