How do I join?
Please contact us on info@jelly-legs.co.uk or 01227 830984. We will then send you more information on the location you are interested in, the monthly programme and the appropriate forms for completion.
How much is it to join?
To join Jelly legs (outside of our courses) we have an annual membership fee of £20 or £34 (if you would like to become an affiliated member). We then charge a £3 per session fee. At all locations we offer you the opportunity to give us a try (taster session) before you commit to the annual membership fee. All we ask for is the £3 session fee and the completed forms.
Do you run in all weathers?
Yes we do run in ALL weathers come wind, rain or shine! In rare situations such as ice or snow we may have to cancel or re-locate a run at short notice. A decision will be made by 4pm on that particular day and a note added to the relevant local groups page on our website. In addition we also e-mail and facebook all current members. If you are unsure as to whether a session is on or not, please contact your leader or call 01227 830984.
I already run, can I join the Improver/Intermediate sessions at anytime during the year?
Yes, the minimum requirement for an Improver session is that our members can run for 3.5 miles or more without a walk break. The minimum requirement for an Intermediate session is that our members can run for 5 miles or more without a walk break. The pace isn’t as important, as we operate a loop back system ensuring that no one ever gets left behind. We also split the group dependent on ability and speed. If you are not quite at these levels at the moment we suggest that you either join us via our returner’s or Improver's courses or contact us for more guidance.
Where do you meet?
During the winter months the evening runs are around the streets of Canterbury, Deal and Whitstable so that we can utilise street light. We rotate the locations of our meeting places to keep the routes as varied and interesting as possible. During daylight hours and in the lighter summer months we take our runs through the beautiful Kent countryside and surrounding footpaths. We provide a monthly programme which shows the exact location of each session.
What time do you meet?
All our evening sessions start at 6.30pm (unless otherwise stated on the programme).
Can I run at anyone of the different locations?
Yes, once you are a member of Jelly Legs you have the flexibility to run in anyone of our three different locations.
How far and how fast do you run?
After the returner's or Improver's running courses, you will be slowly integrated in with our main group. The Improver sessions within our main group tend to run between 4 to 5 miles. Our Intermediate runners tend to run between 5 to 7 miles on a club night. For both groups the allocated leader will ensure that those at the back of the pack are not left behind or forced to run at a pace they struggle with. Equally those who wish to run faster or further will be given extra loops to ensure they also get a good workout.
What if I can’t keep up with the others?
At Jelly Legs we always run as a group ensuring that no one ever gets left behind. At all locations the leader will ensure that those at the back of the pack are not left behind or forced to run at a pace they struggle with. Equally those who wish to run faster or further will be given extra loops to ensure they also get a good workout. As we have a number of leaders at each location we often split the group dependent on abilities to ensure that everyone gains something from our sessions.
I’m a bit nervous about coming on my own. Will I be all right?
Yes you will be fine. Jelly Legs provides a welcoming, social, non-competitive environment in which people of any fitness level, age, size or ability have the opportunity to run together to improve their health, fitness and confidence. Our leaders and members are fantastic at welcoming along new members, putting them immediately at ease
What if I am seen by someone I know?
Lots of new runners worry about what others think of them. Don't! Often other people are so caught up in their own thoughts, they won't have noticed you. Even if they do, just remember they are having to walk. You're running!
Do you have any age restrictions?
We welcome anybody over the age of 16. The majority of our members are between 30 and 55 but we have many older and younger runners that also run with us. We can cater for members from 16 onwards but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
I suffer from asthma. Can I still run?
Several of our members have asthma. Please ensure that you have your inhaler on you at all times whilst walking/running with the group. If in doubt, please check with your doctor first.
I’m overweight. Can I still join Jelly Legs?
Yes you can. Exercise combined with a healthy diet is the perfect way of losing weight and boosting your confidence. We suggest that you join us via our returner's course as this will ease you into exercise and avoid putting too much pressure on your joints. Please use the time before our course starts as an opportunity to improve on your fitness levels, this will help to get your body and mind ready for running. Please make sure that you can comfortably walk at a brisk pace for 60 minutes three times a week before starting to incorporate some running into your sessions.
If you don't feel quite ready to join straight away then we do run courses throughout the year. If in doubt or if you are significantly overweight, please check with your doctor first.
I'm on a calorie controlled diet. Can I still exercise?
