ADVANCED MIDDLE/DISTANCE TRAINING SQUAD

 
The aim of this squad is to have fun – with serious intent.  

This advanced coached squad aims to cater to those athletes who are particularly focused on regular structured training based around Athletics Victoria/Australia Athletics sanctioned middle-distance and long-distance events (track – 800m upwards [including steeplechase], cross-country and road [including marathon]) and the Uni Games National Athletics Championships. Masters age athletes are often also a component of the training squad as well.
 

Training times are 5.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays each week with warm up commencing at the Rawlinson Track at that time, meeting at the end of the 100m (poolside) straight, just inside the entrance gate. Please note times and location are subject to change.  
 

The squad culture is one of a supportive, inclusive and safe environment for all with an aim to managing load and achieving consistency of each individual’s training. A key component of what is expected within the training group is collaboration and support to each other in achieving individual and team related athletic goals, regular participation and communication. 
 

World Athletics Accredited coach, Tony Brain coaches this squad and has significant coaching experience, particularly in respect of those in their final years of underage competition and then transitioning to Open Age competition.
 

As this squad looks to maintain individual attention to long-term athlete development, Tony sees it important to have at least a phone discussion prior to you coming down and joining in with the squad, so please get in touch via the details below beforehand. 
 

Current intentions around your athletics, including levels of commitment and goals - as opposed to past performances and standards are valued the most – hence the group has a diverse range of abilities and athletic backgrounds training at present. 

*As noted, before coming along to training for the first time please contact Tony at tbrain64@gmail.com or 0414 247 149 so that he can develop an initial understanding of your running background and whether this training group seems best for you.  

Saturday morning sessions and other one-on-one or smaller group sessions are also arranged from time-to-time on an as-needed basis over each of the Summer and Winter seasons. Easy runs on other days are organised on an intra-group basis. 

Tony is qualified with each of World Athletics and Australian Track & Field Coaches Association Accreditations: Level 4 Senior Coach - Middle/Distance Disciplines. He has been an MUAC member for nearly 40 years, coaching for approximately the last 30 years. Tony has coached athletes to state, national and international events and remains a “social” competitor himself in Milers and winter and summer AV Events. Tony has coached athletes to Victorian titles, medals at state and national championships and state event records.

He is also the current Vice President of MUAC and in 2025 is one of two appointed coaches to the University of Melbourne University Games Athletics Championships team.

On the sporting fields himself, Tony has participated at an elite level having represented Australia and Victoria in Underwater Hockey.

After a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University, Tony's professional career headed down the path as a Chartered Accountant, having worked for Deloitte and AustralianSuper and now involved in a number of Boards and Committees as a Director and Committee member. Tony's family includes wife Daniela and two teenage boys who are actively involved in various sports.