THE CHILTERNS RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Running has now become one of the most popular sports in the country and every week you'll see people out jogging either on their own or in a group. And these days you'll notice that many, if not most, of those runners are women.
It's an ideal keep-fit activity for women since you can do it where and when you want, it's cheap and it's excellent aerobic and bone-loading exercise, great for a healthy heart and lungs and for keeping osteoporosis at bay.
Some people enjoy running on their own but others need the incentive and companionship of others to motivate themselves to get out their trainers. And this is what Running Sisters is all about. Our ethos is to provide a safe, friendly, sociable environment for women to run together to keep fit.
Runners of all standards are welcome to join any of our women-only groups in Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Princes Risborough, Slough or Windsor. And, if you've never run before but want to start, then why not join one of our annual courses for absolute beginners and we promise to get you running three miles within six weeks - and that's starting from absolute zero...yes, really!
You'll find the answers to any questions you may have on the next three pages and a list of local groups on the final page plus e-mail links to each of them.
|
|
|
|
CHILTERNS RUNNING SISTERS Q & A
|
|
Q 1
|
Who are the Running Sisters?
|
|
A
|
The Running Sisters began in the 1980s and there are now seven very well-supported groups in the Chilterns area - at Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Princes Risborough, Slough and Windsor.
|
|
Q 2
|
What is your aim?
|
|
A
|
To offer women an opportunity to run and get fit in a friendly, sociable and non-pressurised atmosphere. No one gets left behind because they are a bit slow.
|
|
Q 3
|
Where do you meet?
|
|
A
|
At various venues from athletics clubs to village halls. But always at a centre which offers plenty of opportunity for both daylight and night-time runs.
|
|
Q 4
|
When do you meet?
|
|
A
|
You can run virtually every day of the week with one group or another. Meeting times are listed on the Contacts page.
|
|
Q 5
|
What if I've never run before?
|
|
A
|
Then your best bet would be to join one of our Beginners' Courses which take place every spring (plus one in September at Slough) where you would be with a group of other women who have also never run before. And this means people who can't run for a bus or even 25 yards to the end of their garden - really!
|
|
Q 6
|
When is the next Beginners' Course?
|
|
A
|
Courses last either six or eight weeks are generally run in the spring when the evenings are getting lighter and you can enjoy your new-found fitness in the summer months. But the Slough group offers and early-autumn courses as well.
|
|
Q 7
|
What does it cost?
|
|
A
|
Beginners' courses cost £15.00 including tuition, a training schedule and a Running Sisters T-shirt when you complete the course.
|
|
Q 8
|
How do I join a Beginners' Course?
|
|
A
|
Just turn up on the first night to sign on (yes, even if it's pouring with rain!) But, if you want to check start dates or need more information and an application form, please e-mail the appropriate group leader (see Contacts section).
|
|
Q 9
|
Disaster! What if I can't come on the first course night?
|
|
A
|
We'll accept complete beginners to start in the second week but not after that. Sorry.
|
|
Q 10
|
I'm a bit shy. Can I come on my own?
|
|
A
|
Of course! This is a great organisation to join since it is so friendly. You will find yourself running alongside a wide variety of women and chatting away as you go. It's very sociable.
|
|
Q 11
|
Will I be too old?
|
|
A
|
Absolutely not!!! We accept members from 16* upwards and we have a wide range of ages - perhaps the majority of members are between 30 and 50 but there are many older and younger ones. There are also a few who started running at over 60 and our oldest member is 86! (*Our insurance policy does not cover us for under 16s).
|
|
Q 12
|
I'm overweight. Can I still run?
|
|
A
|
Yes. In fact, you'll probably find that you will lose some weight when you start running, or certainly that you'll feel and look trimmer. Running combined with dieting is an excellent way to lose weight but, if in doubt, or if you are very overweight, you should check with your doctor first.
|
|
Q 13
|
I suffer from asthma. Can I still run?
