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New Running Group
We all know that starting out on the road to become a runner is not an easy one.
I am going to become an orgainser for the Women's Running Network and set up a new group in my home town in the next few weeks.
I will be going on the course and I know I have the 100% back up and support of the WRN but I would like your advice too.
Do you remember when you started running? What help and support did you get - or didn't get that would have been really useful.
The WRN is not just for beginners but for all women that want to run. So what would be your ideal running club/group? And if you were starting out all over again, what would you have done differently?
I am going to become an orgainser for the Women's Running Network and set up a new group in my home town in the next few weeks.
I will be going on the course and I know I have the 100% back up and support of the WRN but I would like your advice too.
Do you remember when you started running? What help and support did you get - or didn't get that would have been really useful.
The WRN is not just for beginners but for all women that want to run. So what would be your ideal running club/group? And if you were starting out all over again, what would you have done differently?
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Comments
I can't tell you anything you don't already know about this, apart from everybody is different!
I have no natural endurance, I love sprinting up hills, yet I am a plump middle-aged lady!
I am also a fully qualified psychiatrist, who specialises in cognitive and behavioural therapy - so if you have any beginners who have particularly troublesome difficulties, just email me and between us, I am sure we will work something out that will move them forward.
Lots of love...
ill be more helpful tomorrow
And lynne, you are skinny
They have a rota for food so there is ALWAYS ample supply of chocolate, energy bars, sweeties and fruit with water and juice available for all after every club session. This means people stay and eat and chat after running. YUMMY! Good incentive to keep going back to club house
Thats one good bit! Many others
Also NO-ONE - whatever their pace gets left behind - the faster ones run ahead then come back to collect others - and EVERYONE at EVERY level is encouraged.
For those still not confident enough there is a TOTAL beginners group, which is run by other members on a different evening, with a view to building up to being able to run 1 mile, no walking break, then 2, 3, etc...then they are encouraged and supported to come along to main club sessions.
It is all inclusive. There is ALWAYS support from others at races - many who are not running come along to cheer others on, normally because there is usually a pub nearby for a social afterwards!!
Everyones achievements are recognised in the monthly newsletter....not just those that often win.......but great articles about for example someones first ever half marathon FANTASTIC! Achieved in 2:45 and raised 400 smackeroonies for charity etc. Lots of WOW about individual achievements no matter how they compare to the fastest of racers. Its motivating for everyone
And regular socials (.....hic!!)
And we always travel together to races, start together regardless of pace .....a small mass of us in club t shirts before the gun goes off!
And those that finish towards the front ALWAYS wait to cheer in those at the back of the pack and celebrate EVERYONES finish time!
And v often.....then to the pub!
I also occasionally (when feeling v brave!) go to a training sess with local athletic club - different story altogether and v little welcome/ encouragement really and everyone is too fast and there is v little willingness to help! .........and they NEVER go to the pub..........and there is NO FOOD!! OR WATER!
But I do go now and then, cos I've paid my m'ship and they will have to put up with my pace now and again!!
This is good news, paradoxically, as scope for fat loss = possible pbs in the future!
I dread to think what my fat would bbe
Happyrunning - is your group a WRN? It sounds a terrific club, that's just the sort of group I want, where everybody's needs are catered for. Everybody feels part of a team, and their achievements are celebrated by everyone.
Having food and drink is such a good idea, it means that everybody stays on, even if only for a short while to have a natter etc. There won't be a club house, probably going to use one of the local pubs.
I intend to start with one evening a week and then progress to additional nights or weekend mornings to try and suit everybody. I think a (complete) beginners night is important too, although I have faster running friends who have offered to come out with me to lead any faster members so I can stay at the back.
Apparantly, on the WRN course, they do teach you how to cater for a group of runners all at different speeds, I can't wait to learn that bit, because I am a slow runner and I have visions of them all becoming fit and fast and disappearing over the horizon whilst I'm struggling at the back on my own.
Look up website www.Hogweedtrotters.co.uk for a "feel" of it
Hippo - I can race 8 min miles at a v v red faced v hard looking like I'm going to die sort of push - BUT - thats only up to about 4 miles in a race and certainly NOT my normal training pace!! And I'm NEVER confident I can repeat that sort of performance! And at the athletic club the av I guess is 6/7 min miles and I am stranded in the distance v often!! So I Know how that feels, and I Know its not necessary from experiences up at Hogweeds to leave anyone out and still for everyone to have a great training session
But anyway, point is there are LOTS of runners in the club Male and Female averaging 10, 11, 12, 13 + min miles and ALL encouraged
Good luck Shades
I will check out your club website later today.
I have never run an 8 min mile in my life, think I've once done a sub 9 in mile intervals.
The WRN specify that to start all new members need to have a decent pair of running shoes, a good sports bra and a reflective bib. For the shoes this means they will have travel to Exeter or Plymouth for our nearest running shops, I've just got to ban them from JB or Tony Pryce shops.
I feel very strongly about the shoe issue, if necessary I'll take them up to the running shop myself.
I am also intending to have a complete beginners night, until they can run for say 1 mile, and then move up to join the other group, but only when they feel ready. There will be no pressure for anyone to take part in a race, although I expect that will come naturally as we have a local R4L and a Womens 10k.
I'm attending an Organiser's Day soon, where I will have a chance to talk to other organisers who already have their groups set up, so hopefully will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls.
The feedback I am getting from this thread is so helpful.