Educators Require Coaching
Coach Yates helps you get your activity done.
The Coach loves to run. He’s the guy who got the rest of ERC to start running, and to keep running even when they really, really wanted to stop. He’s done roughly a million Park Runs and knows all the words that Proper Runners know. Like ‘Fartlek’ – he even knows what that means (it’s not what you think).
So…what about you? What if you want to start running but you’re not sure what to do? What if you don’t love it? What if you’re nervous, but want to get out there anyway?
If that’s you, respect. And here’s the good news: the Coach has compiled some Top Tips to help you get up, get active and get started. Here we go!
1. You don’t need all the fancy gear, you just need you. Got a comfy T-shirt? Pair of shorts or leggings? Trainers that aren’t knackered? Then you’re good to go!
2. No one’s looking at you. When I first started, I was worried about what people were going to think. I soon realised that people don’t really care what you’re doing as long as you don’t bump into them. You do you.
3. Start with what you can manage and build up. Not moving as much, as long or as fast as someone else in the VRC? So what? This is your journey, not theirs. Comparing yourself to other people is pointless. Your only goal is to do what you’re ready to do.
There’s plenty more Top Tips coming soon. In the meantime, if you’ve got any questions for our Activities Guru, send them in and we’ll give them to the Coach. If we can catch him…
TOP TIPS…Volume Two!
Since last month’s column, the Coach has done lots of running and a bit of cycling, as well as walking some dogs and getting loads more Park Runs under his belt. But he’s also been thinking about you. Now he’s back to share his wisdom with Team ERC. Here come this month’s top tips!
1. Dress for the end of your run, not the start. Lose the layers when it comes to running gear - you might be a little chillier at first, but trust the Coach: you’ll be glad of it by the end.
2. Hydrate. Then hydrate again. Coach downs a pint of water first thing before he goes out for a morning run. He suggests taking a bottle of water with you on your activity, so you stay fresh as you move.
3. It’s ok to take breaks. Feel you need to stop? Then stop. You’ve got to look after yourself. If your activity takes a little longer, that’s fine. Stop to have a chat, maybe enjoy the scenery. Only start moving again when you’re ready.
No matter how long you’ve been running, we can all benefit from the Coach’s Top Tips, and we’ll bring you lots more next month. In the meantime, if you’ve got any questions for our Activities Guru, send them in and we’ll ask Coach to drop some knowledge bombs in your direction.
TOP TIPS…Volume Three!
Since September, Coach has guided ERC VRC through a series of activities on a series of Wednesdays. Each activity, and each Wednesday, has been awesome. But there’s no offiicial ERC VRC over the Christmas holiday. You’ll want to stay active, but there’s no team of athletes to spur you on. How will you cope?
You’ll be fine. You’ve totally got this, especially because the Coach believes in you. And he’s here to offer his wisdom…watch out: here come this month’s top tips!
1. You are your own running club. The VRC cheers you on every Wednesday, but don’t be afraid to cheer for yourself. Celebrate your achievements. Be proud of yourself, and tell yourself as much.
2. Build a winter routine. The VRC keeps you regular (in a running sense, that is) but you can totally create your own schedule over Christmas. Write your running plans on the calendar. Set an alarm to get you up and out. You could even keep a running diary, and share your achievements with the rest of the VRC in January…
3. Find yourself an Activity Buddy. You’ve got tons of friends in the VRC, but why not try running with a mate IRL? If you arrange to get active with a pal, you won’t want to let them down by standing them up. Make a date to be great…together!
The Coach will return in January with lots more hints, tips and ideas. In the meantime, if you’ve got any questions for our Activities Guru, send them in and we’ll ask Coach to give you a little sunshine on a winter’s day.