|
|
A
|
Well, Paula Radcliffe does! We have a number of members who have asthma. They simply carry an inhaler to be on the safe side but it doesn't stop them running. If in doubt, check with your doctor.
|
|
Q 14
|
What should I wear?
|
|
A
|
A sweatshirt or T-shirt and leggings, or track-suit bottoms, are fine. You'll also find that you'll probably need a sports bra. In the summer many women wear shorts and a cool running vest but it's up to you. You'll want to buy some good running shoes eventually but just wear trainers, or similar suitable shoes, until you have decided whether running is for you or not.
|
|
Q 15
|
What if I can't keep up with the others?
|
|
A
|
We build up so gradually that you'll be fine. On the first night we show you the "Sisters Shuffle" in which you jog so slowly that you could walk faster! Then we build up your speed and your stamina over the weeks to the promised target distance - some groups aim for three miles in six weeks, some for four in eight weeks.
|
|
Q 16
|
How can I possibly achieve that in a few weeks?
|
|
A
|
You will - honestly - providing you follow the course. And because we'll also ask you to do 'homework' twice a week to build up your stamina. This will involve repeating more or less what you have done on each training session.
|
|
|
Q 17
|
What if I don't like running?
|
|
A
|
Running isn't for everyone. We know that. If, after the first week or two of the course, you find you aren't enjoying it, let us know and we'll refund your course fee - no problem, no embarrassment and no questions asked.
|
|
Q 18
|
What happens at the end of the course?
|
|
A
|
You can enter the end-of-course Beginners' Fun Run - just to prove to yourself that you really can run that distance! It doesn't matter where you finish, everyone gets a medal and it's lots of fun. After that, if you feel you'd like to keep up your new-found fitness and to continue running, you can become a fully-fledged member of the Running Sisters.
|
|
Q 19
|
Supposing I have done some running before, do I still have to join the Beginners' Course?
|
|
A
|
No. If you can run two or three miles or your own or, if you are already fit because you participate in some other active sport regularly, then you are welcome to join us at any time. Most people find that they can run much further with a group than they can alone. Just come along on any night or e-mail any of the group leaders on the Contacts page.
|
|
Q 20
|
Where do you run?
|
|
A
|
That depends on the season. In the winter, we stick to well-lit roads and footpaths within about a three-mile radius of our meeting place. In the summer, we also venture out onto local footpaths and bridleways.
|
|
Q 21
|
How fast do you run?
|
|
A
|
Not very fast. The beginners certainly run very, very slowly to start with. The more experienced runners usually cover a mile in 10 to 12 minutes which is comfortable for most people.
|
|
Q 22
|
How far do you run?
|
|
A
|
Most groups will offer a choice of two or three runs from three-miles upwards. These will take between 45 minutes and an hour and a quarter to complete.
|
|
Q 23
|
Do you still run in the rain?
|
|
A
|
Very definitely yes. The only weather that stops us is snow or ice.
|
|
Q 24
|
Is it safe?
|
|
A
|
Would you attack a bunch of ten or twenty women, or even four women? We think not! But, more to the point, if anyone falls over or twists an ankle, there is always a companion available to call for help. The whole ethos of the Running Sisters is to stick together and look after each other so that no one gets left behind, if they are a little slower than the rest. We operate a 'peeling back' system so that, if the head of the crocodile gets too far ahead of the tail, the front runners simply peel off and run to the back, and so on, until we are back in a tightish group again.
|
|
Q 25
|
Do you hold other events?
|
|
A
|
Yes, occasionally we organise other events like treasure hunts, handicaps, fun runs, relays, Christmas meals and so on. We also let members know about other fun events, races and runs which they may like to participate in.
|
|
Q 26
|
Will I be expected to take part in races?
|
|
A
|
No, not at all. But many women find that they actually enjoy the occasional 5k (3.1 miles) or 10k (6.2 miles) fun run or race and several of our members have done half-marathons and a few have even the completed the London Marathon. So we cater for everyone.
