Running update

2017 running programs

As part of the Australian Running Festival taking place in Canberra on 8-9 April, programs are being offered to FIT members for the 10k, half marathon and marathon events. The marathon program commenced late last year, however pending on your level of fitness and experience there may be opportunity of joining the program should you be interested.

During 2017, FIT programs will also focus on:

FIT runners are currently training for other events, such as the UTA 50 and 100km, Gold Coast half and full marathon and the Newcastle half marathon.

The fabulous Di Evans has written programs for some of these events and if you are interested, please contact Simone Annis, FIT Coaching Coordinator and she will put you in contact with the appropriate coach or person.

Tuesday Coached Sessions

The FIT Tuesday coached sessions started again this week. This year these sessions are loosely divided into three programs which complement the above events.

  • Autumn- February to May events
  • Winter –  Culminating in the City to Surf event
  • Spring – September to December events

Interval sessions will focus on distance between 5 km and half marathon, but are also suitable training for triathlon and duathlon events. Please let your Tuesday coach know of any events you are currently training for.

 Tuesday Pace Groups

Please note that the Tuesday training groups are roughly divided by pace as follows:

  • Jane’s group 5 minute per km and under (about 25 min to run 5 km)
  • Maryann’s group 5.30 – 6.00 per km ( about 30 mins to run 5 km)
  • Di’s group (this coach may change)  group 6.00-7.00 per km (about 35 mins to run 5 km)
  • Beth’s group 7.00 km or over (run/ walk, new to or returning to running)
  • FIT run technique sessions and drills are being offered by Di Evans every Tuesday morning at Lennox Gardens – be there ready to start @ 6am. These will finish on time for the regular coached FIT session at 6.30am

 Saturday running 

FIT members have been meeting to produce an ongoing calendar of Saturday runs, during this process some changes to Saturday running have been made, which will be introduced shortly.

Last year we trialled having two different runs (trail and path) and various start times, in an attempt to meet the differing needs of our regular Saturday runners. It is felt that the initiative provided too many options and generated some confusion.

The following changes will be made to Saturday runs, as of 25 February.

  • There will be one Saturday run start time for path and trail.
  • The start time will be 7.00am in the hotter months (Nov – Feb) and 7.30am in the cooler months (Mar-Oct).
  • A Saturday run calendar listing runs to July will be published very soon, to enable members to plan ahead.
  • Runs will alternate between path and trail runs, north side, central and Southside
  • We hope to introduce a ‘run greeter’ to ensure there is always a visible FIT member at the start of the run, who will facilitate introductions and run buddies, welcome new runners. We are inviting FIT members to nominate to form part of a roster as a ‘run greeter’.
  • Saturday run maps will gradually be moved from WalkJogRun to MapMyFitness. After some testing, this is the best option as it is a free app and provides better support for running (and cycling) teams that create, upload and maintain the FIT maps

Our new Saturday run coordinator is Fran Sankey, who will be working in conjunction with Meg Absolon who is booking the breakfast café. Please provide any feedback you may have going forward to Meg (for cafes) and Fran (for runs).

 FIT Saturday running etiquette

FIT members of all levels are welcome at the Saturday run held at a different locations each week. Please note that all FIT activities and associated breakfast bookings are intended for FIT members and prospective members only.

New members (including walkers) are welcome to participate and should make themselves known to the group.

Please be considerate about where you park – if we are running from a suburban shopping centre please don’t park in the car park right in front of the newsagent or local supermarket – leave these for local shoppers.

The basics:

  • Look out for each other – don’t leave any runner behind
  • Carry your own water (the runs don’t always have water available)
  • Be familiar with the maps (download the app and route)
  • Enjoy the chat along the way!

Further information?

Please contact the FIT coaching coordinator, Simone if you have need any further information on any of the items above.