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Coaches

Coach Jamie

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Coaches

Coach Maria

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Coaches

Coach Phil

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Coaches

Coach Andy J.

Andy Jay, or the Jayster as he is known by many has been a Spartan for about 5 years now.

He has many talents which include drinking shots through a snorkel and tweeting endless snippets of useless information on Twitter.  Sadly however running is not one of his talents.  Neither is singing as all those present at recent Spartan Christmas parties can confirm.

Andy can usually be found hanging out at the Marriotts reception area or running behind Tracy Pez! (when he is not stalking Suzanna that is!!!!)

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Coaches

Coach Barbara

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Coaches

Coach Paul C.

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Coaches

Coach Julie

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Coaches

Coach Tessa

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Coaches

Coach Steve S.

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Coaches

Coach Tony

Q.When did you join the club?  

A. 1988

Q. Why did you join the club?   

A. The training times were more convenient than SNHAC or NHRR.  I am still a life member of SNHAC.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. I am an experienced coach (47 years).  I wanted to help other members.

Q.What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. Improve the overall standard  of members from Group1 to Group 5.

Q. When do we typically see you at training? 

A. Tuesday, Thursday (Ossie’s Angels) and Saturday (Ossie’s Angels).

Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?

A. Personal running: to keep healthy and stay running as long as possible.  Coaching:  to help other members to enjoy their running and to improve.

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. I have a blue belt at Taekwondo, the Korean Martial Art.

 

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Coaches

Coach Steve W.

Q. How long have you been running

A. Well, I ran as an 18-yr-old, many years ago for a year or two to keep fit in the summer as a rugby player, but second time round, I am just coming up to 2-years of running after a break of 30-years!

Q. When did you join the Spartans?

A. September 2009

Q. Why did you join the Spartans?

A. I had lost a lot of weight and decided to take up running again. On my own I could only run walk around the lakes, so took the plunge, joined up and haven’t looked back.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A I have qualifications in coaching both football and rugby, and have always been interested in more than just participating. In a short time I have been helped so much myself, I want to help this great club get even better.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A I would really like to be able to encourage people that have come into the club at perhaps a later stage of their life, and try to get them to realise they can achieve so much if they really want to.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A. Is this a joke question? Seriously, I have been injured on and off for nearly a year now, but am slowly getting back. As a rule, I would normally be at training on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and on one of the Sunday runs. I also help the starters on the occasional Monday evening.

Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?

A My running aim was kind of achieved when I completed the London Marathon back in April, but perhaps not in the manner I wanted. Since then my aim has been to get back to running fitness. On the coaching front I plan to try and put what I have learnt into practice, and gain experience and more confidence in the role. I would at some point be interested in developing as a coach, further up the ladder.

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A Well, a few people may know that I commentate on football for BBC Three Counties Radio, but they might not know that I had the honour of commentating at the new Wembley Stadium, and the very first kick there in a competitive match as Stevenage beat Kidderminster. I have now worked there 3 times, all with Stevenage, and have had the pleasure of following the dramatic rise of Stevenage FC since.

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Coaches

Coach Roger

Roger Biggs

Q.When did you join the club?

A. 1985

Q. Why did you join the club?

A. To run!

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. Approx 10 years ago, to help other runners in the club.

Q.What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. Just encourage members to improve. Help where & when I’m needed.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A. Tuesday

Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?

A. To carry on running at a reasonable standard as long as I can. I don’t see my training going further at the moment, as I have involvement in the sport in other ways

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. Many know about my marathons, but did they know that I’ve run 180 halves & 180 at 10 miles including my 100th 10, 100th half and 100th marathon in successive races, with my 100th marathon at the 100th Boston Marathon in USA

 

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Coaches

Coach Charlie

Charlie Paterson

Q. When did you join the club?

A. April 2010

Q. Why did you join the club?

A.  My running was not improving — I needed something better and with structure rather than just pounding away at the treadmill.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. To improve my knowledge of the principles of running and to be able to help others with my confidence in my answers.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. I would like to be in a position to motivate other runners, help them reach their targets whilst reducing the incidence of running injuries.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A.  Tuesdays in Group 4, Thursday speed work sessions, Saturday mornings at the track and a long run on Sundays!