|
|
Q 27
|
How much is it to join?
|
|
A
|
Annual membership runs from September 1st and costs only £12.00. But you don't have to pay on your first run with us. Just come along a few times and see if you like us first of all. And if you join one of our spring Beginners' Courses, then you have free membership until September 1st.
|
|
Q 28
|
Can I run with other groups?
|
|
A
|
The annual fee allows members and beginners to run with any of the seven Running Sisters groups in the Chilterns Area. Their club nights, venues and leaders' names and telephone numbers are listed on the Contacts page. You can just turn up on the night or e-mail in advance to check the details.
|
|
Q 29
|
If I join, am I expected to turn up on every run night?
|
|
A
|
Good heavens, no! You can come once a year or run every night, if you want.
|
|
Q 30
|
I don't live near any of the groups listed but I still want to run!
|
|
A
|
You might like to consider starting your own group. It's a great way to make friends and keep yourself motivated to run, too. Chilterns Running Sisters can help you do this very easily, both from a practical and a financial point of view. Other group leaders will come along and support you, and we can supply printed material and a leader's manual, too. And, since all the membership and beginners' course income from each group goes into the Chilterns Area treasury, this enables us to help new groups financially so you do not have to worry about paying for a meeting place or for advertising. Contact Caroline Gillies at Maidenhead Running Sisters for more details.
|
|
|
CHILTERNS RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
CONTACTS
|
|
|
|
|
BEACONSFIELD RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Thursdays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Reading Room, Wycombe End, Old Beaconsfield
|
|
|
HP9 2JW
|
|
Contact:
|
Pat Bond
|
|
E-mail:
|
beaconsfield@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual six-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Thursday, April 22nd at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
GERRARDS CROSS RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Thursdays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 7AD
|
|
Contact:
|
Pat Bacon
|
|
E-mail:
|
gerrardscross@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual six-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Thursday, March 25th 2010 at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
HIGH WYCOMBE RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Tuesdays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Sycamore Room, St Birinus Church Hall, Sycamore Road,
|
|
|
Booker, Near High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 4TJ
|
|
Contact:
|
Jess Wingrove (01494 438007) or Sue Hewitt
|
|
E-mail:
|
highwycombe@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual six-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Tuesday, March 16th at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
MAIDENHEAD RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
|
|
Time:
|
7.15 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Maidenhead Athletic Club Pavilion, Braywick Park, Braywick Road,
|
|
|
Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1BN
|
|
Contact:
|
Caroline Gillies (01628 627613) or Mandy Finch (01628 627522)
|
|
E-mail:
|
maidenhead@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual six-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Monday, April 12th 2010 at 7.15 p.m.
|
|
|
|
PRINCES RISBOROUGH RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Wednesdays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Community Centre, Stratton Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks
|
|
|
Bucks HP27 9BJ
|
|
Contact:
|
Sheila Cole or Denise Farmer
|
|
E-mail:
|
princesrisborough@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual six-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Wednesday, March 3rd at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
SLOUGH RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Wednesdays and Saturdays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m. (Wed) 11.00 a.m. (Sat)
|
|
Venue:
|
Changing Rooms, Upton Court Park, Slough, Berks SL3 7LU
|
|
Contact:
|
Jean Sellars
|
|
E-mail:
|
slough@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual eight-week courses in the Spring and Autumn.
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|
Next Autumn course Saturday, September date TBA
|
|
|
|
WINDSOR RUNNING SISTERS
|
|
Run Day:
|
Mondays
|
|
Time:
|
7.00 p.m.
|
|
Venue:
|
Datchet Dashers HQ, Home Park, Windsor SL4 6HX
|
|
Contact:
|
Jean Sellars
|
|
E-mail:
|
windsor@runningsisters.com
|
|
Beginners
|
Annual eight-week course starting in the Spring
|
|
Course:
|
Next course starts Monday, April 12th at 7.00 p.m.
|
|
|