1. When and where do you meet?
The club meets for training two times a week: Tuesday evenings for club runs from The Heath and Thursday evenings for coached sessions.
2. How far do you run?
Most first-timers are terrified that they’re going to be made to run a marathon as soon as they join the club. But many have been club members for years, with no desire to run a marathon. So please do not worry! You will not be out running for hours. Beginners are well looked after and you will only run as much as is comfortable for you. That may be a couple of hundred yards, or it may be as much as a mile (or more). It will depend upon you.
3. How fast do you run?
Another misconception about joining a running club is that it’s going to be full of elite runners who charge along at 90 miles an hour. A very small percentage of our club members are fast, competitive runners. The vast majority is made up of people seeking to become/keep fit through running and then it’s your choice if want to take part in competitions. We would always encourage you to take part as that caters for all abilities as well, but you will not be pressured to do so.
As there are so many club members, everyone is divided into groups of the same ability. The absolute beginners will run with other absolute beginners, those with a little more experience will run with those of the same speed, fast runners will run with other fast runners.
4. Will I hold everyone up?
Absolutely not. It is the club etiquette for the group to stick together. Those who are faster and end up pulling ahead must loop back and join the back of the group for a while. They will end up covering more ground and therefore getting the longer run that they’re capable of. Everyone then gets to run their own distance while staying part of the team. There is no chance of your holding anyone up.
5. What do I wear?
The only piece of equipment we recommend is a good pair of ‘running trainers’ to prevent the likelihood of injury.
In winter and for night time running wearing a reflective bib (Hi-Vis vest) is part of the conditions that you agree to when running with the club. You can purchase reflective bibs through the club or they can easily be found at sports retailers.
6. When should I stretch?
At the beginning of the run, just take it slowly; this will warm your muscles up ready to run. At the end of the run stretch exercises can (should) be done, as your muscles will be warm and loose.