Our Training
At Ludlow Runners we cater for people of all abilities, from the absolute beginner to experienced racers.
Tuesday Social Runs
We have something for everyone on Tuesdays.
If you prefer running during the day and are lucky enough to be free, why not join the Tuesday morning run at 9am. This run meets at a different location each week and covers distances from 5k to 8km. Everyone runs together with faster runners looping back or taking slightly different routes. Get in touch here if you would like to try this run before joining the club.
On Tuesday evenings you can choose to run in town or in Mortimer Forest. Both runs leave at 7pm and you can check what different groups and distances are on offer here. Occasionally individual groups may meet at different locations, especially in the summer months. In the winter months high-viz is compulsory for either location and chest or headtorches are required in the forest. In either location there are different ability groups covering different distances. No-one is left behind.
We also organise runs at other times (daytimes and weekends) which are communicated in a weekly email.
Thursdays 7pm - Coached Sessions
We recognise that our members run for different reasons. Many are dedicated to their training and have specific race goals during the year. They run several times a week and often follow a training plan. However, many also run mainly to keep fit and stay healthy, as well as to meet and keep in touch with friends. Our weekly training offering is designed to be inclusive and meet the needs of all our members.
Thursday groups groups are organised according to the ability and experience of runners. We offer training runs and structured training sessions. There is something for everyone. Come along and speak to Colin or Anne when you arrive. They will help you decide which group is for you. We meet at Car Park by the library.
This is a great place to start if you are new to running or have just started up again. The aim is to teach you the best pace to run at and when to rest and walk. By the end of the course most people are able to run for 40 minutes covering around 5km. Some people will be able to run/walk for around 4km in that time. All abilities are catered for and no one is left behind. Everyone runs at a gentle Chatty pace and it’s a great way to meet new friends.
We hold two courses each year, starting in May and September. To find out more or put yourself on the waiting list for the next course get in touch here.
Just going for a run is still training for all runners, whether you are starting out or you are an elite athlete. If you are a beginner or someone who runs a couple of times a week to keep fit, going for an aerobic run is all you need to do. You will get fitter, not by going any faster, but by increasing the amount you do. You could add on 5 minutes to one of your runs each week or add another short run and build that up gradually. Our experienced coaches are happy to advise you on how to build up your running.
Our Training Run groups are a perfect next step if you have completed the Walk to Run course or if you can already run for at least 40 minutes or 5km. The aim of these groups is to help you gradually increase the distance you can run in the session but keeping the pace aerobic, in other words at a comfortable Chatty pace. There are three groups, so you can progress through them in your own time.
Group 1: 4-6km
Group 2: 6-7km
Group 3: 7-8km
These runs are very social and there is no pressure involved. Groups 1 and 2 vary the sessions by adding Sparkles, which are fun ten second strides and these help to improve running technique. There may be some optional short and slightly faster efforts as well as a few Ludlow hills. Group 3 is for those runners who want a steady run on a Thursday. Many runners in these groups enjoy taking part in ParkRun or races over 5 or 10km.
These sessions are ideal for more experienced runners. People in these groups may enter a number of races and events, from 10ks to ultra marathons, either on road or off road. Groups may train for a specific event, or to improve general technique and running fitness. Training is at a faster pace but, as with the training run groups, everyone is supported and no one is left behind. Sessions are different each week and may involve aerobic paces, hill work, fartlek, intervals, speed work or technique work. We have three ability groups in this section covering approximately the following distances in the hour.
Group 4: 8km+
Group 5: 9-10km
Group 6: 9-10km
As a club we invest in coach education. Our lead coach Colin Lancaster is an experienced UK Athletics coach educator. Our leaders are either qualified with UK Athletics or trained by Colin under the Association of Running Clubs insurance scheme. Our success is based upon using the Lydiard Foundation principles which involve slowly building a foundation of fitness through gentle chatty running before progressing to running at other speeds
It’s not how fast you train but the volume of gentle running you do that leads to the greatest improvement in fitness.
If you’re interested in joining us, or have any questions just get in touch.