Off road beauty, Sunday 24th Feb

Glorious skies and witty chat on the climbs!

 

Whether you are still basking in the glow of finishing the Brighton Half Marathon, or simply inspired by watching your friends/partners/total strangers and want to start running yourself, come and join us this Sunday.

For those training for the Bluebell race, or those joining for a social run, there is an option of a four mile or 7mile.

The four mile is suitable for those new to our running club who can currently run 5k.  It would also be good for those who ran last week’s half marathon and would prefer something more gentle.

Please DON’T jump to 7miles (Bluebell 10miles) group if you’re training for 10k.

And for our specialist marathon group,  we start to pick up our distance to 14miles on an undulating route (with a lovely downhill section) that will build your physical and mental endurance.

We finish at Hove Park cafe for coffee.

This is our first trail run for many SO ALL WHO ARE COMING, PLEASE COMMENT HERE SO WE CAN BE SURE TO HAVE THE CORRECT NUMBER OF AMBASSADORS AND COACHES.

Time: 8.30am

Location: Hove Park Cafe

Price: £7 except for Marathon group: £10, for distances over 13miles

Marathon: Melissa, with Karen Russell (N.B if you would like to join our marathon training team on a drop in basis please call Rachael 07855 742195. We are a small group so it’s perfect for those runners who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed with their current training schedule).

BlueBell & Beginners: Melanie Anning

7mile group: Kate or Rachael, with Elspeth

General etiquette: Please stay with your group when you run. If this means you don’t run with someone you know, start chatting with someone new! This helps us keep you safe, and on the right track.

Stuck in the middle of a group and not noticed where the front leaders have gone? Don’t guess. Wait for our ambassador at the back of the group.

 

Scenic Sunday, training run 3rd February, 8.30am

NEW RUNNING COURSE

For runners starting their training for  10k and 10miles, we’ll be doing a flat, seafront 3.5miles run meeting at 8.30am on the seafront in front of King Alfred’s car park.

Half and Marathon Training Group: 13.5miles and 12miles

Get ready for a scenic stunner, heading out along River Adur, around Bamber Castle and back.

Unlike our previous runs in this area we will be keeping to the right hand side of the river going out, using the Link route to avoid the mud ( But this is the country, there will be mud once we head off this Link path so wear trail shoes if you have them!)

This weekend’s run will be working on race simulation, so we will be attempting to pick up the pace. Both groups will run together, with the half marathon group doing the final 1.5miles into Shoreham by Sea to finish.

PLEASE NOTE – because we are working on pace this weekend, we ask all those who typically run at the back of the group to meet at 8am. We will be starting earlier to give you time to work on your speed. If you are unsure whether you fit into this category, please call RAchael 07855 742195.

everyone else, meet at 8.30am as normal.

Times & Locations:

10k & 10mile BlueBell group: Meet in front of King Alfred Centre Car park, 8.30am. Running Ambassador: Mel L

12-13.5miles group:

Location: Entrance to Giant Bike shop, Shoreham next to RopeTackle Arts Centre – details here

Parking: Middle Street car park, 5minutes walk away. Free on Sundays. Please leave time to find the car park and walk to the start

Working on pace back runners:  meet 8am, Running coach: Rachael

Everyone else: 8.30am, Running coach: Kate

Running ambassadors: 13.5mile group: Elspeth, 12mile route: Tor

Drop in: £7

PLEASE ALL COMMENT HERE IF YOU ARE COMING AND TO WHICH GROUP. NEED A LIFT? COMMENT

 

The Beacon run and the Catch up Course. Sunday 20th January

Don’t be fooled – it’s not all this level!

As with last week all our runners are starting out together. Meeting at Stanmer park then everyone is heading (ahem) up to Ditchling Beacon. They’ll be no stopping for ice-creams once you’re there though. Not in January anyway. This does start out slightly challenging. I can hear you ask ‘what’s new!’ The last part of the run is a decline and the views make it all worthwhile, even on the ascent. This is the same day that Fitbitch founder Rachael is running the Mumbai marathon and may have completed it before we set out. That’s one way to gear us on.

Half and Full marathon – the distances are 11 and 12 miles, which will take you  west from the Beacon before heading down past the Chattri and back towards Stanmer. The 12 milers will need to add on that extra mile in Stanmer woods at the end of the 11 mile run.

