> Want to get fit but you're not sure where to begin?
> Want to improve your running technique and endurance?
> Enjoy being part of a friendly and sociable group?
> Prefer the great outdoors to a sweaty gym?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, read on!
Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned runner, we can provide the motivation, support and encouragement you need to achieve your goals.
This course is aimed at beginners, as well as those who are returning to running after injury or a break. It very gradually progresses you from jog/walking to running a full 5km (3.1 miles) non-stop. This structured approach is tried and tested by many sports coaches and health organisations and has proven to be very successful. So don’t be daunted by thoughts of not being good/fast/fit enough – you will be surprised at what you can achieve, with the support and encouragement of Lucy and the other group members.
The 8 week programme consists of three sessions per week - two of which we will do as a group and one which you will do in your own time - culminating in a 5km timed run.
Our improvers/social sessions are suitable for graduates of our beginners courses or those already capable of running 5k. Some of our members want to further improve their running ability and endurance, whilst others simply want to maintain their current level of fitness by running regularly with a group. The mental benefits can be just as important as the physical ones!
With a choice of daytime and evening sessions throughout the week, we try to cater for everyone. We use a variety of on and off-road routes in and around the local area (Loxwood, Ifold, Alfold, Dunsfold, Rudgwick, Wisborough Green), taking advantage of the beautiful countryside we are fortunate to have on our doorstep!
We aim to enter at least one running event or obstacle course race per term as a group. Previous events include Run Wisborough (5/10km), the Nuts Challenge (7km obstacle course), Mud Monsters Run (10km obstacle course), Barns Green Half Marathon and the Jigsaw Run 10k. These events not only give members something to direct their training towards but also provide a fantastic opportunity to come together as a team - and that's our main ethos... #fittertogether
"Lucy provides excellent coaching. Her courses are well thought through and develop skills at a steady and appropriate pace with vey good warm ups and cool downs. Lucy is very friendly, encouraging and supportive and ensures the group are happy as well as fit. She is great at communicating and very responsive to all questions and requests. I highly recommend her courses."
Liz
"The zero to 5k running course was the best thing I’ve done & Lucy was very motivating, easy going & professional. She made running fun & achievable for some one who couldn’t run for 2 minutes 8 weeks ago & last night ran non stop for 40 mins!!"
Helen
"When I started this group I was very nervous, I know I wasn’t fit and very overweight. I was worried about being the slowest and how the others would cope with me. From the first group everyone was welcoming and supportive. It was nice to see that we all struggled to run for 1 minute. I felt Lucy staged the programme really well, I still can’t believe after 8 weeks of training we were able to run 5k."
Christine
"Accommodating and very friendly, it feels like Lucy is always there to help, be it at the time or at home. The opportunity to use the support from your group (if relevant) or from Lucy herself is well worthwhile using and really helps the mindset, which is often a big issue."
Zero to 5k Hero course attendee
"I can not thank Lucy enough! 8 weeks ago the thought of running for 2 minutes filled me with dread and I would run with tears in my eyes. 8 weeks later I'd found my confidence and had built up my stamina to run the 5km in a reasonably good time (for a beginner). I am now looking forward to the next step, on the Improvers course. I have also lost 4kg in the last 8 weeks and can see some of my old figure returning! Lucy, thank you so much! I couldn't do it without you!"
Victoria
"Thank you so much Lucy for getting us from 0 to 5k in just eight weeks. What a great group of people who I’ve really enjoyed getting to know as we’ve run & laughed our way around Ifold."
Jenny
"Thank you so very much Lucy. I was so very unfit, joined your zero to 5K group, and bit by bit inched my fitness back up under your guidance with the most lovely, friendly, supportive and inspiring group of people to achieve a 5K in 32 and a bit mins! Something I’ve not done for years now. So of course there’s a new goal right there to do it in under 30mins!! Well done to all of us, we have all achieved so much. I just love that I’ve got that achievement under my belt just before Christmas so it will make ‘getting back out there’ in the new year so much easier. Huge thanks and Merry Christmas!"
Josie
"If some one had said to me 8 weeks ago I’d run 5k I’d have laughed but this morning with the help of an amazing coach and wonderful running companions we all smashed it! I couldn’t have done it without you - thank you for being part of my journey."
Liz
"I signed up to the 0-5k course in some trepidation, as I’d tried a similar thing before and ended up injuring myself. I didn’t think I would be able to run 5k (ever!) but just wanted to take it as far as I could. I was amazed and delighted when, after 8 weeks with Lucy, I did actually manage to run 5k. I absolutely loved the course: Lucy was great – professional in her approach to the programme and making sure we warmed up and down properly, but also kind, friendly and encouraging to anyone who needed support. Running in a group was also brilliant as we supported and motivated each other along the way. And, finally, what a lovely group!"
Anne
"A great course, very achievable goal - which at the beginning I thought was impossible!!! Can’t believe I’ve done it, thank you so much to Lucy, you’re AMAZING!!!!"
Additional courses or bespoke running programmes can be run on request; please contact us with your current running level and future goals, as well as any preference for particular days and times for group/individual sessions.