What if I can’t come on the first Beginners course session?
We accept new beginners for the first couple of weeks into a course. After that, it will depend on your current fitness levels. We suggest you contact us for guidance.
Do I need to do anything to prepare myself for the beginner’s running course?
We suggest that you use the time before our beginner’s running 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 does the Beginners course work?
We follow a walk/run programme, starting with more walking than running, 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 does the Beginners course cost?
The course costs £50, this includes 10 session fees, your annual unaffiliated membership fee, club technical t-shirt or vest, advice and tuition from our qualified leaders, a club membership card which entitles you to discounts at local specialist sports retailers and legal liability Insurance.
What do I do when the Beginners course is over?
You will be gradually integrated into our Improvers sessions on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening.
I already run, can I join the Improvers/Intermediate sessions at anytime during the year?
Yes, the minimum requirement for an Improver session is that our members can run for 3 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 groups 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 beginner’s courses or contact us for more guidance.
Where do you meet?
During the winter months the runs are around the streets of Canterbury, Deal, Thanet, Whitstable and Herne Bay 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 and our weekend runs at 9am.
What if I’ve never run before?
If you've never run before, or not for a long time, our beginner'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 beginner’s running 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 beginner's programme you will be amazed with what you can achieve.
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.
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 the four different locations.
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 18. 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 under the age of 18 but they will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
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 beginners course as this will ease you into exercise nice and gently and avoid putting too much pressure on your joints. Please use the time before our beginner’s 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.
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.
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.
How far and how fast do you run?
After the beginners’ running course, you can move on to our Improver sessions within our main group, they tend to run between 3.5 to 4 miles over time. The Intermediate runners tend to run between 5 to 7 miles.
The Intermediate group will generally be running at a 9 to 11 minute mile pace, while the Improvers will be nearer a 11 to 12 minute mile pace. For both groups 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.
We also have an option to do longer runs on a Sunday morning These are for those wishing to increase their weekly mileage or who are training for a specific event. The group will generally be running at a 10-11 minute mile pace and covering a distance of between 6-8 miles. Although we can cater for those wishing to cover a longer distance.
Will I be expected to come every week?
For the beginners' courses consistency is key, so we encourage you to come every week. If you can’t come on your usual day for some reason, you are welcome to come to another beginners’ session to make up for it. After the Beginner's course, or if you join us as an Improver or Intermediate, you can run with us as many times as you would like.
How much is it to join?
To join Jelly legs we have an annual membership fee of £20 or £25 (if you would like to become an affiliated member). We then charge a £3 per session fee. Once you are a member of Jelly Legs you have the flexibility to run in anyone of the four locations.
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 at lunchtime on that particular day and a note added to the relevant local groups page on our website. We also e-mail all current members. If you are unsure as to whether a session is on or not, please contact your leader or call 01227 830984.
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