Catch up Course – You are all now more conditioned as a runner and are ready to take on the South Down hills. This requires more muscle recruitment and takes less impact on the joints. So don’t be put off by the H word. When you get to Ditchling Beacon you’ll then take a downhill back to Stanmer and through the woods. Stunning scenery for a 7 mile route.

MEET: The A27 entrance to Stanmer, parking is either the left or right side car parks and we will meet by the two houses at the entrance. Please comment if lifts are needed. Bring extra layers for the post run stretch!

11/12 mile coach: Melissa 07894 146016. Running Ambassadors: Karen and Elspeth. Drop in:£7

Catch up Course coach: Kate 07702983744. Running Ambassador: Mel L. Drop in: £10

TIME: 8:30am.

Interval training, Weds 28th Nov

Catapult training!

Get ready for a blast of a running session.

Whether you are trying our club for the first time, or training with us for the Brighton marathon or half marathon, this session will work on improving your ability to run and work at a higher intensity.

We will also be adding some conditioning work into this session and it is VITAL to tell us here if you will be attending so that we can plan accordingly.

Coach: Rachael

when: 7.30pm – don’t be late!

Where: Lawns adjacent to Hove Street

Cost: £5 drop in

 

 

Pace your pyramid, Weds 21st Nov

Fitbitch training sessions give you wings!

To improve as a runner, and see more improvements in body shape and fitness, you need to vary your training to incorporate more than just your usual length and speed of run.

This training session is designed to do just that.

Suitable for beginners, experienced runners, and an essential part of training for our Brighton Half and Marathon runners, we will be working on interval sessions that will improve your speed, help you focus on technique and give you a huge endorphin buzz to boot! Not to mention give you a psychological edge when it comes to race conditions.

PLEASE COMMENT HERE IF YOU ARE COMING.

Location: Lawns adjacent to Hove street by King Alfred Centre

Time: 7.30pm

Coach: Rachael

Drop in: £5

Training run, Sat 17th November, 8am

Start your running well with Fitbitch

In a change to our schedule (due to the Brooks 10k, and SpartanBeast commitments) this week’s training is on Saturday.

It is geared towards those training for the Brighton Half and Brighton Marathon but all are welcome. And as we are at the start of training, it is good for beginners whether you are training for something or not.

There will be a choice of four or five miles, in line with our current training plans.

Both will involve road runs looping up from the seafront to Hove Park and back.

PLEASE COMMENT HERE IF YOU ARE COMING SO WE CAN ENSURE WE HAVE ENOUGH COACHES.

Location: Life guard hut by Hove Street (where we usually meet for WEds run club)

time: 8am

Drop in: £7

Coaches: Rachael, Kate and Run Ambassador Elspeth

 

Pace for your race. Wednesday 14th November

Inspired by sporting hero’s?

Although running is a year round activity, there’s no denying we’ve hit training season again. Our training plans for the Brighton half and full marathon have begun and it is the last training session before the Brookes 10k and the Spartan race.

Pace is the name of the game this Wednesday. For Sundays 10k runners, it will give you one last training boost and an opportunity to ask any race day preparation questions. Spartan girls, they’ll be no obstacles but a chance to build up running performance ( or possibly a small obstacle as extra training!)

If you are starting out on the half or full marathon training, this is the key to your training. Do not be fooled into thinking it is all about our Sunday longer runs (however these sessions are just as important). Wednesdays sessions cover all the other elements required to prevent over training and injury. We will establish a suitable pace for every individual that will work you at a comfortably hard pace, to boost your endurance for longer runs. As always all abilities are welcome, whether you are running a race or you run for general fitness and please comment if you can make this session.

Meet: Hove street, on the promenade by the lifeguard hut (near King Alfred car park)

Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm

Coach: Kate 07702983744

Drop in: £5

Tempo training. Wednesday 24th October.

 

A quick dash from the horse was needed, hurrah for the tempo sessions!

Are you stagnating with your pace or even slowing down and do you want to get stronger and faster as a runner? Tempo training suits all abilities of runners and is a great way to spice up your training. You’ll be running at a faster pace than your steady jog which will train the body’s ability to take in more oxygen and use it to make energy in the muscles. It also helps prevent or delay the burning feeling that can occur in the muscles during running. Don’t get into the habit of training at the same pace, your body gets used to it and there’s no improvement plus the repetitive stride pattern will tighten the muscles and joints and make you more susceptible to injury. Brooks 10k runners and Spartan girls make that race a bit easier and get some tempo training in your programme. Or be a stride ahead with your Brighton full and half marathon training.

