Jog Scotland Larkhall

Join our new beginners group for C25K

We've been asked many times about a group for those who have never ran before or maybe you ran when you were younger and wish to return to the sport. We also get lots of enquiries about people wanting to join our Senior Group but think that they might not be good enough and want to first test the water in a beginners group. Up until now we've never had the coaching capacity to facilitate a beginners group but we're please to say that we can now offer this service to the people of Larkhall and the surrounding areas!

The Group will initially be done in 12 week blocks at various points in the year, this is due to coaching constraints. Eventually we aim to offer this as a fully regular group all year round and we aim to recruit more Jog Leader volunteers to help us with this, if this is something that interests you, please let us know. Until then, when each program ends we will invite members to join our clubs main Senior Group - if you can run 5k, you will be good enough to join!

Our club is a friendly and welcoming environment. We have well established welfare procedures and safeguarding policies in place. We are also a registered Menopause Friendly Club. All coaches are fully trained and qualified and are members of the PVG scheme.

So, How does it work?

Start!

We start on Tuesday 21st January 2025! Meeting at the YMCA Hall in Larkhall at 6pm.

Sessions will be scheduled for 6pm-7pm every Tuesday and Thursday but will be a little shorter to begin with as we build you up slowly.

We will be on a small course next to our hall to begin with so you will never be more than 500m away. As your confidence increases we will venture a little further afield.

Follow the Plan

For the next 12 weeks we'll be following the plan running 2 times per week as a group and once per week on your own - this is your homework!

We will build you up gradually walking and running until you can run for long periods of time without stopping to walk.

The plan allows your body time to adapt and if you stick to it, you will be able to run a 5k at the end of the plan.

Big Finish!

At the end of your 12 weeks we'll all head down to Strathclyde Parkrun for your lap of honour where you will run your timed 5k and be cheered around the course by members of Larkhall YMCA Harriers other groups!

We aim for this to be held on Saturday 12th April 2024 so make sure you clear your diary on this day!

Bring your family and friends down to support too!

What Next?

As this is our first time running a beginner group it will be done in 12 week blocks at various points through the year.

This doesn't mean that when it ends you need to stop running!

At the conclusion of this program you will be fit enough to join in with our main Senior Group and as the first members of our Jog Scotland Group, you will be offered a free 1 year membership to the club!

Still interested?

Here's all the details you need to know.

When is it?

Sessions will be held 6pm - 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The sessions will be shorter to begin with as we build up gradually. By the time we are 2/3 in expect to be there for the full hour.

Where do we meet?

We meet at the Larkhall YMCA Hall, 33 Caledonian Road, Larkhall. Here you will find bathrooms, and free sanitary products. You can leave any bags etc here too.

Where will we run?

All training will be held in Larkhall and initially we will be sticking to a 1k loop right outside the YMCA hall. This means you will never be further than 500 metres from the hall. It also means that you are on a short loop and as the group stretches you cannot be "left behind". As you start to get fitter and more confident we will start to venture a little further, but always within Larkhall.

How much does it cost?

We charge £2.50 per session on a pay as you go basis and accept cash and card payments. The money from this is reinvested into the club to train new Jog Leaders and purchase things like t-shirts for the group. It also helps us maintain our premises.

What do I need?

Nothing fancy. Comfortable trainers and clothing for running in. You can get fairly cheap but suitable clothing from places like Sports Direct who do the Karrimor Range. Just make sure you have clothing which is suitable for the weather. We will be running rain or shine!

One compulsory piece of equipment is something High Viz / Reflective, either a jacket or top. You must wear this for safety reasons. Things like head/body torches are also great but are not compulsory.

Do I need to Register first?

Yes. We expect this to be over subscribed and will have to cap the numbers for safety reasons. Therefore you will need to register using the link below. Once your place is confirmed we will ask you to register for Jog Scotland and Parkrun (both are free)

What do I do when it ends?

You be offered - and will be good enough - to join our main clubs senior section. We have a wide range of ages and abilities and you'll fit right in! They train on the same days between 7-9pm and you don't need to take part in races - many of our members have never raced at all and just enjoy the training. As members of our first ever Jog Scotland group you will also be offered a free 1 year membership to the club, so only your usual training fees will apply.