Can I just turn up or do I have to join the club?
I'm not very fit.Surely I should wait until I'm fit before I start running?
I'm coming to visit. Can I just come along? What if it's hot?I'm a beginner.What sort of shoes should I buy?
What should I eat before I run/race?
I can't run very fast so I won't be able to keep up with the rest!
I'm a complete beginner. How do I
get started?
Get some shoes on and step out of the front door! Getting started is the most
difficult bit. Once you have committed yourself it gets easier. Obviously
if you have serious medical problems you should consult your doctor first.
Start with gentle walking and jogging for periods of 10 minutes or so. Then
add short periods of jogging (say 1 minute) with walking rests of 4 minutes
between jogs. You can then slowly increase the number of jogs and decrease
the walks as you feel up to it. Eventually you'll find that you are jogging
all the time. Welcome to the world of running!
top
Can I just turn up or do
I have to join the club?
Everyone is welcome to visit us at the club. If you are a visitor to the area
or have recently moved here then feel free to drop in on club nights - we
don't charge occasional visitors. If you decide to join us, we'll haggle over
money another day.
top
Where is the club based?
You'll find Truro Running Club based at Truro Rugby Club, St Clement's Hill,
Truro. For a map of the area click HERE. Find your way to the Trafalgar roundabout
at the city end of Tregolls Road. There is a large service station and opposite,
look out for the Police Station at the bottom of St Clement's Hill. Go up
the hill for about half a mile ignoring junctions to left or right. Just after
the brow of the hill the road flattens out and you will see in the distance
the sign for the Rugby Club in blue and yellow on the right hand side.
top
How far do you run?
As far as you want, really. On Club nights our coach will have something lined
up for us and this may be a run, drills to improve our style or some other
torture. We always have runners of all abilities and so you will always find
someone to partner with. Some training drills actually team up experienced
runners with less able runners so that everyone works together. If you just
pop along for a visit one of the club runners will always look after you and
make you feel welcome, no matter what your abilities.
top
I'm not very fit. Surely
I should I wait until I'm fit before I start running?
Why wait - you've got to start somewhere. The best start is to get your shoes
on and step out of the door. It's best if it's a sunny day but don't let a
drop of water put you off. As always there is a serious answer. If you do
have any medical condition for which you have been seeing your doctor, then
please check with him or her before you start a exercising. Start with brisk
walking and then slowly build in one minute intervals of gentle jogging.
top
I'm coming to visit.
Can I just come along?
Of course. The club meets every Wednesday at 6.30 pm at the Truro Rugby Club.
We welcome visitors of any running standard. Come dressed ready to run. we
usually start the session with a quick chat from our coach about the previous
weeks races and then on to the next weeks events: he'll introduce new members
and visitors. And then we set off for a short warm up before doing stretches
etc before doing the evenings runs.
top
Where can I run in the
area?
There are lots of small country roads, lanes and footpaths all around Truro.
If you want to be adventurous then try the Coastal footpath. The north coast
is dramatic with large cliffs and the south coast is generally much easier
going with far more greenery. Although most of the footpaths are now open,
it is wise to check before you start in case a farmer still has closed footpaths
because of foot and mouth disease.
top
What should I wear?
Clothes preferably! Most people wear either T-shirt or vest and shorts although
many ladies prefer leggings. In winter you can add a second or third layer
such as a thin fleece. Nowadays most running wear is made from man-made materials
that wick the sweat away from the body. This makes them much more comfortable
to wear than old-fashioned cotton. Ladies should also wear a well-fitting
sports bra to minimise discomfort. The most important item of clothing are
your shoes. It is advisable to buy proper running shoes from a good sports
shop. Most good shops will have someone who can advise you on the correct
shoes to wear.
top
What if it rains?
You get wet! Modern sports clothes are made from man-made fibres and dry very
quickly whilst you're running. If the weather is really bad some runners wear
a short waterproof jacket. The best are made from fabrics that allow the sweat
to escape but stop rain coming in: they are pretty expensive though and you
can get just as wet on the inside if you are running hard!
top
What if it's hot?
You get hot! Take water or a sports drink with you and drink small amounts
regularly. It takes quite a bit of practice to drink whilst you are running
so at first stop and take a swig or you may end up with an unexpected shower.
Bottles with easy to use "sports" tops are very helpful. Remember
to wear thin clothes preferably made from modern wicking fabrics.
top
I'm a beginner. What
sort of shoes should I buy?
Properly fitted shoes are a must. Go to a reputable sports shop and seek their
advice. There are many different shoes on the market but the most important
tip is to try the shoes on with the socks you will run in. Don't rely on your
shoe size - trainers are often one or two sizes larger than your ordinary
shoes.
top
What should I eat before
a run/race?
Something that is easily digestible such as tea and toast, bagels or cereal.
Some people do seem to be able to cope with a huge fry up but I'm not one
of those. It's best to allow two hours before a run although it is advisable
to have a drink of water or sports drink 20 to 30 minutes before setting off.
It is very trendy to eat a banana about 45 minutes or so before exercise -
they provide lots of energy in the correct form for the exercising body. All
those Wimbledon tennis players can't be wrong!
top
I can't run very fast so
I won't be able to keep up with the rest!
That's not a problem. We have runners of all shapes and sizes so we will make
sure that you are not left behind. During training sessions our coach sometimes
teams up slow and fast runners for particular exercises. Don't worry - we
will make sure that you are in good company at all times.
top