34 replies to this topic

[Long Arms]

A morning running group has just started in Centennial Park. We meet at McKay Oval, by the Sydney Boys High Pavilion, at 6.30am each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday is a track session, Wednesday is fartlek or long reps around the lake and Friday is a hill session or harder group run.

The sessions are ideal preparation for 6 Foot Track, Canberra Marathon, City to Surf and numerous other races throughout 2005.

As of today the cost per session is $10 and you receive a monthly training program if you attend sessions regularly, at no extra cost.

The standard of runners currently in this group is in the 37 minutes- 60 minutes range for 10km. Obviously runners in the group race shorter and longer distances than 10km but it is a good guide). Obviously faster and slower runners than this are most welcome. Everyone's needs and speeds are catered for.

For more information check the SWEAT website
www.sweatsydney.com.au

[RW]

Would beginners really be welcome? (I won't be offended if the answer is not really)

I haven't run for quite a while and have been looking for a group to join in my area to provide me with some motivation to get my lazy self out of bed.

Are there any other beginners or ex-runners in the east that would be keen to start up again?

[Long Arms]

Beginners are most welcome and are paid the most attention, as they need more attention.

I also have a deal that if you bring a friend to the session, you get a free session.

One of the runners in this morning's group, a 46 year old, hasn't raced before and I would estimate that he is in about 60 minute 10km shape. A 15 year old in the group hasn't raced any further than 4km and is a real novice.

Come along to a session and bring your friend.


Sean
www.sweatsydney.com.au

[spaghetti legs]

There's also a Sydney Striders training group at Centennial Park at 6am each Wednesday - we meet just inside the Paddington Gates. We don't offer the professional coaching being offerred by Sean (Long Arms), we are just a group of enthusiastic runners.

The group does speed work - alternating hill repeats and intervals on the flat.

Come along if you are interested. Its free ;)

[RunningFan]

I am a big fan of the Sean Williams morning sessions. I prefer to do my running in the morning, as I am not always sure that I can get out of work 'on time', but I do have a bit more control over whether or not I get out of bed!

However, even that motivation can falter - except when I know I am meeting a group. This is a great group with a variety of levels and I know that I get a much better workout than if I were running on my own. Sean is very knowlegable and motivational and the other runners are great people to get to know.

I recommend the sessions very highly. The details are on www.sweatsydney.com.au, and Sean is happy to talk to the runners on the phone.

Definitely a group to try out!

[danieljohngreen]

Well from runningfan's profile, the email address appears to implicate Cindy King as the real poster. Cindy is Sean's wife and it appears that she is helping out with some self promotion for Sean's group.

Maybe you should have posted as Cindy King rather than an annoymous runningfan??

Often sceptical of this type of post for a newly registered person.

Regards
Greeny

[Luckylegs]

[indent]quote:

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Maybe you should have posted as Cindy King rather than an annoymous runningfan??

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[/indent]Why, Greeny?

I get to disagree on something with Greeny! I'm moving up in the world!

That's a bit harsh; nearly all of us post anonymously; why shouldn't she? :unsure: LL

[Amjan]

I must be moving up in the world too, because I agree with Greeny. I think if you are going to endorse something you should declare your interest in it. This issue has arisen before. Having said that, the training group does sound good

[Luckylegs]

[indent]quote:

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I think if you are going to endorse something you should declare your interest in it

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[/indent]My mistake then; I'm a bit naive when it comes to business, I guess! :) LL

[Horrie]

It's a shame Cindy has felt the need to do this.

I guess she just wants Sean's business to take off and felt she could lend a hand by posting anonymously.

I have spoken to Sean both by email and in person at the Centennial Park Australia Day Run and he sounds like a good coach.

He coaches some very good runners who are achieving PB after PB. Pretty much the same as Pat Carroll's group in Brisbane.

If there are runners out there who want to improve their performance, they should give Sean's sessions a go.

I have no vested interest in this as I have given up on any speed related goals for a while after last Saturday's debacle.

