Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer other sessions as well as running?
Yes, Fitball, Power Walking & Yoga plus other short courses. Click here for more information.
I am completely new to running what session is best for me?
We offer a six week beginners course in January, April & September. This will build up your fitness slowly so that by the end you will be running about 4 miles. Registering early is essential as spaces sell out quickly.
Can I try a session to see if I like it?
If you want to come to our group runs, your first run is free, just let us know when you would like to come and we will look out for you.
How do I join?
Just complete our on line registration form here and send us an email to let us know which session you would like to come to as your first one.
To see our welcome email, click here.
Can I come to any session?
SLJ offers complete flexibility so once you have bought your run tokens you can come to any session you wish to, you don’t have to let us know, just turn up. However if you sign up to a course it will be for a set amount of weeks and generally there will not be an alternative session offered.
I am an experienced runner, what can you offer me?
All our runs suit runners who are happy with 4 miles plus. Our Thursday run generally covers 8-10 miles.Throughout the year we also offer 10k courses, Half Marathon Courses and other sessions. Get in touch if you have a specific question.
Do you run in all weathers?
Generally yes!! *There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.However during the winter months our evening runs are on the pavements around the town, if the roads are icy we may have to cancel the runs if it is dangerous and slippery.
What should I eat or drink before I come to a run?
Have a small carbohydrate snack such as a banana, yoghurt or piece of toast about an hour or so before the session. If you want to, bring water with you in a small handheld bottle. Make sure you are hydrated prior to the run as well.
What happens at the end of the run?
All our members must stay and stretch at the end of the run. Stretching is important to help prevent stiffness and soreness so please allow an extra 10-15 minutes for this before you rush home.
I am new to the area, will I meet new people?
Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers is a great way to make new friends of all ages and backgrounds. Runners are a sociable bunch and we welcome anyone who wants to join us.
How old do I need to be?
We take runners from 16 years onwards, there is no upper age!
What time do you run?
We offer runs at 08.30am, 09.15 and 19.30. Please check the diary page for more details.
How much does it cost?
We have an annual membership fee of £30. Each runs cost £3.50 or £5.00 if you do the Thursday long run. The runs are normally paid for in tokens, you purchase a book of ten tokens and use them as and when you want to.You can purchase the tokens via the website using Paypal, by making a BACS transfer or by bringing payment to your first run.
Where do you meet?
We meet at Hollybush Recreation Ground, next to Walthamstow Hall School in Sevenoaks. Some of our runs meet in other locations, please check the diary to check where your run will start.All beginner runs are from Hollybush Recreation Ground unless you are told otherwise.
What happens if I am late?
If you arrive late the chances are that we will have set off. However, if you text the coach in advance, we may be able to do a loop so you can catch up with us.
How far do you run?
Our sessions cover 4-5 miles generally, you will not be running non stop, we do a warm up and stop to do some gentle stretches, then run again. We regroup regularly and we won’t leave you behind.
What if I can’t keep up?
Our sessions are designed to keep the group running together so we will send faster runners on loops so that everyone gets the session they feel comfortable with.
Can I bring my dog?
We do not allow dogs on our sessions.
I am asthmatic, can I still run?
If you have been given permission to run by your GP you are welcome to join us. We insist however, that you bring your medication with you on the run as we cannot give you someone else’s medication.
Can I bring my children?
During the school holidays we welcome your daughters aged 16 and over. Those below this age may wish to do our Junior Ladies Joggers sessions.
What do I wear?
Most of our members find it most comfortable to wear running tights or shorts and a top that lets you breath. We offer a range of SLJ kit, please see the kit page.
Do I need new shoes?
Your shoes are a very important part of your running kit. We advise our members to get shoes that are specially designed to support their feet, however it is not necessary to do this prior to your first run with us. See our shoes page for more advice.
I want to do a marathon, will this help me.
Marathon Training is a long task and at SLJ we do not do the long distances required for it on a week by week basis. However we do 8-10 mile runs every week and with speed and hill sessions regularly offered, we will certainly be able to help you with some aspects of your training.
If you would like one to one training to help you prepare for a marathon, we can help you with that.