FAQs – Summer 2024 Membership
What is included in the Premium Membership package?
In addition to everything included in the Standard Membership package, listed on the Membership page and in the other FAQs below, Premium Members are entitled to a one-to-one service with RunBrighton’s Mike Bannister, an EA Licensed Coach in Running Fitness. This service includes:
- A one-to-one session of 55 minutes (normal price £50), plus
- £20 off any subsequent one-to-one sessions.*
*The one-to-one sessions to be taken between the time of signing up and the end of the summer 2024 season (29th September).
You can dictate what you want out of the sessions. They could focus on, for example:
- a comprehensive fitness assessment (speed, endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination) & identifying areas for development;
- muscle activation;
- effective dynamic warm-up routines;
- running posture & technique;
- setting realistic goals;
- personalised training session ideas;
- understanding the benefits of training different energy systems;
- race day strategy;
- etc.
When are the Summer 2024 training runs?
Weekly on Sundays, from 2 June to 22 September.
What level does Summer 2024 Membership cater for?
We aim to cater for all levels, ranging from beginners, to experienced runners targeting a half marathon in 1hr40.
What time do the summer runs start?
Meet time, 8:00am. Get into pace groups, 8:10am. Run starts, 8:15am.
What distance do we run?
Our Sunday runs are normally based on time on feet, rather than distance. In the summer, the run duration gradually increases from 1hr at the beginning of the season, and we’ll get up to about 2hrs15 by mid September.
What can you tell me about the summer training routes?
The routes are changed regularly, and the terrain is varied to include both on and off road, and including both flat and hilly running. They are usually out-and-back courses rather than loops. This is much easier to manage as everyone finishes at broadly the same time. We’ve received some great feedback from our existing members, particularly from those towards the back of the group who are able to enjoy being close to the front on the return leg.
The full details of each Sunday run are issued in a group email, weekly in advance.
Can I park nearby?
Where possible, we aim to base the runs in car-friendly locations, so that you will be able to park easily, i.e. Saltdean Lido, Adur Outdoor Activity Centre in Shoreham, Lancing Beach Green, King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove, Waterhall, Henfield by the Downs Link, Hove Park, etc. However, in the interest of being nice to our environment, please see if you can jog, cycle or car-share to these venues.
I don’t drive!
Many of the bases will also be accessible by buses or trains. (As above, please see if you can jog, cycle or grab a lift with other runners.) We encourage car share and, each week in a group email, we share details of who can offer a lift / who would like a lift.
What can I do with my belongings whilst I am running?
You are able to store your excess kit / bags with our support vehicle, in an ambassador’s vehicle or at our base location. But please try and keep this to a minimum, and note that although your belongings should be safe, you leave them at your own risk. Please also note that, occasionally when you finish your run, it is possible that the vehicle containing your belongings will not have returned, i.e. in the event of having to collect an injured runner… but this is not normally the case.
Do you have pacers on the summer runs?
We divide into pacing groups based on target half-marathon times, and we have ambassador support spread evenly throughout the whole group.
Please note, however, that the ambassadors are not employed as pacers. The above paces are approximate. The key reason we divide into these groups is to ensure that everyone is running with others of a similar ability.
Please note that the Sunday runs should normally be done at a relaxed, conversational pace, approximately 1 minute-per-mile slower than your target race pace. For example, if you’re targeting a 2hr half marathon, which is approximately 9 minutes per mile, you should be running your Sunday run at about 10 minutes per mile. (This is flexible; you’re not obliged to stick to the same group each week.)
The pacing groups are dictated by half-marathon target times: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30+.
In the latter half of the season, some of the runs are done with race-pace efforts in the last hour, for example, but we always make this clear in advance.
Do I just need to do the Sunday runs?
Whilst we accompany you on your long Sunday runs, please don’t rely solely on these runs for your race preparation. You will have far more success, come race day, if you are able to train a minimum of three times a week. Training programs (whether you consider yourself a beginner, an improver or an experienced runner) will be provided to guide you through your midweek training.
The schedules are emailed to you weekly in advance.
When do the weekly training schedules commence?
Our 12-week half-marathon training schedules commence Monday 8 July.
The schedules can be adapted if you are targeting other autumn half/full marathons.
What should I wear?
Please go to a specialist running shop and have your feet and running gait analysed, to ensure you select the most appropriate running shoes. This will help prevent injury. Having both road and off-road shoes is a good idea.
Technical running clothing is also advisable, to provide comfort and warmth, also allowing your skin to breathe. And, of course, you’ll need suitable waterproofs for our rainy runs.
Ladies, it is also worth investing in a suitable sports bra.
Do I need to bring water?
Yes, it is advisable to be responsible for your own hydration on the runs. A drinks belt is a good idea. Also, rather than just water, you should consider isotonic drinks.
What if I want to pull out early?
The training runs are predominantly out-and-back courses, so you can turn around earlier than planned if need be. This enables you to walk some of the way, if necessary, in the knowledge that you will be returning with lots of runners behind you, rather than being left behind.
Is it ok to wear headphones on the runs?
We strongly discourage the use of headphones, particularly in the vicinity of roads. They are dangerous, as you can’t hear traffic. Nor can you hear our ambassadors giving out instructions or alerting you to any hazardous situations.
Is it ok to bring my dog on the runs?
Dogs are unfortunately not permitted on the runs. This is because they can be a trip hazard, with or without a lead.
What if I miss a run?
Don’t worry, just turn up when you can.
When can I enjoy the various discounts that have been negotiated for RunBrighton members?
These are valid from 27 May to 5 October 2024.
How do I become a member of the RunBrighton Strava group?
Once you’ve signed up for Summer 2024 Membership, click RunBrighton Strava and request to join.
How do I become a member of the RunBrighton Community Forum on Facebook?
Once you’ve signed up for Summer 2024 Membership, click RunBrighton Community Forum and request to join. Please state, where asked, if your Facebook name is different to the name you use to sign up for Summer 2024 Membership.
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