Just thought that I would balance the argument before CRs thought that maybe Sean was a dodgy character and to give his training the wide berth.

[Long Arms]

Thanks for keeping the thread rolling Greeny. If it wasn't for contribution then it would have disappeared into oblivion.

Cindy has been in my squad since it's birth about 5 years ago- was one of the original members. Self promotion- yep that's part of business. I'm glad that Cindy gave me a wrap.

Lucky legs is right in saying that most Cool Runners post anonomously- although it doesn't take too many of us that long to suss out who they are!

Some people running businesses in here go for the free advertising only, but I am proud to say that I pay my 100 bucks a month to Cool Running for my add, so I don't only go for the freebees.

How is your 6 ft track training going? Most people I speak to have you as their favourite to win.

I'm glad to hear that your Club 28 camp went well. I have conducted 8 separate training camps over the past 3 years, with an average of 25 runners per camp. If you want to swap notes on camp organisation, etc, give me a call.

Regards,

Sean
www.sweatsydney.com.au

[Blue Dog]

I would also like to offer a big thumbs up for Long Arms (Sean Williams) and his training groups.

I all-too-briefly had a few training sessions with one of Sean's groups on a Tues & Thurs afternoon, only having to withdraw from the group due to being accepted into a TAFE course conducted on those very same evenings. Sean's groups make you feel very welcome, and keep a good punctual schedule.

I can positively comment on Sean's training, and also add that a recently-turned-fifty snowy- haired Strider, plus another Strider that bears the name of the Prophet, both freely attribute their very recent outstanding form to Sean's coaching & methodology (as well as their own hard work, naturally).

As for RunningFan, I'm also giving her my support for two reasons -
1/ she coached us for a session when Sean was unable to make it, and did a bloody good job; and
2/ Top effort for supporting your partner Cindy...with a good woman like yourself alongside him, Sean & 'sweatsydney' can't miss.....certain to become Sydney's answer to Pat's great Brisbane-based operation.

Nothing in this for me...I just call it how I see it.
Cheers, Blue Dog. B)

[notveryfast]

Sean,

I see the hard work you put into your training group, I hope it all goes well for you.

You are bringing some very good young guys and gals into the sport, which keeps me on my toes.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers
notveryfast

[danieljohngreen]

Sean

I think it is great that you are supporting the site by advertising on CR and you are certainly entitled to the free advertising to go along with it, just like everyone else. But, I have seen this issue (ie. people not identifying their financial interest in a matter) raise its ugly head several times before on CR and just wanted to let people know.

Six foot training is going reasonably well, but probably best saved for another thread.

Regards
Greeny

[Luckylegs]

I'm so pleased I wasn't too much out of line with my original comment; I try not to be judgemental about people & look for the best in them; I'm a bit like Blue Dog : "I call it as I see it".

And now, judging by the comments that followed, Sean (didn't know you were Longarms!) & Cindy# (Running Fan) must be pleased with the support given here by their clients..

# What's the saying? Something like : "Behind every great man, there's an even greater woman"! :) LL :)

[RunningFan]

I did not realise my post was going to spark such interest. I guess there are a few things that I should address:

1. I registered on coolrunning.com.au in January, because I started to take an interest in the site, and it was nice to see runners who were as passionate about the sport as I am. When I went to make a post the other day, I just looked up what I had chosen before. From looking at the other posts, I thought that it was an accepted (and perhaps encouraged?) standard to NOT use my name. Besides, I figured that anyone who really wanted to know would ascertain it from my email address, as Daniel did.

2. My real purpose for the post was to encourage as many runners as possible to try an organised group. I really mean what I say about the fact that sometimes the only thing that gets me out the door on time is the fact that I am meeting people. (And even then I seem to always be 5 minutes late, but that is another story....) And as much as I enjoy training hard, I also adore the social side of running sessions.

And I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting newcomers to the group such as Keith Bateman and Mohammad (sorry, I don't know their 'handles'), train hard with them, and then get to see the look on their faces when they run PBs. I have made true friends from the squad, and I really look forward to attending every single session. And I can assure you that I dont get any favours - just as Victor from Striders when we are 'giving it our all' at the end of a rep!

