Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently asked questions regarding the Ottawa Running Club.

   

1. Who are the coaches?

There is a mix of triathlon coaches, personal trainers, and experienced runners.  All of our coaches receive training so that they fully understand the information and techniques that are used during our club runs.  Within the pace groups, participants are invited to step forward to lead in terms of navigation and controlling walking breaks.

 

2. Do the coaches and leaders make big money from teaching the courses?

We are all volunteers.  We get rich from all the gratification!

 

3. I'm brand new to running.  When I do jog I go very slow.  Is your club for me?

Yes!  We will help you learn the proper technique that will increase your running comfort and keep you injury free.  Our club caters to all levels and paces.  Rest assured, there are a lot more 'patient' runners out there than there are thoroughbreds!

 

4. Can I meet with you to ask some questions?

Email makes everything so easy!  We are all volunteers with day jobs but we will be very happy to answer any questions not covered by our website.

 

5. Is running an expensive sport?

No, not at all!  They were running races long before technical socks and spandex!  While appropriate footwear is important, it doesn't have to be expensive.  Running accessories like jackets, hats etc can make the sport more comfortable but they aren't mandatory by any means.  We'll show you all the available equipment and explain to you the features, benefits and costs,  then you can decide.  Our friends at Bushtukah have everything you might decide to purchase.

 

6. Please explain your charity link?

The goal of the club is help build community, not make money. For that reason, the club is fully volunteer-run and all proceeds from the registration fees will go to great charities like Sole Responsibility.

 

7. Can I email you? I have a question.

Since we're all volunteers we want to avoid excess time on email.  Please carefully read all pages of the website before before emailing us at ottawa.running at gmail.com.

 

 

 

Testimonials

 

Here's what some of our members are saying about the Ottawa Running Club.

 

"I joined the running club even though I have never run a minute in my life.  What was I getting myself into?  Especially at my age of 48!!!  At the very beginning I made sure to say that I was not there to run a 5k, just to learn to run.  Did I even enjoy it yet?  Paul was a great trainer.  He encouraged me and at the same time, let me run at my own pace. His support was very important to keep me focused and coming out each week.   I never felt that I didn’t belong.  Each week I ran and learned about running from the discussions. At the end of the 9 weeks, I ran my first 5k at the Cookie Run.  What an experience!!!  I encourage everyone to step outside that box we create for ourselves and try.  I am thrilled that I did it."

L.S.

 

 

"It has been just a wonderfully positive group for me.  Exercise is so essential for me...and the group is so supportive.  Your expertise is terrific and you make it FUN!!!  All great stuff, so thanks truly.  It has been a huge help to me; hard for me to express really how profound that is."

C.T.

 

 

"Your enthusiasm for running is contagious but I was glad that you didn't push us individually beyond our comfort level. I was surprised that I came along as far as I did in the time. There is a real difference between running on your own and running with a group. It probably depends on your personality but I certainly found that I could go longer, more easily when there were other people."

A.F.

 

 

"Thanks so much for all your support, would never have done it without you and I mean that sincerely. It was awesome!  Plan to run all summer and would like to train for a 10K this fall!   Thanks Big Time!!

D.M.