ARE YOU JOINING US? Please comment so we can provide enough Running Coaches.

Meet: Hove promenade, bottom of Hove Street, near King Alfred car park.

Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm

Coach: Kate 07702983744

Drop in: £5

Brooks 10k, Brighton Half and Brighton Marathon for Beginners

Start now while there are still blue skies!

So, you’ve signed up for the Brighton Half or the Brighton Marathon and are beginning to feel the first twinges of nerves?

Or, more likely, you are burrowing your head in the sand and thinking you’ll start worrying about it nearer the time.

If you are a beginner, or someone returning to running after a long break, NOW is the timeto start training  if you are doing the marathon or the half. Here’s why..

1. It’s warmer, there is less rain (yes, really) and more likelihood of blue skies at this time of year. 

And that means it’s more  likely that you will feel like getting out the door to run. Wait until later in the year when it’s cold and wet, and when you have not yet felt ‘the runner’s high’ which makes you run in all weathers, and finding the motivation to start will be far harder.

2. To avoid the ’Eeek, I’ve not started training,’ horror that hits in January

The Brighton Marathon is so far away, for most new runners it does not feel like a reality until often it’s too late. All of a sudden it is Xmas.

And even then, you’re likely to think, ‘Oh well, I may as well wait until after Christmas so I can start afresh when I’m stopped drinking.’

Then, it’s January and if you’re a beginner, or even an intermediate, that is way, way too late and will almost certainly end in injury because of the demands you will put on your body with the excessive volume of training you will need to do.

Start now, and you will be able to build gradually so it will seem achievable and your body will be ready for it.

3. It’s fun. Why put off what hundreds of Fitbitch runners do every week, not out of obligation or to adhere to some attempt to lose weight. But simply because it leaves them feeling good. (although, it does help you shape up too, which can’t be bad.)

Think about setting yourself a ‘stepping stone’ race, like the Brooks 10k which will help lay the foundations, not only of your running strength but your confidence too.

Our eight week training package starts THIS WEDNESDAY. Details here.

From there you can join our 12 weeks to Brighton Half group, or our 22 week Brighton Marathon group which starts when that group finishes.

Details, prices and booking information for these groups will be posted this week here.

Any questions, please get in touch with Rachael on 07855 742195 or email info@fitbitchbootcamp.com.

Visit here for details of the Brooks 10k Package. Training for Brighton Half And then you won’t train because you’ll

Training for Beginners & Beyond, Sat 28th July

Training, coffee and chatter

This weekend only we are switching to Saturday to train so that those who wish to do the Brighton trailblazer on Sunday can do so. (If you have not signed up and can already run 7miles comfortably, we recommend it! It’s beautiful).

There will be a 8.6-9mile route for those training for Firle and Lake Garda 30k and marathon – or any one who would like to run in a group and do this distance. It is a hilly one with a gradual climb up from Hangleton to the Dyke before a glorious downhill section and back to Hove Park.

Here , you either have the choice of joining the Hove Parkrun.com 5k, – or cheering on some of our new runners who will be doing this.

The beginners route is a 3-4mile route this time around Hove Park. Your choice is to either meet at 8.15am and do the route with our coach Melissa.

Alternatively, you can register for www.parkrun.com and get your first taste of a very friendly race environment by doing the parkrun at 9am. If doing this, coach Rachael will run it with you as a training run.

It is an extremely friendly format and a great way of progressing your running in a supportive environment.

After the run, we plan to have coffee at Hove park Cafe, so bring some money if you fancy hanging around for half an  hour after.

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW REGARDING WHICH TRAINING OPTION YOU ARE COMING TO. THIS IS VITAL SO WE KNOW WHO TO EXPECT AND WHEN.

Location: Meet Hove park Cafe

CHOICE A: Time: 7.30am for 8-9mile runners

Coach Rachael, and run ambassador Mel lankester

CHOICE B: Time: Beginners NOT doing parkrun 8.15am

Coach Melissa and Karen Russell

CHOICE C: Time: Beginners doing parkrun, 8.45am for warm up before 5k park run

Coach: Kate

Drop in: £5

Parking: You can park around hove Park but if coming for the parkrun at 8.45am best to get there earlier as it gets busy.

Beginners NOT doing parkrun meet at 8.15am

Time: Beginners no doing Park run: me