A big welcome to all our new members, a welcome back to all members who have re-registered for 2018 and an urgent reminder of our regular message about suitable attire for winter training.

 

 Please ensure all athletes bring a coat, hat & gloves to all training sessions, as we are out in all weathers. It is far too cold to be turning up in shorts & t-shirts or hoodies at this stage. It’s easy to take something off when you get too hot, but miserable if you have nothing to put on when you’re cold! Athletes also need to wear suitable runners and not street shoes or Astro Turf shoes, which are unsuitable for athletics.

 

TRAINING

Due to unavailability of some of our coaches over the mid-term break, we regret that we will not be able to maintain the required ratio of coaches to athletes for the younger groups and consequently we are cancelling the 6-7pm sessions for the week.

 

To avoid this being an issue again in the future, we would be very grateful for any new volunteers who might be willing to help out at any of the sessions. A couple of people alternating weeks often works well as it allows for a swap when someone can’t make it. Training is provided for all volunteers.

 

Normal training will take place for the 7-8.30pm groups. Hoping to see a good turnout from these group as we have Leinster competition over the next few weeks.

 

LEINSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Best of luck to all our athletes taking part in Day 1 of the Leinster Indoor Championships this Sat. 10^th Feb. Hope everyone has a great day!

 

Entry forms for Days 2,3 & 4 of the Championships are now open and entries need to be in by Tues 13^th Feb latest. No late entries can be accepted!

 

Training sessions for all relay teams competing in Abbotstown on February 25^th take place every Wed. evenings from 7-8.30pm and also on some Fridays. Athletes who wish to be included in these teams, need to attend these sessions regularly.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS (Keep a look out for entry forms)

Leinster Juvenile Indoor Championships Day 1, Sat. 10^th Feb, Athlone

 

Intermediate, Masters, Juvenile B & XC Relays. Sun 11^th Feb, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

 National Senior Indoors, Sat.17th & Sun.18^th Feb. Abbottstown.

 

Leinster Juvenile Indoor Championships Day 2, Sat. 24^th Feb, Abbottstown

 

Leinster Jun/Sen/Masters Indoor Championships Day 3, Sun. 25^th Feb, Abbottstown

 

Leinster Juvenile Indoor Championships Day 4, Sat. 3^rd March, Athlone

 

National Masters Indoor Championships, Sun 4^th March, Athlone

 

All Ireland Schools Cross Country, Sat 10^th March, Waterford IT

 

National Juvenile Indoor Championships, Day 1, Sun. 11^th March, Athlone

 

National Juvenile Indoor Championships, Day 2, Sun 18^th March, Athlone

 

National Juvenile Indoor Championships, Day 3, Sun 25^th March, Athlone

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Well done to Richael Browne on winning the National Star Award for her achievements in 2017. Richael will receive her award at a function in the Tullamore Court hotel on Sat. 17^th Feb.

 

 

CLUB SHOP

The club shop will be open on Tues.20^th Feb. from 4.40 - 5pm & from 7 - 8 pm only, for singlets, shorts, leggings, T-shirts, hoodies, rainjackets, showerproof bottoms etc. We also have a good selection of 2^nd hand spikes and hoodies available. Please note that all athletes competing at Leinster & National events must wear a club singlet or T-shirt and red, white or black shorts!

 

 

SUNDAY RUN

It would be great to see more GAC athletes attending the organised Sunday Run, which takes place each Sunday we don’t have a competition, in a variety of beautiful locations around the County. All of you are welcome to join in our Sunday run. Primary schoolers should have an accompanying adult (who doesn't have to run), however all ages participate....... up to very old !! Many parents bring younger kids and walk, cycle or run. We meet at 9-20 for a quick warm up & start running at 9-30am sharp. This is our long easy run, where athletes run from 40-80 minutes, age related, at an easy (not jogging) conversational pace.............another chance to catch up with or make new friends! Hope to see you there, as it’s a very important part of the week’s training !!! Venues are posted on our website & FB page each week. This Sun 11^th Feb. we’re in Glendalough!