Beginners' Running Course
Petts Wood Runners has been running both Spring and Autumn courses for beginners who wish to start, or return to running for over 12 years now. However, with the introduction of online apps and other local running clubs introducing such courses, we shall be conducting a Spring course only from 2023 onwards. Please see details of our next one below:-
If you're looking to get fitter, but find it difficult to get out of the house by yourself to the gym or for a run, the answer may well be in running with others who are in a similar situation to yourself.
A beginners’ running course, starts in Willett Recreation Ground in Petts Wood (off Crossway) BR5 1PE on Saturday 27th April 2024 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and will run for eight Saturdays with the first six weeks in a secure park environment well away from busy roads.
There is no charge for taking part in this, and the only equipment that you will need is some comfortable training shoes. Our friendly running leaders at Petts Wood Runners are qualified trainers under the UK Athletics' coaching scheme and are well practised in helping others to run.
Please note that this is intended for persons who have no serious underlying medical issues, and if you have any doubts beforehand, please check with your general practitioner before coming along, that exercising is safe for your own particular circumstances.
The course is aimed at beginners, or near beginners, or those who used to run a long time ago and have lapsed, and who want to train in a group to a level where they can run non-stop for 30 minutes or so.
Runners attending should be a minimum of 13 years old, and we only ask that those under 18 should be accompanied by a close friend or family member over 18. You can register for the course on the first day with a very simple questionnaire.
Prior fitness is not essential, as you will benefit from improvements to your fitness on a progressive basis, although it will be helpful if you can walk at a reasonable pace for between 10 and 15 minutes already. You will also be kept up-to-date on a weekly basis on what you need to do by e-mail and on the Beginners' Facebook group by our friendly course leaders.
All of the course members will then celebrate the end of the 8 weeks with a group 5 kilometres graduation run. So, please do come along if you are interested and find out for yourself! It might just change your life! No need to register in advance. Just leave your name and an e-mail address for our weekly updates when you arrive.
Please address any queries to [email protected] or telephone 01689 870010.
If you're looking to get fitter, but find it difficult to get out of the house by yourself to the gym or for a run, the answer may well be in running with others who are in a similar situation to yourself.
A beginners’ running course, starts in Willett Recreation Ground in Petts Wood (off Crossway) BR5 1PE on Saturday 27th April 2024 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and will run for eight Saturdays with the first six weeks in a secure park environment well away from busy roads.
There is no charge for taking part in this, and the only equipment that you will need is some comfortable training shoes. Our friendly running leaders at Petts Wood Runners are qualified trainers under the UK Athletics' coaching scheme and are well practised in helping others to run.
Please note that this is intended for persons who have no serious underlying medical issues, and if you have any doubts beforehand, please check with your general practitioner before coming along, that exercising is safe for your own particular circumstances.
The course is aimed at beginners, or near beginners, or those who used to run a long time ago and have lapsed, and who want to train in a group to a level where they can run non-stop for 30 minutes or so.
Runners attending should be a minimum of 13 years old, and we only ask that those under 18 should be accompanied by a close friend or family member over 18. You can register for the course on the first day with a very simple questionnaire.
Prior fitness is not essential, as you will benefit from improvements to your fitness on a progressive basis, although it will be helpful if you can walk at a reasonable pace for between 10 and 15 minutes already. You will also be kept up-to-date on a weekly basis on what you need to do by e-mail and on the Beginners' Facebook group by our friendly course leaders.
All of the course members will then celebrate the end of the 8 weeks with a group 5 kilometres graduation run. So, please do come along if you are interested and find out for yourself! It might just change your life! No need to register in advance. Just leave your name and an e-mail address for our weekly updates when you arrive.
Please address any queries to [email protected] or telephone 01689 870010.
Below are some 'Thank You' Letters & e-mails that we have received from our past beginners
This is a BIG THANK YOU from me to say how much I appreciate your time, effort and personal attention you have all provided to allow me to achieve something I would never have EVER thought possible. Albeit my time was on slow at the park run on Saturday, at least I did it and didn’t stop, I can now try to improve on my time and know that I can run. It does feel like such a sense of achievement.
