Just for Beginners…
Q: What if I’ve never run before?
A: Then you may like to join one of our six-week or eight-week absolute Beginners’ Courses, which take place once a year in the spring. If you’re one of the many women who say they can’t run for a bus or even 25 yards to the end of their garden, then any of these courses would be perfect for you. And, better still, you would be in good company with a large number of other women who have also never run before!
Q: When will the next Beginners’ Courses be held?
A: Evening courses take place once a year in the spring (starting in March or April) at Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Princes Risborough, Slough and Windsor. This is to make the most of the lighter nights at this time of the year. As soon as the dates of the 2012 courses are known, they will be posted on this website so keep a regular check if you want to know the start date for your preferred group. Note that no other beginners courses are held during the year.
Q: What does it cost?
A: The Beginners Course costs just £15.00 including all tuition, a training schedule and a Running Sisters T-shirt. Those joining the courses also receive free Running Sisters membership until August 31st. Annual membership thereafter is also £15.00 a year, starting on September 1st. Note that this is a separate fee from the Beginners’ Course. Cheques should be made payable to Running Sisters Chilterns Area.
Q: How do I join?
A: You can simply turn up on the first night to fill in an application form, register and pay your course fee. But, if you want more information in advance, then contact the appropriate group leader via the Find Your Club links on the right.
Q: Disaster! What if I can’t come on the first course night?
A: We’ll accept beginners to start in the second week but not after that. Sorry. However, if you are too late to start a beginners course at one group, you can always do the course at another venue where there is a later start date. Then, once you are up to three miles, you can run with any of the groups in the Chilterns Area.
Q: I’m a bit shy. Can I come on my own?
A: Of course! Running Sisters is a great group 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: 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 88! (*Note that the minimum age for membership will rise to 18 on 1st September 2012).
Q: I’m overweight. Can I still run?
A: Yes. In fact, you’ll probably find that you may 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: I suffer from asthma. Can I still run?
A: 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: What should I wear?
A: A sweatshirt or T-shirt and leggings, or track-suit bottoms, are fine. You’ll also find that you 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: 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 six weeks to the promised three miles.
Q: How can I possibly achieve three miles in just six 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 the course night training session. Note that the Slough and Windsor courses are eight weeks long and the target is four miles.
Q: What happens at the end of the course?
A: You can enter your group’s Beginners Fun Run. It doesn’t matter where you finish, everyone gets a medal and it’s a very enjoyable event. After that, if you feel you’d like to keep up you new-found fitness and to continue running, you can become a fully-fledged member of the Running Sisters.