FAQ

I am interested in the beginner course.

Email info@srs.org.uk and we'll let you have the full details about the spring beginner course as soon as we confirm our plans.

Alternatively, email Gin Tidridge (tidridge@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining the Eastleigh beginners' programme.

For more details on both course see Beginner Course.

I have never been running with a club. Should I wait for a beginner course or can I just come for the regular training?

To get the most out of our training sessions, we ask that participants can already run for about 30 mins straight (no matter how slow or fast). If that sounds too hard for you at the moment, we recommend you wait for one of the beginners courses. That way you are most likely to fully enjoy your club runs from the very first session.

I am interested in joining but I am pretty slow and I don't want to hold anybody back.

You wouldn't believe how often we hear this :-) The fact is that we cater to all abilities. Some of us are faster, others are slower or simply prefer to run at a casual pace at the back of the pack - honestly, it doesn't matter. We normally divide the group into two teams according to their speed but the rest usually works out by itself.

If you are unsure about your own abilities we suggest you stick with the slower group on your first run. Chances are you'll blend in just fine but if you really find ourself falling behind don't panic. Just continue at your on pace and wait for the leaders to loop back to you. That way everybody can run at a comfortable pace, nobody feels they are holding anybody back, and yet nobody is left behind.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive running club and we support all our runners - no matter how fast or slow their natural pace is.

I would love to come for a test session. What should I expect?

We suggest you start with a Wednesday club run but please check the programme first to make sure there is no special event planned that day. We normally meet near the reception area at Solent University at around 18:45 for a 19:00 start. Most of us show up in gear already but there are changing rooms and lockers at the university, should you need them. Also, there are plenty of parking spots.

If you're interested in trying the sessions in Eastleigh, come along to one of the Improvers' sessions - ever Monday at 8pm and every Tuesday at 7pm. There's parking and loos at the Hub Sports Pavilion - and we meet up in front of the main doors in summer - and just inside the lobby when it's rainy or cold! The session takes 1 hour including warm up, cool down & stretching. These sessions have a diverse mix of runners -many different speeds and objectives - and we are adept at ensuring everyone gets a good run that suits them.

In winter, the Wednesday session moves to the track once a month. We use Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre for speed work - but you don't have to be speedy to take part!

How do I find out what is going on - training times, races, staying in touch?

When you join, we add you to our email list. This enables you to contact everyone else - and you'll get updates on what's happening.

This website has the current training sessions detailed on the Programme page and you'll also see a Race Planner that shows local events.

We are on Facebook too - put Southampton Running Sisters into the search bar & you'll find us - ask to join the group & you'll find this a great way to stay in touch with other members - meeting up for additional training runs for example.

Do you run in all weathers?

It is rare that we cancel sessions - we carry on running through the rain! The only time sessions are cancelled for weather is if conditions are deemed too dangerous - for example, due to snow. Look out for the group emails - or check on Faceboook - if it is snowy & you want to check.

Do you offer marathon training?

We don't have an official marathon group but we always have a few members training for the London marathon in spring or for one of the fall marathons so it should be easy to find training partners. Also, most of our coaches are accomplished marathon runners themselves and will be happy to advice you on your individual training plan.

I love to go jogging but I don't care for races.

You are not alone. There are many reasons to join a running club: to stay fit, to make new friends, to relax after work, to loose weight, etc. While some of us enjoy the challenge of a local race we make sure to cater to all interests.

I am a member but I don't get any emails.

Please email Gin Tidridge (tidridge@gmail.com) with your current email address and we will send you an email with an invite which you will have to accept.

I have moved./I got a new email address.

It is important that the Club holds up to date information about your contact details. For updates to your postal address, emergency contact numbers or phone number please contact our membership secretary Lynne Newson (paulandlynnenewson@googlemail.com). Changes to your email address can also be handled by Gin Tidridge (tidridge@gmail.com).

What should I wear to training sessions?

The essentials are a sports bra and trainers (running shoes). Everything else is up to you!

Most of us wear running tights (aka fitness/exercise leggings) with a t-shirt or vest. In winter, it's good to layer several tops so that you can adjust your temperature as you run. In summer, many of us wear shorts & sunglasses. A lightweight waterproof is useful as we run in all weathers and a reflective vest/bib/strip is invaluable for dark evenings.

For our regular sessions, road running shoes are fine. We do take part in 2 cross country run series and for these, you may find trail shoes useful.

Many of us use gadgets to monitor our progress - but please do not use headphones when you run with us as it inhibits conversation - and you may not hear safety advice.

Somewhat muddy shoes after a cross country run!

I recently joined and now I need some kit.

We have vests, t-shirts, and long sleeved shirts in club colours for purchase, as well as fluorescent bibs for those dark winter runs. There are also hoodies which are great apres run wear!

Irma Adriaanse (ictadri@hotmail.com) usually brings some of the kit along for the Wednesday club runs. Feel free to email her before the run to put in your order.

Modelling our kit!

What is the RR10 - and what is the CC6?

These are both series of cross country runs that we take part in along with many other of south Hampshire's running clubs. The RR10 is a series of 10 runs that take place on Wednesday evenings in the summer. "RR" stands for road race (even though these are off road!) and 10 is the number of races - not the distance which is normally 4-5 miles. The CC6 series uses many of the same routes and takes place on Sunday mornings in winter. Again, 6 is the number of races, not the distance (4-5 miles). For most, trail shoes are a good idea as the routes can be muddy.

Lots of fun - and it's a great way to try running in some beautiful locations - Hursley Park, Netley Abbey and many in the New Forest.

To take part, check the relevant websites to get joining instructions. Turn up, ideally wearing a club SRS top, & look for the SRS flag (and lots of us wearing SRS kit) and give your name to the organised looking runner with a notebook! After the run, you'll be given a raffle ticket - hand that to our organiser (the one wielding the notebook again) and your position will be logged. You'll be helping our club's position as well as your own.

Check the race planner for links to the web pages and more information.

I still have a question.

Email us at info@srs.org.uk.

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