Training

Training Venues/Details

There is also track running at Yate, and an informal Saturday morning run.

The last Monday of each month will be new members' night, as well as a normal training session. This is aimed at welcoming newcomers to the club and organising them into an appropriate training group. Youngsters can normally turn up on any Monday, although it is a good idea for parents to contact the relevant coach in advance (see Contacts page).

Safety Recommendations

Women should avoid running alone or in isolated places.

Runners should vary their routes in order to reduce predictability.

Consider carrying an alarm/whistle.

Training Details

These sessions are genuinely all ages (9-99) and all abilities: On Mondays we have a reception group for the youngest ages (9-11 or so); various groups through the teens; a seniors 'pack' (including 'serious terrain', and marathon runners); a broad and very friendly group of 'not so serious' runners; and an 'elite' group (who reputedly eat 4 shredded wheat for breakfast). We are proud to offer a range of coaching from informal to international standard (at no extra charge!), and all of our coaches are (of course) fully qualified.

Note - Young athletes who are new to the club can only be received on Monday evenings except by prior appointment, due to availability of coaches.

Note - Newcomers are encouraged to come initially on the last Monday of the month, our 'new members night' (see top of page).

There is a small charge for training facilities of £1 for seniors, 50p for youngsters (this includes post-training drinks at our club house), and you are most welcome to come along for a few sessions without joining, if you want to just see what it's like.

Yate track on Tuesday evenings. These sessions are open to anyone who wishes to improve their speed. No previous experience of track running necessary, they are suitable for runners training for anything from 5K to Marathon. The sessions start at 7:15, but you will need to have warmed up prior to this. There is a small charge of £1.50.

The informal Saturday runs kick off from the water tower on the Downs, meeting at 9:00 am. They are usually a minimum of 8 miles at a steady pace, the emphasis being on enjoying a sociable run, staying together or with frequent re-grouping. Those training for half or full marathons can split off for a longer session. Finish up at the cafe for coffee and cakes!

Also Ashton Park is used sometimes, no details available. Please get in touch with one of us to find out about these.

Training Venues/Details

Main Training Venue

We meet at The Bristol University Playing Fields ("Coombe Dingle"), Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop, Bristol in the autumn/winter, in the main pavilion (on the left as you get to the car park). The Playing Fields are clearly signposted from Coombe Lane, which runs between Parry's Lane and Canford Lane.

	Meeting on Mondays at 7pm (autumn/winter)

	Meeting on Thursdays at 7pm (all year)

Coombe Dingle venue map.

There are changing rooms here, (warm) showers, and access to a bar for refreshments afterwards (and a monthly meal in the autumn/winter).

From here we can run into the grounds of Blaise Castle, if there is enough light, train around the (lit) grass pitches, or run around the quiet roads in the area.

Please Note - Runners and their parents training at Coombe Dingle are politely reminded that no dogs are to be brought onto the premises. All playing fields are strictly out-of-bounds to dogs.

Spring/Summer Training

Soon after the AGM in April/May our training venue on Mondays is at our Club House in Blaise Castle (next to cafe): see Directions Below. From here we can go on superb evening runs around the extensive grounds and beyond, or (for those so inclined) use the varied terrain for more intense sessions.

Meeting on Mondays at 7pm

View a Map

Directions to our Blaise Club House

Travel along the A4018, either out from Bristol (the Downs/Falcondale Road), or in from M5 junction 17 ("Cribbs Causeway"). At the Brentry Roundabout (the only one with turnings both left and right), turn left (if going out from Bristol Park)/right (if going into Bristol). After half a mile, turn right at the T-junction, and follow the road - keep going straight on for half a mile (the road becomes a one way lane, then opens up again). This is the B4057 (Kings Weston Road), and you will find a large car park on your left. Park here, and walk down the path to the left towards the mansion. You will see our club-house (which also double as a cricket pavilion) just by the new playground.

Find a group to train with here

If you wish to train on the track, click here