Meet at 6:25pm for a 6:30pm start at Taunton’s college
This is our most popular training night. Our sessions use the Common as well as the outdoor sports centre nearby. We aim to cater for all abilities so we usually split into five sub-groups. Each group will be taking part in a range of different sessions. Our beginners and improvers groups suit new starters or for people returning to running. The groups are progressive and move up towards our more experienced and faster groups. Don’t worry if you’re unsure which group you should be running with or what you are doing – have a look at the pacing group details below for approximate pacing. If you are still unsure send us a message or ask any run leader on a monday night.
Training details
Please check your start location (here or on the Spond app) as some groups may be meeting closer to where they will be training.
- Track sessions: meet at the track for a 6:45pm start; please note these are currently joint sessions with ISRC, with them providing coaching staff (occasionally us, due to vacations or illness).
- Common sessions: tend to be faster interval sessions, compared to hill sessions based at the sports centre or within Bassett.
- We aim to post more detailed session plans on the Spond app.
If necessary scroll across on the table above to see training sessions for groups E and F/G.
Track Etiquette
Joining a monday night session at the athletics track? For some helpful advice on using the track check out this great guide to track etiquette from Steel City Striders.
Meeting point
6:25pm at Taunton’s College, Hill Lane, Southampton SO15 5RL (what3words: ///rinse.potato.bucks)
- Members can use the bathroom facilities if needed.
- We do not have an agreement to leave bags at the college reception.
- Our booking is for 6:20 – 6:35pm; announcements aim to be at 6:30pm with groups departing straight afterwards.
- Please do not attend a training session if you are feeling unwell.
Pacing groups
Group A/B (Beginners/Improvers)
For new runners or those returning from a period of inactivity. We aim to help you reach your individual goals in a supportive atmosphere with an emphasis on fun and friendship. Each week incorporates a mix of basic skills sessions and jog-walk-run sessions to enable you to build confidence, distance and pace.
Groups C & D
Builds speed and endurance for those wishing to participate in events up to 10 mile or half marathons; sessions may include hills, speed work or longer runs on nearby roads or paths.
Group E
Sessions focusing on speed, endurance and strength at a faster pace than the previous group. A perfect training opportunity for those looking to improve their times in races; sessions may include hills, fartlek (speed play), intervals and tempo runs.
Group F/G
Training at a higher intensity and pace. Sessions will focus on improving technique, as well as speed, strength and endurance all in preparation for upcoming races.
Panthers/Snakes
These sessions are set by a coach, but often self-led and not on a monday evening; they tend to run over the summer when people are targetting shorter distances (10K or under). They are ideally suited to runners who can better 19:30 for 5K, 40 minutes for 10K or are aspiring to do so. This group typically has higher volume, focused training for the faster runners in the club. If you are interested in this please contact our captains either via email or on the Spond app. We also have a dedicated ladies development squad (the panthers); again, if you are interested in joining please contact our captains.
Pacing guidelines for Monday night training groups
Please note that these are guidelines – depending on the changing ability of current runners and the ability of new members this may change and will be reviewed. It’s worth spending a bit of time considering whether you’re running with the most appropriate group on a monday evening. If you are consistently near the front or back of your group it may be time to consider trying a new one. We appreciate that there are many different reasons why people run – some people enjoy the social aspect of running, whereas others want to train hard to improve their speed. We’re hoping that everyone will be making progress, but there is no shame in dropping down a group.
