Frequently Asked Questions – For Runners
- What do I have to commit to if I join the Good Gym?
- How do I come and try it out for myself?
- What do I need to do if I want to become a regular runner?
- What documents do I need to get a CRB check?
- What do you mean when you talk about Good Gym Coaches?
- I’ve never run before – can I still join the Good Gym?
- Do I need any special gear?
- How far will I be running?
- Do I have to pay?
- What sort of organisation is Good Gym?
- Can I set up a Good Gym in my area?
- What’s the signup process?
What do I have to commit to if I join the Good Gym?
Once you’re fully signed up, we ask that runners commit to at least one run per week. However, in the first instance, we’ll invite you to come for a group run to see what it’s like for yourself . Once you’ve joined us for a group run or two, we hope you’ll be up for becoming a regular runner.
How do I come and try it out for myself?
Just fill out this form and we’ll send you info about the next group run.
What do I need to do if I want to become a regular runner?
We hope that you’ll enjoy the group run and will want to become a regular runner. However, before we can get you matched up with someone to visit, we need to get you to fill in some paperwork to undergo a CRB check. This is an official check with the Criminal Records Bureau which anyone who’s working with children or vulnerable adults is required to undergo. We have to make sure all our runners undergo these checks, to ensure the safety of those older people living alone who are inviting runners into their home. It usually takes several weeks to process, and unfortunately we can’t get you matched up with someone until this has all been cleared. However you can still come on group runs whilst your paperwork is being processed, so you’ll still be able to get fit and do good.
What documents do I need to get a CRB check
We’ll arrange all the paperwork but we’ll need you to bring some documents to provide proof of ID (such as your birth certificate or driving licence and a recent utility bill) -please see the CRB site for full details about what you need to bring, and the full list of accepted documents. Unfortunately, we can’t accept photocopies, so we need you to bring originals along – the easiest and quickest way to do this is to bring them with you when you come on your first group run.
What do you mean when you talk about Good Gym Coaches?
We call people who are visited by our runners coaches, because they help motivate people to run and they share their wisdom. Coaches area good at
I’ve never run before – can I still join the Good Gym?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to have any previous running experience to become a Good Gym runner – you just need to be willing to give it a go. If you’re just starting out, you might find a resource like Big Beginner’s Guide to Running useful, as it’s got lots of hints & tips to help you get started.
Do I need any special gear?
Not at all, all you need is a pair of trainers. You don’t need to splash out on loads of specialist gear, but if you’re running regularly it is worth getting a pair of running shoes as this will protect your feet much better than a pair of all-round trainers.
We recommend you don’t wear your snazziest gear. We almost always do some kind of physical work that is more distressing for your gear than normal running. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. If we’ve described the run and it seems appropriate then bringing gardening or building gloves is often a good, but not essential.
How far will I be running?
When you first start out, a group run will never be more than 5 miles. Once you’re a regular runner it really depends on where you’re running from and where the person you’re visiting lives – but we’ll work with you to take how far you’re up for running into account when we match you up with your coach.
Do I have to pay?
No, you don’t have to pay, but during sign-up you can opt to make a donation if you like. You’ve got three choices when you join; you can either donate £20 to cover the cost of your CRB check and running shirt, or pay £5 a month, or choose not to donate at all. We certainly don’t want anyone not to join because they can’t afford it.
What sort of organisation is Good Gym?
Good Gym is formed as a Company Limited by Guarantee – this means we can’t take investment and can’t make a profit for shareholders. We are not for profit, this means that any money we generate can only go into paying for the running of the project.
Can I set up Good Gym in my area?
Yes! If you’re energetic, a keen runner and want to do good for your community, get in touch and we’ll help you to set up Good Gym where you are.
We try to make the process of signing up as easy as possible. In case you want to know how it works, it goes like this:
1. Signup on the get involved page.
2. We’ll invite you for a run in the near future.
3. Come for a run.
4. Fill out the sign up form including information for a Criminal Record Check (we need to do this for legal resaons).
5. Decide if you want to donate: if you’d like to donate you can either give us a lump sum to cover your CRB check and running top, or donate a fiver a month, or decide not to donate at all.
6. Get a nice package in the post.
7. Check your details with us: we need to check some of your documents and get your signature to give us permission to submit your criminal record check. We’ll meet wherever is good for you.
8. Start running.
More questions?
Got a question about joining the Good Gym that’s not been answered above? Contact Mark at mark@thegoodgym.org
