Leinster Junior Endurance squad lead off in Curracloe
Leinster Junior Endurance Camp
The Leinster Junior Endurance camp took place at Curracloe Beach, Co Wexford from Friday 25th –Sunday 27th September. A total of fifty athletes from ten counties and some personal coaches attended the camp which was led by Joe Ryan and Geraldine Nolan with support from squad coaches Ned Kelly, Brian Dowling, Noel, and Niamh, Richardson and Annette Queegan. The camp opened up with registration at the accommodation followed by an easy run & drills. The athletes were then treated to an excellent sports psychology workshop delivered by Brendan Hackett. Brendan spoke the influence of mental preparation for both training and racing, managing & controlling nerves prior to key races and dealing with the voice inside your head in training and racing. This was a huge hit amongst all athletes and coaches and something we hope to progress further at future camps.
After a good night’s rest the athletes were ready for a threshold/tempo session on an undulating forest loop in glorious weather conditions. This was followed by the athletes taking the opportunity to get into the sea and relax after a good workout. The presence of three physical therapists was greatly appreciated by the athletes with most availing of the soft tissue work to accelerate their recovery. Saturday was a busy day with the athletes also attending a nutrition workshop with AAI Nutritionist Orla Walsh where she provided advice on balancing every meal as well as balancing your overall diet, specific information on food types, advice on hydration and links to suggested sample healthy nutrition options and a practical S&C session with Claire Lodge which covered practical examples of strengthening exercises and how they can fit into the overall training program. Following dinner and a workshop led by the coaches outlining the domestic and international competition opportunities for 2015/2016, the athletes enjoyed the chance to mix and get to know each other better.
On Sunday the athletes completed a long run on the beach and in the forests of Curracloe. The warm temperatures meant that many athletes took a dip in the sea straight afterwards. Following recovery food/breakfast and packing for home, the athletes and coaches completed a debrief/review workshop on the weekends activities. Athletes & coaches all left having enjoyed the camp and eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season and the next meeting of the Leinster Junior Endurance Squad with likely date early January. This will be confirmed in due course. A special thanks to all the athletes/coaches for their positive attitudes and work ethic over the duration of the camp and to Seamus & James at Curracloe Beach holiday villas for their support and kind hospitality.