Yes you can. However, you need to make sure that you are consuming enough calories to be able to start a fitness regime. We would suggest that as a rough guideline women need to be on a minimum of 1400 calories and men 1900 calories a day. If you do not consume enough calories throughout the day you are unlikely to have sufficient energy to be able to follow our programmes. You will also need to ensure that you drink a minimum of 2 litres of water a day as being dehydrated can also effect your performance. If in doubt, please check with your doctor, first.
Should I train if I have a sore throat, cough or a cold?
In general, it is safe to continue running if you feel like it, provided that your body temperature is normal and that all the symptoms are from the neck upwards. You should not run if your temperature or resting heart rate are elevated, you have aching muscles or sore joints, diarrhoea, or if you have a chest infection. If your symptoms are a nothing more than a sore throat or a runny nose, you can go out for an easy run. If your head starts to pound or if you don’t feel well, turn round and go home.
Our experience is that it is better to rest if you don’t feel well. You are likely to lose less running overall if you let your body recover and get back to full strength quickly than if you try to train through an infection, and prolong the time it takes you to recover. If you do run with a cold, take it easy. Don’t do a hard session, or a long run.
You should not exercise at all if you have symptoms of a viral infection (such as fever, aching muscles or sore joints)
What should I wear?
One of the best things about running is that you don't need any fancy equipment or expensive running clothing to get you started. All you really need is a good pair of running trainers. It's not a good idea to dig out those old fashion trainers from the back of your closet and assume you can run in them for years. You will eventually need fresh, well-cushioned trainers that are designed for running, fit well and match your running style.
Your leaders will be able to advise you of the local specialised sports retailers who will be able to give you expert advice on the best trainers for your running style. Upon production of your membership card you will also be entitled to a discount off of any purchases. Women also need to make sure that they wear a good supportive sports bra. The sports bra should fit you properly and not be too stretched out.
When you first start out the best clothing to wear is a sweatshirt, T-shirt, leggings or track-suit bottoms. If you layer, it gives you the option to take off an item if you get too warm. Over time you can invest in technical clothing that keeps you dry in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you're running in cold or warm weather, you need to make sure you're wearing the proper clothing for comfort and safety.
What if I’ve not run in a long time?
If you've never run before, or not for a long time, our returner's running course is just for you. It is designed for those of you who would like to learn to run, to improve your health, fitness and confidence. We suggest that you use the time before our course starts as an opportunity to improve on your fitness levels, this will help to get your body and mind ready for running. Please make sure that you can comfortably walk at a brisk pace for 60 minutes three times a week before starting our running course. If you don't feel quite ready to join straight away then we do run courses throughout the year. If in doubt or if you are significantly overweight, please check with your doctor first.
Your first runs are often more mentally than physically challenging. Wondering how anyone can run for more than 10 minutes is normal if you're new to running, but over the weeks with our returner's programme you will be amazed with what you can achieve.
Will I be expected to come every week?
For the courses consistency is key, so we encourage you to come every week. If you can’t come on your usual night for some reason, you are welcome to come to another session to make up for it. If you miss a number of weeks in succession and haven't managed to run/walk outside of the group on your own, we suggest that you contact your leader before you come along again as it may be that the group have progressed more than you are able to safely run at. If this is the case we may suggest that you wait till the next beginners course starts before you start running with us again.
After the courses, or if you join us as an Improver or Intermediate, you can run with us as many times as you would like.
What if I can’t come on the first course session?
We accept new members for the first couple of weeks into a course as long depending on your current fitness levels. We suggest you contact us for guidance.
Do I need to do anything to prepare myself for the returner’s running course?
We suggest that you use the time before our course starts as an opportunity to improve on your fitness levels, this will help to get your body and mind ready for running. Please make sure that you can comfortably walk at a brisk pace for 60 minutes three times a week before starting our running course. If you don't feel quite ready to join straight away then we do run courses throughout the year. If in doubt or if you are significantly overweight, please check with your doctor first.
How do the courses work?
We follow a tried and tested programme, gradually building up over the weeks. We’ll also ask you to repeat what you have learnt with your leader a couple more times in the week to help build up your stamina before your next session.
What if I don't continue with the whole course, do I get a refund?
We offer all new members an opportunity to come and have a taster session with us before they commit to joining Jelly Legs. Once you have joined, the annual membership fee is non-refundable. We also don't refund session fees paid upfront for a course unless there are exceptional circumstances. We allow you a 5 week period from when the course starts in which to use up your pre-paid session fees. With the club offering 5 sessions a week across our three different locations, this should give you plenty of time to use them up.
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