Q. What are your aims for your running and/or coaching?

A. During 2012 I would like to stay injury free and work towards my first marathon.

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A.  During every race I wonder why I started but by the end of every race I am glad that I did!

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Coaches

Coach Bev

Bev Harlow

Q. When did you join the club?

A. About 20 years ago, in 1991.

Q. Why did you join the club?

A.  I was lucky enough to have received a ballot place in the London Marathon.  I initially had planned to walk it but then thought I should get fitter and run it instead.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. I was keen to join the team because over the last 20 years I have gained so much from the club that I wanted to give something back.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. I am hoping to retire in 2012 and so hope to have more time available from then.  In the meantime I am helping Tony Osborne with Group 2 on a Tuesday.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A.  I am a regular in Group 2 on a Tuesday and also at the Angel’s sessions on a Saturday morning.

Q. What are your aims in 2011 for your running and/or coaching?

A. As it is 20 years since I started running this year I have entered the Abingdon marathon which takes place on my birthday!!  I will be moving up an age category and may even get myself an anniversary PB, who knows!

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A.  My niece is the Olympic javelin thrower Goldie Sayers and I can’t run much on Sunday mornings as I am a church organist.

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Coaches

Coach Andy N.

Andy Neetham

 

Q. When did you join the club?

A. September 2010

Q. Why did you join the club?

A.  We had just moved to Knebworth from High Wycombe and were looking for a running club with a good social side.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A.  I have twenty years experience of club running, with Barnet & District AC and Reading AC, and am a qualified scuba diving instructor. Those two things made it seem a natural thing to do.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. Pass on some experience and enthusiasm at the same time as learning some new things myself.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A.  When I’m not injured! My legs have a lot of miles in them and are not as young as they were!

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?

A. Stay injury free so that I can actually join in with coaching and training. If successful with that I’d like to set a few VPBs (Veteran Personal Bests).

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. I’m a Shetlander so there are not many that can accuse me of being a soft southerner!

 

 

 

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Coaches

Coach Liam

Liam Herbert

 

Q. When did you join the club?

A. In March 2009, after braving a Starter Group session, and enjoying it.

Q. Why did you join the club?

A.  I had started up jogging as a way to better look after myself at University, but that got a bit lonely and I needed the motivation to improve and thought that joining a running club would be the best way to do this. I had little confidence or self-esteem in myself, or my running, when I ran with the Starter Group for the first time. This and my fitness have improved so much over the space of 3 years, thanks to the club.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A.  All the coaches in the club have inspired me at some point: we have to remember they volunteer their free time to ensure a safe training session, and use their passion for running to encourage others. After 3 years with the club I thought it was about time to give something back, to encourage people in their running just like I have been, and continue to be.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. There are a number of objectives for me: firstly to help the team, by leading and supporting sessions in a club with a large membership that caters for all abilities. I am also keen to promote different types of training outside of the ‘steady and safe’, such as the Thursday endurance and Saturday track sessions, which are fantastic for building strength, speed and developing form. Finally, I have been coached by someone in the club for the past year and they continue to inspire and push me forward in my own running. One day, I’d like to do the same for another runner in the capacity of a coach, rather than a group leader.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A.  Tuesday nights (Group 5), Thursday nights and Saturdays on the track.

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?

A. I’ve become a little bit wiser in this respect, so will be keeping my cards close to my chest in terms of my running aims for 2012. Let’s just say that I improved a lot in 2011 and, this year, want to show that there is much more to come from me. Coaching wise, I’d simply like to gain experience of being a good group run leader and to give out as much encouragement as possible!

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. Two for the price of one: I once set myself on fire at a Christmas party for 5 minutes and didn’t realise until someone darted over to put me out! I also share a flat with a robotic pet dinosaur called Pleo!

 

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Coaches

Coach Todd

Todd Gray

Q.When did you join the club?

