If you are new to running or have just joined the club this may be of interest to you.
Running is one of the purest & simplest forms of exercise there is, however because humans are often complex and diverse creatures the social aspects can be a little harder understand or to follow.
Here are my top tips:
Most runners (that I have met) are a friendly bunch and usually only too happy to chat about the last parkrun they did, the next race in the club calendar or how good the cake was at the race feed stations. If you are stuck for conversation, start here!
The club often runs in up to four groups of differing abilities and will wait for the last runner in each pack at a convenient point such as a stile or road crossing etc to regroup and will match the pace as best they can to the last runner.
If you are ahead of the pack and feel able to, please consider doubling back to meet the last runner. If you feel the group you are in are going too fast- tell the leader. They will happily adjust the pace to suit- it’s supposed to be fun after all.
If you are leading a run, or are the first runner in the pack, please stop at junctions to make sure that everyone knows what direction you will be heading in. 50 metres after the junction may be out of sight for slower runners in the group and not everyone in the group will know the full details of the route.
If you start to feel unwell part way into a run or feel you can’t run at the pace of the group- don’t worry, tell the run leader, they will shorten the route, adjust the pace or divert. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask, everybody would rather cut a route short knowing you got home safe and enjoyed the run.
If you are running as part of a group and you are about to divert for a wild wee or take a shortcut home please tell someone so you don’t get left behind or we have to start a search for that missing runner! (I learned this the hard way)
Kit- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Most of the Tuesday & social runs are primarily trail and off-road oriented so expect mud or bog in the winter months and mud or bog in the summer months, it is the Peak District after all!
The FRA (Fell Runners Association) stipulate a minimum level of kit each runner must carry during their races, it isn’t much but is just enough to delay the onset of Hypothermia should you become injured.
For some short fell races you need nothing more than a pair of suitable shoes (usually “fell shoes”, with an aggressive rubber stud pattern), basic running clothing and a couple of quid for the entry fee.For longer races you will be required to carry mandatory kit. This will mean full waterproofs (with taped seams), hat and gloves, a map of the course, a compass, a whistle and some food. For some races, especially in winter, the Race Organiser may stipulate additional requirements such as an emergency “bivvy bag” or extra thermal top. This equipment is for your safety: the weather in the hills can change rapidly, and it is vital that you are properly prepared for a situation in which you become lost, heavily fatigued or incapacitated owing to illness or injury. The mandatory kit is the bare minimum, and runners are encouraged to carry additional kit depending upon the conditions and their experience.
Carrying just these basics (or your own selection of kit) on a club run, while not mandatory is a good idea, especially during the colder months. I always carry a waterproof top, bivvy bag & small first aid kit for most Tuesday club runs and then add/remove items depending on the weather conditions. Kit is a personal choice so carry what you think you might need.
If the worst does happen and someone gets injured enough to need emergency treatment or rescue it is useful to know what to do to call help.
Make a note of all relevant details:
Location (with a grid reference if possible)
Name, gender and age of casualty
Nature of injuries or emergency
Number of people in the party
Your mobile phone number
Dial 999 or 112, then ask for ‘Police’ then ‘Mountain Rescue’. Give all your prepared details of the incident and stay where you are until contacted by the rescue team.
If you have to make a further 999 call, follow this procedure in full again.If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can contact the 999 emergency services by text. You will only be able to use this service if you are registered with emergencySMS first, so register now — don’t wait for an emergency! Text ‘register’ to 999 then follow the instructions sent.
In an emergency, contact the emergencySMS service by texting 999. Your message should include ‘Police’ + details of incident + location.