3. Sorry to have broken a protocol and I am happy to go on record as having a "definite interest" in supporting Sean Williams and his SWEAT running business. I consider myself blessed to be able to watch and support someone dedicate hours to helping others pursue their athletics goals.

Cindy King

[Blue Dog]

Luckylegs said

[indent]quote:

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"Behind every great man, there's an even greater woman"! LL

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[/indent]Now ain't that the truth! B) :)

[DeadLegs]

In my CoolRunning Conflict of Interest Declaration I pronouce that I have trained with Long Arms for years and that the Running Fan has on occasions cooked me banana muffins.

But on a serious note, I would recommend Long Arms as a coach. Anyone who has trained with or been coached by Long Arms will know the dedication he has put into improving athletes of all abilities. Apart from us oldies Long Arms also has an enthusiasm for helping juniors and over the next 5 years, some of his junior athletes will dominate the national running scene - but more importantly, all the kids will have a love of running. I hope to bring my son along to train with Long Arms in 10 years time.

I think Running Fan should have declared her interest but she would have been the odd one out - how many suss "who was that group training in Timbrell Park" .. . "they were great and excellent value" posts have we had ? At least Long Arms declared his interest right at the start of the post.

Moving from teaching to full time coaching was a bold move for Long Arms but anyone who has seen the time that Long Arms has committed to his athletes will wish him success with "Sweat".

[Jogger]

I think that making a statement in your signature as to any financial interest is a good move.

Steve Footman did this, and I have started to include it on my signature also. But a whole lot of others don't. Given that many runners are also involved with organising "something" be it a race, a club, a shop, a training group, it seems only fair to declare the interest. Many items get talked up here, and I am not always sure whether its a satisfied customer with no financial interest or free spamming.

It wasn't even clear to me when reading the first post that it was sean posting!

In general, it works well here, and there are only a few people that publicise their ventures in an ongoing manner without paying for some ad time (need not be permanent).

[Action]

Deadlegs said: [indent]quote:

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how many suss "who was that group training in Timbrell Park" .. .

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[/indent]The subtle difference with Timbrell and Sean's group is that no money changes hands (not to mention no organisers either). Nobody is making a buck out of running at Timbrell.

Surely it is not too much to ask for a simple statement of financial interest. That's all. :)

[superflake]

I really think we should take the perspective of the new runner here.
Regarding Running fan's post:
I met Long arms on Aust day and have been reading the post about top distance runners in NSW with interest. Started by Long arms.

I don't know Cindy King and I have only met Sean(long arms) once.
If the average runner had read the thread they would have no idea that Running fan was cindy king other than reading the profile.
The same with my profile my email is on there and it gives my last name.

If greeny had not 'outed' cindy as having a vested interest and Seans partner the new or nearly new runners would have no idea who she was.

And Sean advertisers on CR anyway. If he didn't then maybe you can jump on runningfan for self promotion.

I did just see someone register a couple of days ago as 5dock physio or something like that. That is blatant bending the CR rules. KT is probably now looking?

As Cindy has now said after the event she has a vested interest in Sean's group.
So I can't see the harm.
Maybe now Runningfan should add the website to the bottom of your posts as Kevin suggested.

[LAWRIE WHITTY]

The product that Sean has (i.e coaching) is not in question. It is probably the best thing that has happened to Sydney athletics for a long time.

It is Cindy's method used to convey the fact that is in question.It's probably not an approach I would take but overall what damage has it done except to advertise a healthy service?

[Jogger]

Lawrie - it's mote the message it sends to ... ah ... less desirable services. CoolRunning needs to be consistent in the way it treats these things. Anything "underhand" is a no no. Being upfront and honest is always a winner. Too many "free announcements" are a no no. Other people fly close to the wind also.. :rolleyes: so don't worry.

