Beginner's Courses
What kit do I need?
You don't need anything to fancy to run in – most important is a good supportive pair of running shoes from reputable specialist sports shops like Sweatshop, Alton Sports or Alexander Sports. One of the keys to getting the right shoes is to have a gait analysis performed to match the correct shoes to your running style. All three companies will offer free gait analysis within their shops, additionally they will offer a 10% discount for members on the price of the shoes.
For dark evenings we strongly advise wearing hi-viz clothing or a hi-viz bib.
There is a lot of information available on the Internet providing tips for beginners. We have sampled a few of them and will add information to this over time.
Hedge End Running Club welcome beginners, no matter how much running you have done, or want to do, we are happy to see you! Have a read, and take the plunge to come and see us.
For dark evenings we strongly advise wearing hi-viz clothing or a hi-viz bib.
There is a lot of information available on the Internet providing tips for beginners. We have sampled a few of them and will add information to this over time.
Hedge End Running Club welcome beginners, no matter how much running you have done, or want to do, we are happy to see you! Have a read, and take the plunge to come and see us.
- Build up training steadily and add variety to your training (e.g. hill running, weight training, swimming etc).
- Give your body time to adapt to new training loads. Listen to your body. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to injury.
- Settle into a good stretching routine and stick to it. Only stretch after your run when muscles are warmed up.
- Break up your training and offer yourself more than constant running - don't let your training programme become stale.
- Never run through injuries - it only makes them worse and slows down the natural healing process. If you suffer from repeated minor injuries see a doctor or sports injury specialist. Your running style may be adding to your problems.
- Take a break from training if you have an infection or illness - don't be surprised if you find you can't start back at the same level on your first day back after illness.
- Find a natural starting point by recording your morning pulse rate. Sudden rises in your rate are signs that you are putting your body under too much stress.
- Remember - it's not the end of the world if you don't run well during race day. Get the most out of each race you do - learn from the experience and come back in even better shape next time.