Some new and seasoned Common Runners enjoyed the 6k Santa Run in Battersea Park this weekend.
The atmosphere was great, the Santa suits were LARGE and the weather was chilly but bright! All Common Runners ran the 6k and enjoyed their well deserved medals. Well done to Helen J, Candy, Catherine, Margaret, Claire, Katie, Jennifer, Elizabeth & family.
‘Learn to run’ gift vouchers from Common Runners make an ideal Christmas present, so why not treat someone today?
The vouchers can be used for one-to-one running sessions or for any new beginner or improver running courses starting in January or April 2014.
If you have a friend or spouse who would love to get fitter, run faster, lose weight or run a 5k, why not treat them with ‘Learn to run’ gift vouchers this Christmas? To order your vouchers, for any amount, please call Caroline on 07810 486286 or email info@commonrunners.co.uk.
Signing up for a race will definitely keep you motivated over the coming months! Knowing that you will have to run 5k, 10k or beyond will help you to stay focused as most people want to run the whole distance on the day.
Common Runners will be at the 6k Santa Run race in Battersea Park on Saturday 6th December and we’d love as many runners to attend as possible. A few have already signed up and many are thinking about it! As there are usually 2,000 runners at this event, it’s worth signing up sooner rather than later to guarantee your place. Just go to: http://www.209events.com/uk-running-events/london-santa-run-battersea-park.
If you can’t make the above race, please don’t worry as we will be entering others races in the New Year. I have just entered the Kingston 10k (http://www.energizedsports.com/) which takes place on Sunday 30 November so if anyone fancies joining me please let me know. And Jane Shaw has entered a half marathon in March next year so if you want to aim for this distance and would like to join Jane please let me know.
Common Runners have a couple of opportunities to support The Haven (a charity offering a free programme of in-depth support to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by breast cancer) during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October).
* You can take part in a gentle 5km walk around Wimbledon Common on 5 October 2014. Donations to enter: £10 per adult, £6 for under 13s and under 5s are free. To enter please go to www.thehaven.org.uk/event/walk-support/ or call 020 7384 0049 for more information.
* You can wear one of The Haven’s t-shirts while running on the Common (week beginning 6 October) to raise awareness of the work that they do for those affected by breast cancer.
The Haven has kindly supplied some t-shirts and we encourage all runners to wear one while running on the Common during the week beginning 6 October.
If you are running with us this autumn you may want to consider the following:
1. Dress in layers with a waterproof top layer, especially during drizzly or cooler days.
2. Don’t wear cotton as it soaks up water and becomes heavy and uncomfortable. Stick to wicking materials.
3. Use the wind to your advantage – running in the wind will help increase your endurance while burning more calories! Head into the wind first to get the hard part over and done with.
4. Be visible, especially those attending the Tuesday evening class. Ideally wear a white, yellow or orange hi-viz jacket or bib.
Below is the new timetable for autumn 2014, starting on Monday 8 September until Thursday 18 December (excluding half term 27-31 Oct) – in total 14 weeks:
Mondays: Beginners (level 1) @ 9.30am; Beginners (level 2) @ 10.30am
Tuesdays: Improvers (level 2) @ 9.30am; Beginners (level 2) @ 7pm
Wednesdays: Social run for all @ 10.30am
Thursdays: Improvers (level 1) @ 9.30am; beginners (level 1) @ 10.30am
Just a reminder about the different levels: Beginners (level 1) for those who can’t run for more than a few minutes at a time but would like to run steadily for 20-30 minutes; Beginners (level 2) for those who can run for 20 minutes continuously on a flat terrain but who would like to increase their overall fitness and running pace; Improvers (level 1) for those who can run continuously for 30 minutes on varied terrain but would like to run for longer, faster or to keep fit; Improvers (level 2) for those who can run continuously for 40 minutes+ on varied terrain but would like to run faster or to keep fit.
This week we have all been seeking shelter from the sun and many have asked about tips for running in the heat. Apart from the obvious about drinking more water, you may want to take a look at the following tips from Sweatshop’s Running Hub:
Running gear: when selecting summer running gear, look out for the following features and materials which will help keep you cool:
Summer running essentials: In addition to wearing the correct clothing, there are a number of other items that will help to make running in the heat more comfortable:
And a few words of wisdom: running in the sun can be enjoyable but it places extra stress on the body. Remember to: maximise ventilation, protect yourself from sunburn, stay well hydrated, avoid running at the hottest part of the day, select a shady route if possible.
Common Runners has recently been profiled in Southern Running Guide (summer 2014). For a copy of the article follow this link – Common Runners profiled in Southern Running Guide summer 2014
When the running courses finish in July there will be ad hoc classes on most Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings over the summer holidays, starting from Tuesday 22 July to Thursday 28 August.
* Beginner (level 2) classes will be on Tuesdays at 7pm
* Improver (level1) classes will be on Thursdays at 9.45am
* Beginner (level 1) classes will be on Thursdays at 10.45am
Holiday classes need to be booked in advance and cost £10 per class. There needs to be a minimum of 4 runners for a class to take place.
If you are interested in booking some classes please email info@commonrunners.co.uk.
Beginners (level 1): running for 15-20 minutes on a flat terrain; you will join an existing beginner’s course which is coming to an end. On Thursday @ 10.45am on the following dates: 24 July, 31 July, 7 August.
Beginners (level 2): running for 20 minutes on fairly flat terrain and will include some strengthening exercises to build up fitness. On Tuesdays @ 7pm on the following dates: 22 July, 29 July, 5 August, 12 August, 26 August.
Improvers (level 1): running for 30 minutes on varied terrain and will include some speed, hill and endurance work. On Thursdays @ 9.45am on the following dates: 24 July, 31 July, 7 August, 28 August.
Common Runners is happy to support The Wimbledon Guild Village Fair on Saturday 21 June. The Wimbledon Guild aims to support ageing, encourage mental wellbeing and tackle poverty within the local community. Check out how you can get involved by visiting http://www.wimbledonguild.co.uk/WimbledonVillageFair/indexWVF.html. See you there!
