Runners step up training on track

Members of Teessdale Athletic Club travelled to Shildon’s Sunnydale Leisure Centre recently to take part in training sessions on its running track.

The facility boasts a high-quality 3G surface, designed to provide optimum performance and safety, while the outdoor track offers an ideal setting for training, competition and the development of running skills.

Experienced coach John West has been leading additional track sessions on Monday evenings, with members describing the training as both informative and well structured.

Participants said they had left the sessions feeling more confident and assured that the new skills learned would help enhance both individual and team performances in the months ahead.

On May 16, the club held its Championship parkrun at The Demesnes, where 13 members completed the 5k course, while Karen Watson volunteered at the event.

Jack was first home for the club, finishing in fifth place overall in a sub-20-minute time of 19.56. Rhys followed in 12th place with 20.20, while Ellie was 14th in 23.09.

Dave crossed the line in 21st place in 24.19, closely followed by Michael in 22nd with 24.21. Erica finished 33rd in 27.27, Andrew 38th in 28.10, Alan 42nd in 28.53, Emma 62nd in 32.06, Karen 63rd in 32.07, Joanne 74th in 35.10, Gail 78th in 35.50, and Karen Dolderson 89th in 40.32.

Congratulations went to Dave, Joanne and Karen Dolderson, who all achieved personal best times.

Meanwhile, the club’s Couch to 5k runners have reached the halfway stage of their training programme.

Under the guidance of the club’s experienced coaches, participants have successfully built a solid base level of fitness and are now progressing on to longer and more continuous running intervals.

Several members of the group have already taken to the Parkrun course, with a number completing the event on Saturday.

Gail Foster