South Kent Harriers (25 years on the road! 1987-2012)

I have recently retired from teaching and thought it would be a  good idea to take the Level 2 coaching award. I had to go to Portsmouth but it proved to be O.K. and I passed,even though I did not fully agree with all of the course content.I had advised one or two distance runners in the past and hope that I was able to be of assistance.I now help at Ashford A.C.with a group of 11 to 14 year olds thanks to Stella Bandu who has been very supportive.

However I feel frustrated because although,being a former primary school teacher my experience and knowledge gained from going from an average 11 year runner to winner of the 1976 Olympic marathon trial and an international for 10 years is not being utilised.What I wanted and still do was to help athletes regardless of their current ability run to their potential and even gain international status.A friend and fellow S.K.H.member has achieved this and knows so much about my views on training that my use to him is limited.If anyone reads this and thinks that I can be of use please get in touch.In the winter of my athletic career I still want to be of positive use and at the moment feel very frustrated that no-one seems to need my help based on 55 years running experience.Please do get in touch if I can help.    

Can only back up the comments of the great man above. Barry is a legend in running and has had a profound impact on all my best achievements. Many years of training, talking and socialising with Barry have given me all the tools I could have ever wanted.

First met Barry in 1995 and thought how could this 'old' guy be only a minute behind me in a tough half marathon. Well how foolish I felt when I realised what he had achieved when I was barely out of my pram.

A great tutor. Totally inspiring and I thank Barry for everything he has done for me.

You'd be more than foolish to miss the opportunity if you have any ambitions of fulfilling your potential in running.

John Creane at January 26, 2011 at 5:06 PM

Can only back up the comments of the great man above. Barry is a legend in running and has had a profound impact on all my best achievements. Many years of training, talking and socialising with Barry have given me all the tools I could have ever wanted.

 

First met Barry in 1995 and thought how could this 'old' guy be only a minute behind me in a tough half marathon. Well how foolish I felt when I realised what he had achieved when I was barely out of my pram.

 

A great tutor. Totally inspiring and I thank Barry for everything he has done for me.

 

You'd be more than foolish to miss the opportunity if you have any ambitions of fulfilling your potential in running.

Interesting that this particular section has had many views, but are there any people out there who are prepared to create something beyond normal expectations and endeavour. My feeling is increasingly steering towards the possibility that there just isn't the interest. A society that craves the here and now and instant gratification is no longer interested in a long term view of life. Maybe?

When there are athletes in their late teens and early 20s saying that they did a long run of 80 mins, you have to believe that the above is true. Young africans will eat up 90 mins for a morning run, daily!

It occurs to me that anybody interested in contacting me if I can be of any help to them could do so by e-mail - barryandgillian@hotmail.com or by telephone on 01303 239179.

Good luck with your running in 20012.

Barry Watson