A. 2004

Q. Why did you join the club?

A. I had decided to run a marathon having enjoyed running when I was at school and got into to London marathon in 2004 but had no idea how to train for it, Steve Smithson suggested I came to the club as this would give me people with a similar goal to train with and I have never looked back.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. I felt it would be a good way to develop my own running and give a little back to the club who have been so supportive over the years. Plus I was starting to feel left out as everyone has one of those snazzy orange vests.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. I hope to pass on some of my knowledge, experience and hopefully the enjoyment I get from running to other members of the club. I would also like to think that I could help my fellow club members improve and meet their running goals.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A. Tuesday, Thursday and the occasional Saturday

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?

A. As when I joined the club but still have not managed I am aiming to try and break 3 hours for the marathon. I also hope to gain more experience coaching so I can begin to pass on some of my experience and learn more from the other club coaches.

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. Only a small percentage of people can touch their nose or chin with their tongue but I can do both, special I know!!!

 

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Coaches

Coach Pete

Pete Smith

Q.When did you join the club? 

A. 2008 I think

Q. Why did you join the club? 

A. Enjoyed running. When club came to gym centre, Mollie (my daughter) was doing gym, so instead of sitting watching her 6 days per week, I decided to go out with the club.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team? 

A. To gain some tips and advice about my own running and to pass on experiences to others.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team? 

A.  I’d like to gain further qualifications to help others succeed in their aspirations.

Q. When do we typically see you at training? 

A. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching? 

A. To run Edinburgh Marathon in 3 hours 14 mins and 59 seconds or preferably less to get the qualifying time for London good-for-age. To gain CIRF when I get the time to do the course. Also to try a different approach to promote the cross country season.

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know! 

A. I enjoy photography and have had several images used in gymnastics (see entry above about Mollie).  One of my images was used as a silhouette for the motif on a Scottish Gymnastics T shirt.

 

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Coaches

Coach Niki

Niki Andrews

Q.When did you join the club?

A. 2009.

Q. Why did you join the club?

A. I had entered the London marathon through my previous club and, as they didn’t do much road running, it was suggested that I train with FVS on Sunday mornings. I then got a bit addicted and gave up the track for road running.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?

A. I’ve been a Level 2 jumps coach since I was 18 as part of my previous club. After helping out informally a couple of times for FVS at the track I decided that I may as well see if my skills were transferable to road runs… this is yet to be proven!

Q.What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?

A. I hope to get myself into group 4 on a Tuesday and drag some others from group 3 along with me (you have been warned!) Also just be an extra person around to ask for advice on general running (nothing too specific please!)

Q. When do we typically see you at training?

A. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays although if you ask me nicely I will come to the track on a Saturday when it’s sunny!

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?

A. Running – sub 1.40 half marathon, try to compete in as many of the MWL as possible,

Coaching – get more ladies in the cross country team next year – and the team running them well!

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!

A. I was a SEAA high jump silver medallist and East of England record holder (indoors)

 

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Coaches

Liam Herbert – Club Coach

Liam joined the Spartans in March 2009 after attending a Starter Group session, and he hasn’t looked back since!

Completely un-sporty in his younger years, a desire to improve his fitness got him out jogging whilst studying at University in 2006, but his love for running was ignited the following year when he entered his first 10K race and got overtaken by Paula Radcliffe halfway around (yes, this really did happen!). Since joining the club as a way to further improve his running, Liam has enjoyed throwing himself into the many weekly training sessions on offer, and in particular he enjoys the Saturday track and speed-work sessions.

2011 was pretty good for Liam after he completed his debut marathon in 3 hours and 18 minutes, setting 11 independent PBs along the way in all distances from 1500m to half marathon. Liam was delighted to be named ‘Most Improved Male’ and ‘Spartan of the Year’ at the end of it!

Liam is possibly most well-known in the club for his striking appearance … well, mainly his short spiky hair, long legs, dodgy fashion trends and a worrying fearlessness for wearing lycra!

Liam joined the coaching team in 2012 to give back, encourage others and to look good in an orange vest! He is our social media expert, looking after the club Twitter account (@FVSpartans — followed by 400 people), and he is also the club race promoter.

Outside of running, Liam is currently training to become a librarian. His interests include films, technology, good food, exploring new places and riding roller coasters.

