Can I come along and try out a session before I decide to become a member?
We'd be delighted to have you come along and try us out! For insurance purposes, if you decide to run with us after your first couple of sessions, you will need to become a member - just register online through the website.
Is there somewhere I can leave a bag etc while we're out?
Yes we have access to a small locker room in the Sports Centre near our starting point where you can leave your bag. You can also leave your keys there before the run (it gets locked while we are out running). We have only been issued with a single security key. So locker access in currently only available for Monday and Thursday night sessions.
If I come straight from work, is there a place to get changed?
Yes - we have access to the change rooms & showers at the start location during weeknights in non-COVID times. At present we use the public toilets to change in - these are located under the carpark in the Sports Centre. Just ask the Run Host to point you towards them.
What is the NRG Summer Trails Program?
The program caters for runners training for various trail events over the Sydney Summer and Autumn periods, including but not limited to the Six Foot track, UTA, Tarawera and many other races both short and long. Courses are predominantly trail with where possible a shorter (~16km) and longer (up to 45km) option. Those who need even longer training distances are catered for too with many on the schedule offering an out-and-back loop (eg the Coastal Classic course run which makes for a healthy 60km return).
What level of running ability do I need to join the regular club runs?
We split into multiple pace groups so if you can run at all, there's a good chance we can fit you in. From the Tuesday evening "Ron's Run" introductory session to the speedy Fast group on a Thursday and Saturday, we cater for all pace levels. Joining a running group may seem daunting, but rest assured we have all levels of runners and will easily be able to fit you into a suitable pace group.
When and where do you meet?
Unless an Away run is advised, our regular meeting place is out the front of the Indoor Sports Centre (NSBA stadium) between Hume St and Clarke St, Crows Nest. The weeknight runs start at 6.30 pm sharp, the Wednesday morning run starts at 6.00 am sharp, the Sunday hills session starts at 5.00 pm sharp, and the Saturday morning run starts at 7.00 am, unless otherwise advised. The Event Calendar on the website will confirm the start location and time for each event.
What are the membership costs?
Annual membership for NRG is currently $70; this covers you for as many runs each week as you'd like to attend. Renewals start from 1st of April. There is a small cover charge for (optional) education events where we need to pay a speaker and provide catering
A pro-rata membership fee of $35 applies from 1st of December to 28th of February each year.
A pro-rata membership fee of $10 applies from 1st of March to 31st of March each year.
What are your pace groups?
For many of our runs we split into multiple groups by pace so that everyone can join in. While the actual group pace will depend on terrain and conditions, as a rule of thumb groups will target the following paces:
- Fasties - sub 4:45min/km
- Fast Middies - sub 5min/km
- Midd Middies - sub 5:15min/km
- Short Middies - sub 5:30min/km
- Back of the Pack - the remainder
If the size of a group is such that it becomes difficult to manage, group leaders
may split the group in two (faster and slower groups) and assign a secondary run leader to the additional group.What are the Guidelines for the NRG Summer Trails Program?
If you're doing NRG’s trails program training runs, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind:
Bring
- your own copy of the map if you feel more secure running with one (sign on and download from NRG website)
- at least 500ml water bottle or hydration pack. Recommendation is 2 litres for runs longer than 20 km.
- sufficient cash for taxi and refreshment at a shop, just in case
- your mobile (in waterproof zip-lock bag or case)
- a gel or two if you plan to use them in a race
Do:
- familiarise yourself with the map and plan an exit strategy for contingencies
- eat something, drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen before starting
- apply Bodyglide or Vasoline where you’d normally chafe
- arrive 10 minutes early. Parking is easier and you're less likely to forget something
- assume you’ll be out all morning. Bush runs are slower than road runs. Don't schedule appointments on Saturday morning
- run with your pace group
- start in the slower group if you feel you’re "between pace groups" ability-wise
- notify somebody in your group if you drop out early, so we don’t send a search party for you
- get somebody to run with you if you can't make a scheduled run and want to do it another day.
- pick up where you left off If you miss one or two long runs or hill sessions; don't try to "make up for it" by running extra. Freshness is better than fatigue.
And most of all - enjoy yourself!