Beginner Running Programme

A structured 10 week beginner running programme planned and delivered by a UK Athletics qualified Run Leader and Running Coach. All sessions are Fun, Friendly and Supportive teaching a variety of different skills, techniques and the knowledge to achieve your goal of running 5K.

If you are brand new to running then this is the best place to start. Similar to the couch to 5k concept, the Beginner Running programme slowly builds up the distance over 10 weeks. In week 10 we head to a local 5k running event organised by ParkRun and then head to a local cafe for a celebration and cake.

Whilst there are many apps and programmes out there that can help you get to 5k on your own, there are many benefits of doing it as part of a group. Our past participants have found the groups really supportive, social and motivating. Many have said that they would have put off going for a run if they had to go out on their own but attending the groups helps keep them motivated. Also, you have the support and knowledge of a qualified running coach throughout the programme who will show you the correct posture and technique for running which helps reduce the chance of injury.

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Upcoming Course Dates

Please see below for our next courses

Course Start Date

Monday 25th April 2022

Session Times

Monday evenings – 6.15pm meet for a 6.30pm start

Location

Mountbatten Centre Car Park – PO2 9QA

Cost

£30 for the full 10 week course

Additional Info

The programme runs for 5 weeks, takes a 1 week break during the half term week (w/c 30/05/2022 where you are encouraged to complete your own homework runs) and then continues for the final 5 weeks.

The final graduation run will be on Saturday 9th July 2022 at a local 5k Parkrun event.

Full payment is required prior to the first session which can be booked online via our RunTogether page. There are no refunds available for missing sessions or dropping out of the course.

The programme has one coached session each week and you will be encouraged to complete a second run in your own time to help keep you on track as the programme progresses. We will provide you with the info and tools to help you plan these runs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question and don’t see the answer below? Feel free to get in touch

Do you run in all weather?
You never know what the conditions will be on race day – therefore the sessions take place rain or shine. However, in extreme conditions and if weather warnings have been issued by the Met office then sessions may be cancelled.
Is there parking?
There is a free public car park at Mountbatten Centre. Vehicles are left at owner’s risk.
What should I wear?
You don’t need to buy lots of expensive gear. A comfy pair of trainers, t-shirt, shorts or leggings are fine to start with. Be aware of the weather – a light jacket is ideal if its raining. Hats and gloves are recommended for if its cold.
I can only attend 1 session a week. Is that ok?
Of course. However, we recommend trying to fit in at least 1 additional homework run in your own time for best results. We can help you organise this.

What do I need to bring?
Some runners like to bring water to run with. I am happy to carry bottles, keys etc if you wish to run without holding items. We have high visibility vests and running lights which are available for you to use if required.
Can it be tailored to my pace?
Naturally some people will run faster than others. The routes that we take allow for ‘loopbacks’. This means that those at a faster pace can push themselves and loopback to rejoin the rest of the group. This is a really great technique to ensure no one feels like they are holding others up.
Can children participate?
Under 18s are welcome to participate but they must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them for the duration of the session. As people will run at different paces, I will not be able to fully monitor any under 18s all the time so the adult accompanying them is responsible for staying with them during the run.