SOME INFOMATION
About Us
JustRun is a community group run by a team of committed volunteers. Although running means something individual to each of us, our common interest is that we love running and know how amazing it is for Health and Wellbeing. Being a run leader does not mean that you have to run fast or far, it is about supporting others to run. Our volunteers are trained in first Aid and hold a UKA Run leaders qualification. They know that each member of the group has different motivations and abilities in running, and are skilled at keeping everyone together.
WHO WE ARE
Our team of volunteers have all completed the UKA run leaders qualification and are qualified to run lead. They are all experienced and provide our runners with the support that they need to fulfil their potential through running.
Our Run leaders will always identify themselves at the beginning of each run. They will brief the group on the route. We always ensure that any new runners are welcomed at the outset and introduced to the group.
JESSIE
Running has been a big part of my life for many years now. I started running when I was 19, and for a long time just enjoyed the benefits of regular running. It was only after having my three children that I started running competitively. This has given me lots of opportunities and experiences that I could have only dreamed of. Running has made me believe that anything is possible if you work hard enough! I believe that running can be a life changer, I have seen so many women transformed by incorporating regular running into their lives. Being a run leader has given me the opportunity to support these changes. Since setting up Just Run I have made so many friends in the club it has become about so much more than just running!
MARIANNE
Hi I’m Marianne. I used to think I would never enjoy running. I was talked into trying running by a friend and before I knew it was nervously running the 2015 Saltford Santa Dash. I was so surprised to find that I loved it. I joined running club in early 2016 and a few months ago started volunteering as a run leader. I love the friendly supportive atmosphere of the group and look forward to Mondays!
KATIE
I started running when my second child was a year old, I was suffering from (what I now know) was hormone induced anxiety and depression. Running really helped me clear my head, have some time to myself and increase a good mood. I went from running 5k to a half marathon, over 4 years. When Jess started Frenchay Runners, 7 years ago, I had just had my third child, when she was 4 months old I joined the club. My speed increased and I spent time running with old friends and I made some great new friends. It is such a social sport, as you can run and chat. I became a run leader by default, when the 6 mile group didn’t have a leader. I love encouraging other people to run and seeing their development, although some of them have now become faster than me! It is also great for the CV.
MICHELE
I’m Michele and have been running for most of my life to stay fit and healthy. I qualified as a run leader in 2014 and really enjoy supporting other running club members to participate.
JULIE-ANNE
Hi, my name is Julie-Anne. If you had asked me a few years ago to go for a run, I would have said “No, I can’t run, I don’t like running!” So, when a couple of friends set up Frenchay Runners when my daughter started school I went along for the first session to show my support but didn’t hold out much hope that it would become a regular thing. That first session was tough, I’d never really ran before; I somehow made it round the 2 miles and the next day I could hardly walk! But the support and encouragement of Jess and Liz, and the rest of the group, kept me going back every week. 7 years on and I’m still there every Monday night and have been a run leader for about the past 5 years. Through the club I have made lots of friends along the way, and have conquered 5k’s. 10k’s and even a few half marathons. I’m yet to make it to a full marathon, but as I’ve learnt, “never say never!”
IZZY
When Jess and Liz started the club I tentatively joined up and then became a run leader a few years later. As one of the older run leaders I have lost and found my running mojo many times, dealt with an (increasing) number of injuries and had great runs and some which are better forgotten. I have never, and will (very likely) never be a speedy runner and now enjoy a longer slower run. The highlight of my run leading was this year coming back from injury at the Bristol 10k with the inaugural 5-10k group some of whom were very new to running. A couple of runs gives me the time and space to deal with the things which crop up during the week.