 

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Coaches

Steve Smithson – Club Coach

Steve started running in 1994 and joined the Spartans in 1995, his main reason for running being to stay fit and keep the weight off.  Running with the Spartans meant Steve started to train properly and soon found himself entering anything up to a half marathon. Like most people he achieved some quick gains in the first two years and won the most improved Spartan award. After lots of hard work he managed to achieve all the running targets & times he had set himself.

Steve doesn’t think his running is exceptional, but it is consistent and Steve has found it very fulfilling to make the Spartan team at many events.  Having (not that!) recently turned 40 he feels it is time to let the younger club members take up the mantle.

Steve joined the committee in 2008, but before then he was always keen to help the club at the many of the events we put on.

The one question that Steve is always asked is ‘when are you going to run the marathon?’  Steve says ‘having managed to avoid it for 12yrs his instinct is to avoid it for a few more!’

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Coaches

Katrina Doyle – Club Coach

Katrina joined the Spartans in the summer of 2006. She initially joined only for company on training runs when her training partner moved away, and never expected to enjoy being a club member so much.  Prior to joining the Spartans she had run the London marathon twice. Despite vowing never to run a marathon again, she has finally succumbed and plans to run another marathon (Edinburgh) in 2009, and to enjoy the Club camaraderie of training with a large group.

Katrina was elected to the Committee in 2007 and was Race Director for the Relays in 2008. She is also a level 2 Endurance Coach, and has a particular interest in coaching complete novices to running.  Katrina, along with Tessa, set up the very successful Spartans Starter Group in April 2008. The Starter group has continued to go from strength to strength and the group now meets twice weekly, on a Monday and Thursday evening.

Away from the Spartans, Katrina is an Accountant working for the NHS, is a regular attendee at a local gym and likes to read to relax.

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Coaches

Jo Laing – Coach

Jo joined FVS in 2008 having been a Joey-n-mates until then! Having taken up running in the early 90`s in response to a puncture heavy relationship with her bike, she soon realised that running was a far more reliable companion.(Sorry bike! I still love you!!)
Within a few months of joining, she knocked over 20 mins off her Marathon time. More importantly, she discovered that running is an adaptable pastime-solo or with friends and got the incurable bug.
Now a Coach in the Club, Jo loves the esprit de cours……and dreadful jokes that being in the Club offers.
She just LOVES running……………..end of……

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Coaches

Andy Neatham – Coach

Q. When did you join the club?
A. September 2010

Q. Why did you join the club?
A. We had just moved to Knebworth from High Wycombe and were looking for a running club with a good social side.

Q. Why did you join the coaching team?
A. I have twenty years experience of club running, with Barnet & District AC and Reading AC, and am a qualified scuba diving instructor. Those two things made it seem a natural thing to do.

Q. What are you hoping to do through your involvement in the coaching team?
A. Pass on some experience and enthusiasm at the same time as learning some new things myself.

Q. When do we typically see you at training?
A. When I’m not injured! My legs have a lot of miles in them and are not as young as they were!

Q. What are your aims in 2012 for your running and/or coaching?
A. Stay injury free so that I can actually join in with coaching and training. If successful with that I’d like to set a few VPBs (Veteran Personal Bests).

Q. Tell us something about you that other Spartans will not know!
A. I’m a Shetlander so there are not many that can accuse me of being a soft southerner!

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Coaches

Maria Rushton – Committee Member & Coach

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Coaches

Andy Jay – Coach

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Coaches

Jamie Drackford – Club Coach

E-mail: menscap@fvspartans.org.uk

Jamie has been running with the club since the summer of 2009. He decided to join after looking for a new challenge after spending all his sporting time playing football.

Last year he ran his first Marathon at London and is hoping to run a lot more in the future!

Jamie is the race director for the Stevenage half Marathon and this year came 3rd in the Herts Sports Partnership volunteer of the year award.

Jamie works for Marriotts and runs the Sports Centre where the club is based. He is a very keen sportsman and enjoy all sports and will normally be found of an evening in the dance studio taking classes for Dominate Fitness.

Away from work Jamie enjoys spending time with his Wife April who also works at Marriotts for and also their three Children.