Chris Lees, Author at Hambleton Athletics and Running Club

Your first Parkrun? We’ve got you :)

19th July 202124th July 2021 By Chris LeesNo Comments

Parkrun has become an institution for runners (and walkers) of all abilities. And if you're soon going to be attending your first one, then we think there are some things you should probably know. Parkrun is an international network of volunteer groups who organize weekly timed events. These usually consist of a 5k course at 9am on Saturday mornings, and a 2k "Junior Parkrun", typically on Sundays at 9am. These events are "free, for everyone, and forever" as Parkrun proclaim. And they are great fun and have a fantastic atmosphere. All sorts take part, from super-speedy athletes to people who walk the course. They are timed, but it is not a "race". Here's your checklist for taking part in your first Parkrun: In the days before your first Parkrun: Register with Parkrun by visiting https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ - this will give you your unique Parkrun number. Make sure you choose "Hambleton Athletics and Running Club" as your group!Get your barcode - if you didn't print out your...

Track and Field Club Day: provisional results

26th June 202128th June 2021 By Chris LeesNo Comments

More to follow about this morning's fantastic track and field session with our fabulous friends from Team Caterpillar. For now, here are the provisional results: 1500m 1John Holliday06:04.02Adrian Putley06:22.03Doug Luettke07:14.04Clair Boddy07:24.75Dave Oldacres07:26.86Lisa Carney07:31.57Sara Sherwood08:49.58Karen Farrier08:50.09Denise Spence09:46.410Jackie Glass09:58.0 800m (heat 1) 1John Holliday03:01.62Adrian Putley03:03.63Elsa Styles03:15.64Dave Oldacres03:38.35Clair Boddy03:50.66Sara Sherwood04:19.6 800m (heat 2) 1Gemma Gardner03:49.02Lisa Carney03:53.23Sarah O'Connor03:59.04Alison Pearce04:02.95Janette Croft04:16.26Elizabeth Whitehead04:53.57Denise Spence04:57.7 800m (overall) 1John Holliday03:01.62Adrian Putley03:03.63Elsa Styles03:15.64Dave Oldacres03:38.35Gemma Gardner03:49.06Clair Boddy03:50.67Lisa Carney03:53.28Sarah O'Connor03:59.09Alison Pearce04:02.910Janette Croft04:16.211Sara Sherwood04:19.612Elizabeth Whitehead04:53.513Denise Spence04:57.7 200m 1John Holliday00:32.02Elsa Styles00:34.03Adrian Putley00:36.94Doug Luettke00:48.1 100m (heat 1) 1Dave Oldacres00:17.52Sarah O'Connor00:18.33Gemma Birtles00:18.94Clair Boddy00:19.25Karen Farrier00:20.86Sara Sherwood00:21.77Alice Inglis00:21.9 100m (heat 2) 1John Holliday00:15.12Elsa Styles00:16.23Janette Croft00:16.54Adrian Putley00:17.35Lisa Carney00:18.26Gemma Gardner00:18.57Alison Pearce00:20.18Elizabeth Whitehead00:29.1 100m (overall) 1John Holliday00:15.12Elsa Styles00:16.23Janette Croft00:16.54Adrian Putley00:17.35Dave Oldacres00:17.56Lisa Carney00:18.27Sarah O'Connor00:18.38Gemma Gardner00:18.59Gemma Birtles00:18.910Clair Boddy00:19.211Alison Pearce00:20.112Karen Farrier00:20.813Sara Sherwood00:21.714Alice Inglis00:21.915Elizabeth Whitehead00:29.1 4 x 100m relay 1Adrian PutleyGemma BirtlesDave OldacresElsa Styles01:11.42Lisa CarneyKaren FarrierAlison PearceJohn Holliday01:13.13Gemma GardnerSara O'ConnorClair BoddyJanette Croft01:14.9 ...

Stokesley – new year, new hub!

30th December 202030th December 2020 By Chris LeesNo Comments

We are very excited to announce a Couch to 5k programme and speed intervals in Stokesley, the first steps in establishing our Stokesley hub. This will mirror our Bedale hub and ultimately provide the same range of activities as we do from the established Bedale venues. The new Couch to 5k programme is starting on Tuesday January 19th. This is suitable for complete beginners or those returning from injury, and will be run both in-person (meeting outside our good friends Let's Run in College Square) and virtually (using our pioneering Zoom-based system). We have found that running these sessions virtually not only allows us to carry on even if the strictest lockdown restrictions are imposed, but also allows you to join in from a little further afield or if you prefer to start out on your own rather than in a group. This C25K programme will be led by Caroline Horton, who we are delighted to welcome to the club. Caroline is...

Quick guide to common stretches

20th August 202028th August 2020 By Chris LeesNo Comments

Having trouble remembering the correct position for our post-run stretches? Fear not - here's a quick guide! If both feet are on the ground, they should be parallel / pointing in the same direction - check that back foot: is it pointing in the same direction as the front one?Feet should be flat on the floor for all stretches belowHold each stretch for a maximum of 15 seconds to prevent the stretch becoming an exercise Place front foot so that there is a full foot-length between the feetKeep front leg straight (and front toes on the ground)Bend back leg at knee until knees are more-or-less levelPivot forward at hip until the stretch is felt in the hamstring of the straight leg Stand on one foot, with a slight bend in the knee of the leg you are standing onHold the other foot above the laces (e.g. at the ankle)Raise the ankle up to the bum (or as close as it will go)With an...