Question 1

What is different about our course?

Accepted Answer

Unlike the many do-it-yourself 0-5K apps, you’ll be taking on this challenge with a small group of ladies just like you.  You'll have a group chat to keep each other motivated and it is the support of the group and added accountability that will help you reach your goal! Plus you'll have a dedicated, qualified run-leader for your group to support you each step of the way.

Question 2

How is the course structured?

Accepted Answer

This 0-5K course is led by qualified run-leaders who are there to support you throughout your journey.  The course begins with walk/run intervals over short distances then gradually builds with the aim of completing a 5K run by the end of week 8. You will meet with your group and run-leader once a week to complete one run together, then will recieve an email with 2 more runs to complete in your own time, each of which will take around 40 minutes.  It is suitable for all abilities, even if you've never run before!

Question 3

Am I too old to join?

Accepted Answer

Our courses are for females only and our participants’ age can range from mid-twenties to ladies in their sixties. Everyone can learn to run with the right support around them.

Question 4

What if i'm slow, will I hold the group up?

Accepted Answer

At Athena we don't focus on speed, we all run together and support each other to reach our goal.

Question 5

What community benefits do I get?

Accepted Answer

We see Athena as more of a community than a club and we love the support our members give each other.  As part of the Beginners Programme you will have a private WhatsApp group with the other ladies on your programme so you can support each other to reach your goal. 
 
You’ll also be able to access to our members-only Facebook page where you’ll have the support of many Athena ladies who have graduated through this programme themselves.  
 
During the programme, you'll get complimentary access to our  Members Area and online events, including weekly yoga and strength classes and a library of wellness webinars on topics including sleep, ageing well and nutrition.

Question 6

Where do you meet?

Accepted Answer

We meet in Verulamium Park in St Albans.  Our meeting spot is just outside Abbey View Track Building. You can find us on google maps here.(https://goo.gl/maps/6ha6mcfpAj6pfLiZ9)

There is plenty of parking. This costs £1 for 2 hours, or £1.50 after 6:30pm via the PayByPhone app.

Question 7

How much does the Beginners group cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the programme is £59, which includes a £12.50 charge for an Athena high-vis, which is fully refundable if you don’t carry on with Athena and return it to your leader.

Question 8

Can I keep running with Athena after the course is over?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We offer a range of options, from joining our club runs to continuing to progress your running through other courses.

Question 9

What are the cancellation terms for an Athena beginners course?

Accepted Answer

Please see the Athena Beginners Terms and Conditions below.

Question 10

I’ve never run before - can I still join?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We recommend our Beginners Programme which will slowly build your strength and fitness and take you from 0-5K in just 8 weeks. Find out more here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 11

I’m not sure which programme is the best option for me.

Accepted Answer

We have a number of group or membership options depending on your running ability and what you’re looking to get from Athena.  If you’re not sure which option is best for you, just use the form at the bottom of the page to contact us and we will be happy to help you choose. View our group options here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 12

I’m really nervous about starting!

Accepted Answer

You’re not alone, we promise!  Many of our ladies say they are nervous before attending their first session, but once they’ve taken that leap, the hardest bit is over! Our run-leaders and Athena ladies are a friendly bunch and will make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in.  Remember that you’re not alone, as soon as you sign up you have the whole Athena community behind you! You can do this!

Question 13

I’m really unfit and haven’t done exercise in a while.  Can I still join?

Accepted Answer

Our Beginners Programme caters for all abilities, so don’t worry if you’re feeling unfit.  The programme starts slowly with a run-walk approach and gradually builds your strength and fitness.  We also have a 4 week pre-beginners plan which we will be happy to send you if you’d like to get a head start. Contact us here (javascript:void(0))to request the free pre-beginners programme.

Question 14

How much does Athena cost?

Accepted Answer

Athena Standard Membership costs £20 per month and our Community Membership costs £10 per month.  Membershup is cancellable at any time.
 
Our Beginners Programme costs £59 for the 8 week programme.

Question 15

Can I try a session before I sign up?

