Chew Valley Snails

Welcome to Chew Valley Snails, a group for novice to experienced recreational runners in the Chew Valley area.

Please see our News pages for our latest Risk Assessment and COVID update. If you are well and would like to run with friends why not keep an eye out on the Snail FB page for members posting personal runs that you are welcome to join.

We offer Couch to 5k and Improvers courses for new and returning runners in the Chew Valley area, plus multiple weekly Social Runs from locations within the Valley, and trips to local parkruns and races. We're affiliated to the Association Of Running Clubs. Our annual membership fee of £10 is worth every penny; non-members are welcome to come to a few runs with us before deciding whether to join.

"Run at the speed of chat!" is our motto - and we encourage socialising over coffee and cake as well. We have a facebook group for runners to arrange meet-ups for homework and social runs, and to share details about other local events and lifts to parkrun. Would you like to train towards a specific event such as the Chew Valley 10k? This is the perfect starting point.

Running outdoors has been proven to be excellent for both physical and mental health. The fresh air, extra vitamin D and interaction with nature are all mood-lifters. Sometimes you won't feel like running but if you make yourself pull on your trainers we can guarantee you'll benefit from it. Running can improve your weight, your blood pressure, your mood, diabetes, your stamina and cardiovascular endurance - and it's a great way to meet other people in a safe environment.

New to running? Have a look at what others have said about what we do. Experienced runner? Come along to our Social runs or Improvers courses.

The format of the Couch to 5k courses:

• 10 weeks long, roughly 45 minutes per session. In between sessions you should aim to complete two "homework" runs (or walks, or jogs!) of around 30-45 minutes each. All details will be given at each week's sessions
• The cost is £35 for 10 weeks, which includes your annual Membership for Chew Valley Snails and a free hi-viz Chew Valley Snails branded buff when you graduate
• We often meet at the Salt & Malt car park at Chew Lake, but we encourage everyone to walk, cycle or car-share (the car park is pay & display). The venue has public toilets and a cafe area where you can get a drink. After sessions we'll often stay for a drink (and probably cake) in the cafe - all are welcome
• Every session will start with a dynamic warm-up, and end with static stretches and a cool down - look after your body and let your muscles recover, it's a great time to ask any questions as well
• At the end of the course we complete a local graduation parkrun, and each graduate will be given an exclusive Chew Valley Snails hi-viz buff
• We PROMISE no-one will ever be left behind
• We don't have anywhere at the venue to keep items safe, so only bring things you can carry with you. We encourage personal responsibility and self-sufficient running, so if you bring water bottles or spare layers you'll need to carry them. Many people find they don't need extra water for a 45 minutes / 5k session, but if you would like to bring some then choose a water bottle which is comfortable in the hand
• Layers are good, especially in cold weather! Hats, gloves, waterproof or windstopper jackets - wear what is right for you. Some people 'run hot' and some always feel the cold, so go with your instinct. You don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive clothing but wicking technical fabrics will help to keep you comfortable. Aldi, Lidl and other discounters do excellent bargain price running clothing, and we can give advice if you're not sure
• Shoes: we'll be on tarmac, grass and trails. Road trainers are fine, hybrid trail shoes may be even better. Trainers which are specifically made for running and which fit you correctly are really important. We can point you in the right direction for reputable running shoe shops
• Although our courses are usually run in the daytime we strongly recommend you wear hi-viz and reflective items on your clothing and shoes. It's a good habit to get into and may be essential when you're doing your homework runs. A headtorch might help if it's an evening course!
• Sorry, no headphones during the course sessions: running is social so we chat during sessions (remember "Run at the speed of chat"?). Always consider that with headphones you may not hear hazards. Interacting with, awareness of, and enjoying, the environment around you are all important parts of running. Sorry, no dogs and no buggies on the C25k course
• Finally: it's really important we know anything which might be relevant about your personal and medical needs. You can speak to us in confidence, but please disclose everything on your registration page. This is particularly important if you use an inhaler, an epipen, have allergies which may be triggered during a session, or have a hidden disability such as epilepsy. 

About your regular run leaders:
Dawn joined the Chew Valley Snails through the Couch to 5k course in February 2017 and since then has gone from strength to strength. She qualified as a Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) in December 2017 - but she remembers and understands just how it feels to be a novice right at the start of your running experience. 

Karen  started with CV Snails on a Couch to 5k course in February 2017, and trained as a Run Leader (LiRF) in February 2018. She leads a range of Social Runs from 5k to 15k, usually on weekday and weekend mornings, but also offers evening runs when there is sufficient daylight.  Most of Karen's runs are trail style, making the most of our local fields, woods and tracks . 

Jaine started as Couch to 5k before qualifying as a Run Leader.  She leads the 'Classic Snails' for shorter social runs and has also delivered Couch to 5k.

Belen also started with Couch to 5k and is now a qualified Run Leader.  She leads a range of social runs in the Valley area and enjoys exploring new routes.

Anne trained as a LiRF in 2016 with Bristol & West AC and founded the Chew Valley Snails in January 2017 with several Couch to 5k courses. She became a Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) in early 2018. Recently returned to the Chew Valley she offers coaching and technique training for all ages, abilities, paces and distances.

Jan 2022: we are currently sourcing a new provider for Snails Club vests and t-shirts.
 

Are you looking for advice on running shoes, clothing, nutrition, sports massage, physiotherapy or anything else running-related? We're not experts but we can give you the basics and can also point you in the direction of people who really know their stuff. No question is ever too small, so please ask anything and everything.