Praise for Meath Athletics Co Board development project

For the past number of weeks young athletes representing various Meath clubs participated in a summer project at Claremont Stadium, Navan organised by Meath Athletics Board. Apart from athletics, each participant was involved in computer research, public relations, nutrition, how to write a training diary, long-term athlete development, strength and conditioning and they also met with the newly-crowned national 1500m champion Colin Costello. During the first week of the programme they got to know each other and decided on the course content. Each participant had a role during the programme from acting as chairperson, taking the minutes, canteen and contacting speakers. They also learned about the importance of keeping a training diary. The diary enables the athletes to keep record of what they have done, but also measures improvement. Also discussed was the mental preparation side of athletics and how important it is to think positive before a run, to visualise passing the finish line first before the start of competition. During one of the many practical running sessions out on the track, warm up routines were discussed and the running posture of each athlete was monitored. The participants learned about living a balanced life and how it is important that each aspect of your life needs equal attention. That it is not worthwhile to put all your time and effort into training and neglect your schoolwork and that a balance is needed. Again during one of the practical sessions the participants tried some exercises and discussed circuit training, undertook some computer research into specific events and club apparel and gear. Nutritionist Nathalie Van Geerke came to the kitchen in Claremont and demonstrated various foods and drinks high in energy to help boost performance in competition. "We were shown how to make energy drinks, wholemeal pancakes, energy bars and smoothies," commented Conor O'Boyle of Rathkenny AC. "Colin Costello from Star of the Sea came to the group and shared his trials and tribulations and his progression as an athlete, along with his experience going to college in America. "The final guest speaker was Meath Chronicle sports editor Conall Collier who spoke to the group about public relations and how clubs in the county can send in regular reports to the Meath Chronicle and also to local radio stations in order to promote their clubs. "He also suggested that we should produce a report on the course in less than 500 words. "Every participant in the project agreed that it was a success, that our performances will benefit from the many things we learned. "We would like to thank Tom Clinton for giving up his time to run the course, along with the guest speakers and most of all Meath Athletics Co Board for running this programme free of charge to the athletes involved," added O'Boyle on behalf of the group.