Thinking of Joining Dunstable Road Runners (DRR) Beginners Group
Dunstable Road Runners: Subscriptions (webcollect.org.uk) please choose beginners 2023 bottom right corner, register then complete a bank transfer.
Start Wednesday 13 September 2023
Time 6.30pm – 7.30pm (arrive 6.20pm)
Location Creasey Park, 7 Creasey Park Drive, Dunstable, LU6 1AJ
10 week course
Cost £10 including membership to DRR until March 2024
Homework – running three times a week will really help progress, so repeat the Wednesday session, on another day and if possible at Houghton Hall (or any) Parkrun on a Saturday at 9am.
Graduation 22 November 2023
Who is it for?
The course is aimed at those who have not run before or have not run for a while. It starts at a very easy pace, with walk/running at timed intervals and slowly building up each week.
How far should I be able to run to join?
You do not need to be able to run before the course. You will work at your own pace and build up gradually.
Medical Conditions
Most people are able to run, but if you have a medical condition/medication or if in any doubt please ask GP before attending. If you are unwell or experiencing any difficulties, please do not attempt to run, and put the runners with you in a difficult position.
Also, ensure the detail is on the registration form and let your leader know.
Visual Guides
DRR has qualified visual guides available, if you or you know anyone who would like to join the course, please just confirm if a guide is required by emailing dunstableroadrunners@gmail.com we might need to meet prior to the start session.
Can under 16’s take part? Unfortunately, we are not insured for under 16’s, but we can recommend local groups, just ask if you would like further information. Also, checkout junior park run for under 14 and anyone can take part in 5k parkrun on a Saturday, just register.
What will be involved?
The session will start with a warm-up and then running and walking at timed intervals, with the running element increasing each week, aiming for a 5k run at the end of the 10 weeks.
How much running will I do?
The session lasts an hour and each week the run/walk time will increase.
What equipment do I need?
A pair of running trainers, comfortable trousers, a drink, and ladies a decent sports bra!
Bear in mind layers are best, you might start cold but you will soon warm up and whatever the temperature is add 10 degrees as that is the temperature you will feel during your run.
If the weather is bad you need a light jacket to keep you warm and dry, and something to wear for the trip home.
I cannot attend the first week, can I still take part?
The first week is full of information, and everyone is in the same boat, nervous, unsure and don’t know quite what to expect, so really try to attend the first session. If you cannot make it, let us know, then ensure on the 2nd week introduce yourself to the leader before the run.
What happens if I miss a week?
Life happens and the best laid plans don’t always happen. Just email the leader to find out the timings and ensure you do the homework, to ensure you do not get left behind.
End of the course, what can I hope for?
Hopefully, with homework completed, as really need to do 3 sessions a week, you will be able to complete a 5k continual run.
Can I join DRR club nights?
Wednesday is club night, and you need to be able to run for an hour, so as soon as you can do the hour, you can join in the club runs.
At the end of the 10 week course, for July a weekly session will take place to go from 5k to an hour running, as you will not be far from achieving the hour run.
Considering first race?
Have a plan in mind, talk to the leaders, they will support and recommend local races, and lots of information on the DRR website and social media
Socials – Everyone Welcome
We are a friendly, supportive and encouraging, social group, and like nothing better than cake at the end of the run, and lots of social events take place.
GDPR
We will be sharing emergency contact details and medical information with leaders. We also love to take photos, yes you will have a beetroot face but so will everyone else! We like to share our successes on social media and it is great to look back on and see how far you have come.
Cost is an issue?
If cost is the only thing stopping you from joining, please get in touch via dunstableroadrunners@gmail.com explaining your situation and we will see how we can help.
parkrun
parkrun is a free, weekly, community events all around the world. Saturday at 9am. Everyone is welcome, where you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. If you are taking part you just need to register, and print your barcode and bring along.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register
DRR will have members taking part and encourage you along the way, just repeat what you did on the Wednesday.
It is natural to feel nervous.
Couple of examples of beginners’ stories
Paula (50+), is presently joint club chair – nervously arrived at the 2013 beginners group, not being able to run to the end of the street, also with severe asthma. After completing the 10 week course joined the DRR family, now completes anything from 5k to ultra marathons, life-changing and has made many fabulous friends.
Steven, wanting to get fit and healthy but didn’t know how, he joined the 2018 DRR beginners group, having not run since school days. Stuck to the plan and then went on to run his first London marathon in 2019. He has since completed many road races, cross country events and an ultra. Steven has undertaken his leading and visual guide qualification. He loves leading the club social runs and in particular running trail.
Shelah (50+) having been recently widowed, joined the 2014 beginners group. Having never run before wanted to be able to run 5k to raise some money for charity. Started unable to run for one minute but successfully completed the course and found a love for running. Regularly races anything from 5k to marathons and has even completed an ultra. marathon. Running has taken her on some fabulous trips both home and abroad with her running buddies.