Thank you all so much, this from the bottom of my heart.
I look forward to running with Petts Wood runners on a Tuesday evening and hope that I won’t be last all the time but feel confident that I will succeed.
JJ
Thank you all so much, this from the bottom of my heart.
I look forward to running with Petts Wood runners on a Tuesday evening and hope that I won’t be last all the time but feel confident that I will succeed.
JJ
Firstly thank you for the time and effort that you and your team have given to us beginners. I have found it most rewarding.
To put a face to a name, I am the white haired fellow that was always at the back of the pack, and who has not shown up for the last couple of weeks.
Although I have not been able to attend all the Saturday morning sessions I have found your weekly reports most encouraging and clear about the coming week’s routine. I am pleased to say that I have been able to keep up with the routines by running in accordance with them three times a week.
I cannot believe that in September that I could have thought that in November I would have been capable of running this week’s routine, half a stone lighter and advised by my doctor that I am more healthy. You and your team are making a significant contribution to the local community.
This Saturday and next, I have family commitments but nonetheless I must complete the course by doing the 5km in Norman Park. I trust that I will be able to do the run on the 1 December and sign in for it as your email explained?
Thank you again from this 66 year old, and I am sure all the “beginners” share my appreciation your contributions.
Watch out for my letter of appreciation in the Petts Wood Gazette!
Kind regards
DB
To put a face to a name, I am the white haired fellow that was always at the back of the pack, and who has not shown up for the last couple of weeks.
Although I have not been able to attend all the Saturday morning sessions I have found your weekly reports most encouraging and clear about the coming week’s routine. I am pleased to say that I have been able to keep up with the routines by running in accordance with them three times a week.
I cannot believe that in September that I could have thought that in November I would have been capable of running this week’s routine, half a stone lighter and advised by my doctor that I am more healthy. You and your team are making a significant contribution to the local community.
This Saturday and next, I have family commitments but nonetheless I must complete the course by doing the 5km in Norman Park. I trust that I will be able to do the run on the 1 December and sign in for it as your email explained?
Thank you again from this 66 year old, and I am sure all the “beginners” share my appreciation your contributions.
Watch out for my letter of appreciation in the Petts Wood Gazette!
Kind regards
DB
Hi Mike A HUGE THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much for accompanying me on the run this morning - it was really good of you to stay with me and encourage me along all the way this morning! I have amazed all my family and friends, but most of all myself! I've really enjoyed the running over the last couple of months, and am keen to keep it up. I would like to join Anne's improver class on Tuesday evenings, so look out for me next week! You have done a brilliant job with us in the beginners group - I can't thank you enough. I would never have got up to a distance of 5K without joining the group and could not have considered joining a running club. As I said I'm feeling much more fit and healthy as a result of the running. I'm truly grateful to you for all the time and effort you have put into the group and for making the running fun. You deserve a big pat on the back!
Oh, and I noticed your PB - hope no one looks at your average time as I must have had a disastrous effect on that!
Thank you again and thanks too to all the pacers/helpers from PWR who have also helped during the past few weeks.
Kind regards
W
Thank you so much for accompanying me on the run this morning - it was really good of you to stay with me and encourage me along all the way this morning! I have amazed all my family and friends, but most of all myself! I've really enjoyed the running over the last couple of months, and am keen to keep it up. I would like to join Anne's improver class on Tuesday evenings, so look out for me next week! You have done a brilliant job with us in the beginners group - I can't thank you enough. I would never have got up to a distance of 5K without joining the group and could not have considered joining a running club. As I said I'm feeling much more fit and healthy as a result of the running. I'm truly grateful to you for all the time and effort you have put into the group and for making the running fun. You deserve a big pat on the back!
Oh, and I noticed your PB - hope no one looks at your average time as I must have had a disastrous effect on that!
Thank you again and thanks too to all the pacers/helpers from PWR who have also helped during the past few weeks.
Kind regards
W