Frequently asked questions
We have put together a list of frequently asked questions about running with Redditch Community Runners and some short video clips.
Take a look:
Do I need to be fit?
What if I have an off day?
Running with a group
Can running improve mental wellbeing?
I’m nervous about running with a group. What should I do?
Do you offer different types of running activities?
What are the common mistakes some beginner runners make?
What does a LiRF actually do?
Running with us
We would love to see you on a run, but you can’t just turn up. You need to book on our app so we have your In Case of Emergency details (ICE). To find out more view our join a run page.
Please see our join a run page.
You need to be able to run 5k comfortably without stopping. If you are new to running or want to get back into running, please see the Couch to 5K programme in Redditch.
Most of our runs are between 8 – 10k.
Early morning sessions are timed out and back – 25 minutes run out and 25 minutes back to the start point.
Most runs last for around 1 hour but can sometimes run a little over this.
Run length is at the discretion of the run leader in consideration of runner safety.
All run lengths are communicated on the App in advance.
Yes, every January, one session a week focuses on marathon training, gradually increasing distance over the weeks. This is great preparation for the marathon and you can enjoy training and preparing with fellow marathon runners.
Most of our regular racers try to stay ready for a half marathon so you will always find someone who wants to run longer distances.
Yes, members usually run alongside each other in similar paces so everyone can run comfortably. No one gets left behind. Faster runners at the front of a group must loop back for the runners at the back. We start together and we finish together!
Yes, at every session the run leader will include a warm-up and cool-down with stretches to prevent injury and aid recovery.
No, look at our schedule and pick and choose on the app which sessions you want to attend. Our members fit runs around work and daily life. There should be a time to suit you.
It is free to run with Redditch Community Runners. You can save the money to spend on important things like booking races, buying trainers, energy gels and running socks!
Of course! All are welcome to try a run with us. We only ask that they are registered on the app so we have access to ICE details.
Speak with your doctor before joining and let the run leader know. We are not able to give any medical advice so you run at your own risk.
We do not recommend running if you’re unwell or have an injury.
Running gear
No, please wear what is comfortable for you.
While useful for tracking distance and performance, they are not required to get started with running.
We would advise creating a Strava account and one of your fellow runners can “Tag” you in the activity. This will record your run information.
Many leading footwear manufacturers will have a shoe finder service which takes you through various steps to find the correct shoe (Have a google). Be sure to check them out. Here is an example from Brooks Shoes.
Generally around Redditch in the Winter we will stick to main roads and paths. So road shoes will be just fine.
In the Summer, some runs will be along a road and trail (think fields, gates, sheep and cows… oh and some water maybe). So trail shoes will be more suitable as they offer more support for your foot on the changing surfaces.
We would recommend speaking to a fitting expert at a local running shoe shop and taking a gait analysis. This is usually at a cost but redeemed against the cost of a pair of shoes.
Comfortable running shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
In winter you might need to wear a hat and gloves and a few layers to combat the lovely Redditch weather. As the nights and mornings are darker you must ensure you wear a hi-vis layer and running lights. Our run leaders will check you have them before setting off. Consider bringing an extra clothing layer for when the run is finished.
Many of our members run in winter with Proviz equipment. Other online retailers are available.
Comfortable running shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
In the summer it’s all about keeping cool and taking plenty of water. Vests and belts can be purchased from Amazon / High street to allow you to carry water. In particularly hot periods consider sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. These are things you can keep in the car boot and pull out if you need them.
In the summer we will try and run in the shade as much as possible. The key to summer running is to remember to Hydrate during the day and take it easy out on the run.
Can’t find an answer? Get in touch and we will get back to you.
Fancy a run?
Check out our weekly run schedule and we will see you out there.