[Fossil]

I too think it would be helpful for anyone with a financial interest to declare it. So with that out of the way ... I am in Sean's squad and, having been in sport coaching myself (skiing) for well over 20 years, I can recognise a good coach when I see one.
I also started the Wednesday Striders group and that would be ideal for anyone wanting to start speed training in a friendly environment where ability does not matter - 4 of the Wednesday group have moved onto Sean's group and one to Mike Lawson at Narabeen. Oh and BTW, I built Seans website so that's blatent advertising and my declaration all in one :-)

[ParkRat]

Hope he's got a tax invoice.

[DeadLegs]

Action

You said

[indent]quote:

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The subtle difference with Timbrell and Sean's group is that no money changes hands (not to mention no organisers either). Nobody is making a buck out of running at Timbrell.

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[/indent]In making the comment on Timbrell Park I was refering to the posts from FreeSpirit training and the testimonals from Feespirit's athletes - although in fairness in reviewing over the old posts before commenting on your post I notice that Freespirit did put a caveat at the start of the post that the post was an ad

[Jogger]

Freespirit's groups are probably one of the people that fly close to the the wind. He has had his "one free ad / spam" and that's that.

Other people raise the subject on a regular basis and he steps in with a response which is fair enough, so its not him that keeps raising the issue. However he is deriving much discussion on this site and I am guessing morst of his client were readers of coolrunning before they became his clients, so an ad on CoolRunning would be fair. Even other hyper-hypers like the Striders pay for an ad.

I am not saying that everyone has to pay for an ad, but there is a fine line between "fair exchange of information" and "promotion of a business" and sometimes people have to be called on it.

[freespiritfitness]

while i certainly appreciate being able to use a forum like CR, the truth is that a very small percentage of our run club members heard about us here.

the consistent best advertising for run club has been a sign that I set up at the bay run area each weekend.

kev is absolutely right about paying for advertising and we may well do that at some stage, until then he's the boss and can edit/delete any posts as he sees fit.

the irony of Sean's situation is that he's one of the best coaches in Sydney and as such doesn't need to get the missus to give him an anonymous 'rap' on CR!

and on a final note I have to admire Action's consistency - at least he didn't just pick on me!

good luck to all run clubs, and may the advertising dollars flow as freely as the drivel from vault_man's pen.

[Long Arms]

Thanks for the tip about the sign advertising Freespirit. What sort of sign do you use? I may look into it- possibly may paint the car- plenty of personal trainers around Centennial go for that option. I like the look of your newly developed website

Good luck with your Bay Run Squad.

Sean Williams
www.sweatsydney.com.au

[freespiritfitness]

sean, both the car and the sign have proven really effective. i had them done by the same company in balmain.give me a call if you want the number.
tim

you too kev, you'd look great driving around in a COOL RUNNING mobile!

[Dawn Runner]

Hi Everyone,

My running buddy has just left the country and I'm looking to join a group - preferably a free group of runners. I prefer to start at 6am or 6.30am as the winter draws in. I've been running 13 years, have done 4 city to surfs (72 min last time) and am around 60 minutes for 10k, on a hilly route. I can do one centennial park circle in 17.5 minutes. Would like to improve. Already do intervals / fartlek / long reps. May try SWEAT and Striders, but what other choices are there? I may try them all.

[John Dawlings]

Just look at the Clubs link to the left of the page. I'm not so sure about 'free' clubs. Most groups, including the two you mention, have a membership / attendance fee of some sort.

[roja the runner]

i run in Seans running group in the morn and at night .. its the best training group i have ever experienced .. i have trained with Pam Turney Chris Wardlaw and many other national coaches .. the training doesnt differ hugely but the positive attitude of sean andd the non elitist approach is what we all need .

Top effort Sean .. the size of your group and the quality of the person in it is a reflection.. Cindy jus loves to spread the word!!

Roja

[craig871]

is this still going on?

[Vurt]

craig871, on Jan 12 2009, 10:04 PM, said:

is this still going on?

Yes, it is still going. You can check Sean's webpage for more info http://www.sweatsydney.com.au/