TRAINING
Author: John Turner, Secretary and i/c Training
and Events
Date: 30.09.2005
Revised: 14.03.2006 by Max d'Ayala
Revised
11.01.2008 by John Turner
Warming Down
Members should gradually decrease their effort towards the end of a training
run or go for a jog afterwards so that they finish feeling relaxed,
comfortable and neither too hot nor too cold. This should then be followed by
several minutes of appropriate stretching
Training at Night
Members are requested to wear
reflective bibs for club training at night. These are available free of
charge from club stock at the Paradise Centre. It is also advisable to wear
white or a light colour under the bib to be visible when not running in
artificial or reflected light. Armbands and similar items with flashing red
lights also show up well. Fluorescent items, such as the club shorts, show up
particularly well during the twilight hours.
ARC and UK-Athletics provide Public Liability Insurance for club members during training sessions. What this essentially means is that if by our negligence a third party is injured, or property is damaged, we will be covered if someone makes a claim against us.
Full details can be found on the ARC and UKA web sites:
http://www.runningclubs.org.uk/insurance.htm
www.ukathletics.net/clubs/insurance-cover/
Members are reminded to observe some basic precautions and courtesies when running at night:
1. Wear high visibility clothing such as a reflective jacket, reflected bib, reflective strap, club fluorescent yellow shorts, and/or a white T-shirt. This is particularly important when you have to run on or cross roads. Also so that pedestrians can assess that you are a fast moving runner when approaching them.
2. Avoid running side by side if there are nearby pedestrians using the footpath.
3. Avoid running too close to and startling pedestrians, especially from behind. They may not hear you coming and change direction without warning so give them a wide berth to avoid a collision.
4. If there is an elderly person or lady by themselves, they may feel threatened by hearing or seeing you running towards them so try to cross over to the other side of the road well before you pass.
5. If running in a group, this can be intimidating to pedestrians so always give them a wide and early berth.
6. Avoid running too closely to the runner in front or you may not see small obstructions which can cause you to stumble or trip.
7. When crossing roads, do not follow other runners. Make your own judgement for when it is safe to cross.
8. When crossing roads or running off pavements, do not cause vehicles to brake or swerve.
9. Beware of icy patches, especially on corners.
10. If running on unlit roads/lanes/droves, run in or near to the middle (there are less undulations) until you are sure an oncoming driver has seen you (should dip lights) and then, in good time, move over near to the right edge. If necessary, slow down or stop to avoid stumbling on the edge. After moving to the side to let a vehicle pass, allow for it (especially tractors) to be towing an unlit trailer, implement, or other vehicle before resuming your run. Take great care on bends and corners as approaching drivers will not have much time to see you. Stay on the safe side of the road.
11. Also on unlit roads and/or those without a pavement, beware of vehicles from behind, particularly if there is more than one and/or if one is overtaking another.
12. Beware of cyclists, especially without lights, riding on pavements and footpaths.
13. Don't wear an earpiece - if you are listening to music you might not hear approaching traffic.
14. Run wide of parked cars with passengers because a door may open without warning.