Accepted Answer

If you're already running and looking to join the club as a member, we'd love to invite you along for a free taster session. Simply contact us and let us know a bit about your running and we can arrange this.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer taster sessions for our Beginners, New Runner, Improvers & Advanced Programmes. This is because these programmes have limited places available. If you're unsure, please get in touch and we can talk you through the programme in more detail.

Question 16

Do you offer any programmes for Half Marathons?

Accepted Answer

We don’t currently offer any Half Marathon programmes, however we do have a number of ladies who are training for Half Marathons and have an active WhatsApp Group dedicated to supporting eachother.  Just let us know if you’d like to be added to the group, they are a welcoming bunch!

Question 17

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

To sign up to a Beginners Programme, simply follow the Sign Up (javascript:void(0))links on the Beginners Page.
 
To sign up as a member or to our Improvers Programme, please use this form a(undefined)nd we will be in touch with further details.

Question 18

When do you meet?

Accepted Answer

Our Beginners and Improvers Programmes start every 4 weeks, alternating Monday and Wednesday evening and Friday morning.
 
Our members session run regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Check out the schedule here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 19

Where do you meet?

Accepted Answer

All groups meet at Abbey View Track Building. To get to Abbey View Track Building, enter Verulamium Park via Westminster Lodge entrance and continue to the end of the access road which bears left into the last car park.

There is plenty of parking. This costs £1 for 2 hours, or £1.50 after 6:30pm via the PayByPhone app.

Question 20

Can I leave my valuables somewhere?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we cannot store valuables. We recommend investing in a running belt to store these.

Question 21

Can I bring my dog/child?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not allow pets or children on our runs.

Question 22

Do you run any sessions outside of St Albans?

Accepted Answer

We only run in St Albans at the moment, but we hope to expand to other towns in the future. Please contact us to let us know where you live and we can see what we can do!

Question 23

Do you run sessions on any other days/times?

Accepted Answer

We are unable to hold any more sessions at the moment, but we regularly review our sessions to ensure they meet the needs of our members.

Question 24

Can I put my membership on hold?

Accepted Answer

We are unable to pause your membership, however if you get injured or are unable to make the running sessions you can downgrade to a Community Membership.  This costs £10 per month and gives you access to all the online aspects of Athena, but not the Social or Development sessions.  You can upgrade back to a Standard Membership at any time.  Please email athenarunning@hotmail.com to organise this.

Question 25

How do I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

We’re sorry to see you go! You can cancel your membership through your TeamUp account, or alternatively email us at athenarunning@hotmail.com and we can cancel it for you.

Question 26

Can I change my address on my Team Up account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can log into your Team Up account and edit your profile or email us at athenarunning@hotmail.com and we will change it for you.

Question 27

What sort of social events do you have on offer?

Accepted Answer

We have a range of social events including weekend runs, webinars and on demand strength and stretching classes.

Question 28

I’ve signed up to a race in a few months, will anyone else from Athena be going?

Accepted Answer

Most likely! As an Athena member you should be in our members only facebook group.  Why not post on there to see if anyone else is going along?

Question 29

I have an idea for a social event, who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

Great! Please email us at athenarunning@hotmail.com

Beginners

Virtual Beginners Course

Next Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is different about our course?

How is the course structured?

Am I too old to join?

What if i'm slow, will I hold the group up?

What community benefits do I get?

Where do you meet?

How much does the Beginners group cost?

Can I keep running with Athena after the course is over?

What are the cancellation terms for an Athena beginners course?

I’ve never run before - can I still join?

I’m not sure which programme is the best option for me.

I’m really nervous about starting!

I’m really unfit and haven’t done exercise in a while. Can I still join?

How much does Athena cost?

Can I try a session before I sign up?

Do you offer any programmes for Half Marathons?

How do I sign up?

When do you meet?

Where do you meet?

Can I leave my valuables somewhere?

Can I bring my dog/child?

Do you run any sessions outside of St Albans?

Do you run sessions on any other days/times?

Can I put my membership on hold?

How do I cancel my membership?

Can I change my address on my Team Up account?

What sort of social events do you have on offer?

I’ve signed up to a race in a few months, will anyone else from Athena be going?

I have an idea for a social event, who do I contact?