Training Times
Why not come along to one of the regular club training sessions. There is no obligation to run a marathon! For regular training, we use local roads and paths, with some groups opting for speed or hill work .... but it's not all hard training and racing! There is always a run for you, whatever your speed and please feel free to come and meet us all for a session before you become a member.
We meet at the Westminster Lodge Athletics Track, Verulam Park, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2DJ (behind Westminster Lodge Leisure Center) at the following times:
- Tuesday evening: 19:00
- Thursday evening: 19:00
- Saturday 08:00
We have use of the athletics track on Tuesdays under the guidance of our Coach. He organises a group session of interval training ranging from 200m to mile reps. There is a schedule of these coached sessions on the Training Schedule page.
These are communal sessions where everybody runs at their own pace around the track. On Thursdays we do not use the track, but a few different runs of different speeds and distances go out onto the road.
On Thursdays we meet at the same place (Westminster Track) and a number of runs go out on the roads and paths around St Albans. We do not have use of the track on Thursdays, but we do have use of the changing rooms and showers.
*Note: Saturday runs are regular, but usually by arrangment - there is no guarantee that a run will leave at these times. Also a few groups may go out at different speeds so it may be worth checking that there is a group for your speed. Just ask on the messageboard or at a Wesminster Lodge meeting.
Westminster Lodge Car Park
The car park is now pay and display until 6:30 most days. However, you can still get 3hrs of free parking, but need to display a ticket. Simply press the button and it will dispense a ticket giving you 3 hrs parking. Make sure you get one before you leave your car.
Many members prefer just to head out for a run. During the autumn and winter months this is restricted to local streets, but in the spring and summer we head for the countryside and use the local country lanes, footpaths and bridleways. We split into small groups that cater for a range of speeds and abilities so you should find a group to suit your own preference. The track building has changing rooms, toilets and showers. There is ample car parking. In addition there is a club notice board advertising races and giving details of forthcoming club races and social events.
Pub Run
The last Saturday in every month there is a pub run, currently these are based around the Elephant and Castle in Amwell, near Nomansland Common. These generally consist of two loops (typically 7 to 8 miles each) the first leaves about 9:30 returning about 10:15 to meet the second group and start another loop at 10:30. Again the pace can vary but the second loop is usually quite "steady". You could do either , or both, then enjoy a sociable lunch or just a drink with the other runners.