NINA
As a youngster I used to run cross country and track when I wasn’t playing hockey. In my 20s I cycled, mostly mountain biking and picked up a knee injury I didn’t think would allow me to return to running. Fast forward a few years to having 2 kids on bikes, I needed to run again to keep up with them!! I started by doing a couch to 5k course by myself, got lost one day and surprised myself by nearly running 6 miles! I’ve completed a few 10ks, half marathons and duathlon events, I especially enjoy off road running. I’ve been a run leader since 2014 and enjoy the welcoming and supportive group at Just Run. My injuries caught up with me, finally getting knee surgery last year. I’m now on the road to recovery, I repeated the couch to 5k in Jan 2018 and aim to run 3 or 4 mile routes this year. I particularly enjoy coming to running group to see how others progress with their running goals, everyone is hugely encouraging no matter what level of running you are at. It’s also a great way to catch up with old friends and make new ones too.
FAQ’s
WHAT RUNNING ABILITY DO I NEED TO BE TO JOIN JUSTRUN RUNNING CLUBS?
To come along to our club all you need is motivation! We welcome complete beginners of all ages, sizes and we cater for women of all abilities. If you are heading for the Olympics we will signpost you on to an Athletics club get some specialist training!!
IF I WANT TO COME ALONG TO THE RUNNING CLUBS WHAT DO I DO?
Just drop is an email to say you coming. We welcome newcomers to all of our sessions. We do ask that you try to get to us by about 6.50pm on your first session so that there is time to have a chat and get you to fill in a form before it gets busy.
I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY BUT WOULD LOVE TO COME ALONG, IS THERE SUPPORT TO HELP ME?
We have Mental Health Ambassadors who are trained in offering extra support for anyone who is feeling low or suffering from anxiety. Research has proven that exercise is excellent at combatting depression and anxiety and mixed with being outside and running with a group you really will feel the benefits.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO RUN?
You can wear anything that is comfortable and easy to move in. You don’t need to necessarily need to wear specific running gear. We do recommend that if you run regularly, you purchase good quality running trainers. It is also worthwhile investing in a well fitted sports bra if you run regularly.
I AM WORRIED THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP?
We make sure that we have enough qualified run leaders with each group that nobody need worry about their pace. Our run leaders are trained to keep the group together, using looping techniques so you can rest assured you will find yourself in different places in the group as the run progresses.
I HAVE NEVER RUN BEFORE, CAN I STILL COME TO THE CLUB?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on our beginners JustJog walk to just programme. It is tailored for people who have never run before.
CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES DURING A GROUP RUN?
We recommend not wearing headphones to run with because not being able to hear around you is a safety issue. It can also detract from the social element of the group We do however, understand that some people feel that they need music to be able to run. If this is the case, we recommend just wearing one ear phone.
IS JUSTRUN AN AFFILIATED CLUB?
We are not affiliated with UKA, however, our affiliation is with ARC. If you sign up to a race that is insured by the ARC you can say that you are affiliated and receive the discount. To get more details about ARC visit: http://www.runningclubs.org.uk/
DO YOU RUN IN BAD WEATHER?
We run unless weather conditions are dangerous. We risk assess our running routes, and they can change at short notice if thought to be unsafe for any reason. We will always let members know via email and social media if running club is cancelled.
DO YOU RUN ALL YEAR ROUND?
Yes we run every week except Christmas and the odd bank holiday. We keep everyone informed of this via running club, email and social media.
WHERE DO THE RUNS START?
Our main meeting point is Shaftesbury Park, Frenchay Park Rd, Bristol, BS16 1LG Please note: Our interval session on a Friday takes Place at WISE Campus, New Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8LP.
“
Testimonials
|I’m not a runner”, ” I can’t run “. So why did I find myself signed up for a couch to 5k course with @justjogbristol 9 weeks ago?
Throughout the course there were many times I asked myself why. The length of time running increased week by week 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 25 minutes! & a bout of illness struck. However with the support,
‘I run regularly in the 4 mile group, it’s a great group for those who want to up the distance but find the 6 mile group a bit daunting! It’s such a friendly group and helps me push myself each week, the run leaders are fab, the routes are interesting. If you fancy stepping up your distance give it a go, you won’t regret it and all paces are welcomed.’