The Coach's Prayer

Dear God,

If you are omnipresent and read all that is going on in the Blogosphere (forgive the spelling Im new to this) then you will no doubt cast your eyes over this post.

As you know we are an up and coming running group designed to spread a bit of sunshine into the lives of people in Chester who fancy having a go at running without the drag of 'chasing pavements' and puffing and panting round the city. As a Coach my intentions are purely honourable, it isnt an ego-trip on my part, I just want to impart some knowledge and have some fun with my Sunday.

Then why oh why oh why (I know spells YOYO) do you insist on sending these dollops of snow our way? Ive read the Bible, Ive heard the sermons and I understand that life is supposed to be a test, but come on Holy One give us a break? I have cancelled countless sessions for that other oddity 'elf and safety' that has been imposed upon us from those that have stripped us of common sense decision making and apparently know better. Yet again I find myself in the position, of wondering whether tomorrows sessions will end up the same?

If you can find it in your heart to give us a break, I will be most greatful and I promise to keep doing my good work until I get most of Chester running in some shape of form :)

Coach Hallas

Hills, Thrills and Chocolate :)

Another sunny day in Deva as we headed over the bridge to the Racecourse. No-one there at first, but great to see 'The Seal' rock up in his co-ordinated gear, complete with trainers. Over his injury now, he was ready to give CRR another shot. Second in line was the imposing outline and tremendous grin of 'SB' (nickname to follow, this will take some thinking). He shook my hand, with confidence and chocolate !? and was a definate shot in the arm to the group. How fickle do I sound, being bribed by sat fat. Another new lady 'M' arrived today, who had heard tell of our exploits from Up and Running , so that was really good news. Finally, last but definately not least was my 'second in command' regular and reliable as. I was very pleased to see her, as it had been a while, what with the bad weather 'n' all. Good to see she hadnt lost any of her form or razor wit.

A slow jog into town followed by a trot into Grosvenor Park (narrowly avoided being knocked over before we got there). Then a quick walk/jog/run interval session ,as I got into full sergeant major routine trying to organise everyone. Lets just say SB came into his own, he is a lethal combination with SIC, but I enjoy being part of people having fun. Very wicked and very funny. Anyway, hills! a few hill repeaters up and down Castle Drive. Managing to avoid knocking dogs and pensioners over, we put in a good slog. Then a quick form drill session on the car park, narrowly avoiding the bacon butties in the cafe. And No ! SIC you definately did not look like a knob from where I was standing lol. Cool down by the roodee and back to the racecourse. By SB's watch it was 2.47 miles for all you distance fans, but I saw sweat and smiles people, so that isnt a bad combination.

M and The Seal were proper leaping up the hills. Whilst SB, SIC and I were chuckling, running and werent far behind you. Look out next week for more of the same :)

Can I give you one of our cards..

The cards arrived today..500 of Vistaprints finest babies !! Much trepidation as I unpacked the box, but there was no way I was going to count to check they were all present and correct. As long as one was spelt correctly that will do for me. Although, it does mean another trip trawling round town, but I dont mind if it means spreading the CRR love :)

In other news, work is moving v quickly on the run route/run in the park in our soon to be revealed secret location in Chester. Daresnt say 'P**k r*n' for fear I get hammered by some virtual law suit from those lovely people with their bar codes and excellent website. It would be great to have a green light for Summer. But all I can say is there are some very driven people behind this who are working to make it happen soon.

Watch this space everyone..run/walk/jog/ round Chester is here to stay !!

Walk/Run Rain :)

Driving across the border into Engerland I thought' "oh no"..not at the prospect of leaving home in Wales but at the weather as it tipped down. I thought that it was bound to put people off, again the nagging thought of a dry weather option popped up. Note to self. I waited outside the Chester Racecourse and numbers were depleted but it was good to see returners and a new face. Todays session was a 5,4,3,2,1(min) interval with 1 min walk breaks which I am proud to say the ladies smashed. It was great to see improvement in the returners in just a week. A few form drills in the park were a giggle but a real test of co-ordination, it will be interesting to see how form develops with those over the weeks. Wish I had my smart phone for a bit of technique analysis in practice..A slow jog down to the Castle Drive Cool Down Zone and we were done. A great mornings work, just hope the ladies remember their homework ;)  I do enjoy being a coach :)