Past Events
This section presents details of our past events.
Peg Wiseman Mixed Ability Session - Friday 9 December 2011
Below is Peg's presentation from the session and the lesson plan.
Also please have a look at Athletics 365 that Peg mentioned. Some useful ideas there too. www.athletics365.org
Thanks to all who attended on this very cold evening
(Add presentation and session plan)
Info from Martin Rush' session
Endurance running talk 'Training differences from 10k to Marathon' with Martin Rush, National Coach Mentor for England Athletics
Monday 21 November at Tamworth Athletics Club
Martin has kindly said that if anyone wants to talk through the information on the slides they can contact him via mrush@englandathletics.org or 07803671969
These are the details of the book Martin mentioned:
Stability, Sport and Performance Movement: Great Technique without injury by Joanne Elphinston (around £15)

Quadkids Competition
Friday 9 September 2011
A fantastic summers evening delighted supporters at South Staffordshire Athletics Network’s recent Quadkids competition hosted by Burton AC on Friday 9th September. Over 40 athletes from clubs across the network competed and were rewarded at the end of the evening with a barbeque to celebrate their success! Karen Lathbury who leads the Junior Action Group for the network organised the event with a great deal of support from her club- Burton AC. Quadkids is such a easy competition to organise and a great way of clubs sharing the work of putting on events for young athletes together. There was a lovely atmosphere at the stadium, which was ideal for some athletes who it was there first taste of competition. Lots of fun was had it was wonderful to see friendships being made across the clubs as they went around their events in age groups- strengthening the work of the network clubs. Well done to all. We can't wait for another one!

Mental Toughness Workshop
29 November 2010, Burton-on-Trent
The workshop was led by Olympic representative Spencer Duval and was held at Marston's Sports and Social Club Burton. The workshop was aimed at endurance runners and was attended by a total of 38 athletes and coaches of all ages and abilities.
Injury Prevention Workshop
26 July 2010, Tamworth Athletic Club
The evening included:
- An initial presentation (45-60 mins) covering Injury Prevention and Optimising Performance - including common foot problems, their prevention and cure .
- Questions & Answers (15 mins).
- Workshop & Free Consultations (30-45 mins) - re injuries/problems with two Sports Therapists and Podiatrist.
The evening was aimed at Endurance runners of all abilities including beginners - although all athletes/ coaches were welcome . 30 attended.
QUADKIDS
21 July 2010, Shobnall Fields track, Burton.
Olympic 400m sprinter Daniel Caines introduced his fun athletics concept for younger athletes. Children aged 8 to 13 from the 5 network clubs took part in 4 events each (sprint, run, long jump and a throw).
Medals were presented to the best overall performing boy and girl from each of the 3 age groups.
Children in Care Games
17 July 2010 ,Rowley Park Track, Stafford.
SSAN organised the athletics element of this day's events - which also offered the children some participation in football, netball, assault course and fishing!
We had equipment set up on the track for a fun relay competition, hurdles practice, discus, javelins and medicine balls - amongst many other activities.
Great fun was had by all.
Thanks to all those coaches who volunteered.
Sprints Workshop
24 May 2010, Shobnall Leisure Centre Track, Burton
A workshop for coaching the disciplines involved in sprinting events. Our visiting coach was Keith Fradley
Run a Faster Summer 10k
8 May 2010, Tamworth Athletic Club Stadium
An entertaining session attended by 30 runners from various local clubs.
It started off with Liz Yelling telling us about her development from talented schoolgirl cross-country runner to International Marathon runner and some of the trials & tribulations in-between. Having had their first child ten months ago, she is now beginning to build her training towards the London Olympic Marathon title in 2012.
Then it was out onto the track for a bit of a warm up followed by a "tidal interval" session. This comprised 3 mins clockwise at threshold speed, rest 1 min, then return for 3 mins but with the last
1 min at accelerated speed. 3 sets completed.
After a jog warm down and return to the clubhouse, Liz & Martin Yelling enumerated the critical elements required to improve
performance - particularly for a 10k race, but applicable to any targeted improvement in performance.
Practical Hydration
3 April 2010, Shobnall Leisure Centre, Burton
Six athletes from member clubs went for an enjoyable 14 mile run, undertaking urine and weight checks.
The urine sample was analysed for markers of hydration. Their pre and post run weights were taken to allow calculation of sweat rates. From the information taken the athletes were advised on any issues surrounding hydration, given feedback on individual sweat rates, and thereby assisted in building a personalised hydration strategy to help maximise performance.
Nutrition and Hydration for Runners
31 March 2010, Shobnall Leisure Centre, Burton
With Lucozade Sports Scientist Emma Kingzett, covering key need states of hydration, fuel, recovery and focus, the presentation concentrated on the science underpinning these areas and our recommendations based on this.
The aim of the session was to equip runners with the knowledge required to then devise their own personal hydration / nutrition strategy, whatever their discipline or ability.
Fundamental Movement Skills
12 March 2010
Self Defense for Athletes
26 November 2009, Washlands Club HQ
Everyone attending this workshop from Washlands Women Runners really enjoyed the action and moves.
Discus Flying Coach visit
16 November 2009, Shobnall Leisure Centre, Burton
National throws coach Andy Brittain visited for an interesting day's introduction to the discus and how to coach the specific techniques.
Long Distance Running Masterclass
10 November 2009, Stafford Harriers Tack and HQ
International marathon runner Paul Evans visited Stafford to coach a training session at Rowley Park and then moved to the St. Leonards Social Club to enthrall his audience with a story of his personal development as a runner and provide tips on training for a marathon race.
The event was also used to launch the SSAN - when UK Athletics Chairman, John Graves, presented the network with a cheque for £45,000.