What days and time are the training sessions?
Training takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm. Saturday – 10.00 am
I have never run before but would like to start, is this club suitable for me?
Our Couch to 5K program is aimed at people just like you. The course is aimed at complete beginners to running and those who have very little experience with running. Everyone is starting off at the same level so don’t be worried that you will be left behind. The course is designed to help you learn how to run and to improve your health fitness and confidence along the way.
The Couch to 5K group is aimed at easing you into running gradually. We start off with small amounts of running with long recovery between. As the weeks progress the amount of running increases and the recovery decreases. Everyone works at their own pace and since everyone is starting at the same level there is great encouragement and sense of achievement as improvements are made class to class and week by week.
The Couch to 5K group is aimed at easing you into running gradually. We start off with small amounts of running with long recovery between. As the weeks progress the amount of running increases and the recovery decreases. Everyone works at their own pace and since everyone is starting at the same level there is great encouragement and sense of achievement as improvements are made class to class and week by week.
I do a bit of running or ran before but would be afraid the club would be too advanced for me?
Our Fit 4 Life group is aimed at people who have little or some experience with running. The group has different standards and caters for them all. Implementing our no one left behind policy, we work with you to improve your running. Whether you are a jogger or slogged this group will suit your needs. We do a wide range of training and sessions that will not only improve your health and running but you will make new and interesting along the way. The group is friendly, sociable and very welcoming.
I am a regular runner and want to improve or am training for a pacific race.
If you are already running and want to improve then you have come to the right place. Our advanced and intermediate groups have pacific tailored sessions to improve your running. We have specialized coaches and sessions for different running discipline.
We have groups and training plans for assorts of running. Track and field middle distance, Long distance road running, cross country, sprinting and marathon.
We have groups and training plans for assorts of running. Track and field middle distance, Long distance road running, cross country, sprinting and marathon.
What equipment/clothing do I need?
Depending on the weather and time of year you should wear suitable clothing. We recommend you wear layers so that if you get too hot you can remove a layer or more. In winter months we recommend something that can be seen such as high vis for running along roads.
Dry fit clothing will help you to keep dry as they absorb sweat, these are available inexpensively from large retailers but can go up in price for brand name products.
Running Shoes are important but don't buy a fancy pair of new runners until you know what to look for. Any pair of runners will do you for starting off. You should also have a bottle of water with you. Running is one of the most inexpensive forms of exercise you can do and one of the most enjoyable.
Dry fit clothing will help you to keep dry as they absorb sweat, these are available inexpensively from large retailers but can go up in price for brand name products.
Running Shoes are important but don't buy a fancy pair of new runners until you know what to look for. Any pair of runners will do you for starting off. You should also have a bottle of water with you. Running is one of the most inexpensive forms of exercise you can do and one of the most enjoyable.
Is there somewhere to change or have a shower?
Yes, Crusaders has access to the amenities available in Irishtown Stadium. This includes the showers and changing rooms.
Is there anywhere to leave my valuables during the class?
Yes, there are lockers provided in the changing rooms but you will need to bring your own lock for the lockers.
Where are the training sessions?
Training takes place on Tuesdays at Irishtown Stadium
Thursdays take place several locations meeting up at Irishtown Stadium and then heading off to Sean Moore Park
Saturday takes place at the Phoenix Park
Thursdays take place several locations meeting up at Irishtown Stadium and then heading off to Sean Moore Park
Saturday takes place at the Phoenix Park
What happens at the training sessions?
Tuesday/Thursday sessions usually comprise of a group warm-up and drills, and then the group splits into sessions depending on your level and event.
What standards are catered for at the training sessions?
All standards are catered for and you will be placed in a group commensurate with your ability.
What if I want to Train for a Particular Event?
If you want to train for a particular event or have specific training requirements, ask one of our coaches for details and we’ll accommodate you as best as possible.
I'm interested in Joining what should I do?
We offer a two week trial for people who are interested in joining. See the Join page for more info.
Can I use the Track outside of Training Hours?
Club members are free to use the track at any time during opening hours once the track has not been booked by another Group
What’s the best way to motivate myself to run regularly?
Get a running partner or Group. Crusaders gives you instant access to running partners and groups. Running with a group or partner keeps you honest and makes it easier to get out for a run. Running with a group is very sociable and makes running much more enjoyable.
What does Crusaders offer that Gyms and running courses don't?
Crusaders is different to Gyms and Courses in many ways, We train in groups and are sociable and friendly. You can meet friends and you are part of a close knit, supportive team. We offer social events and group rates for different events and races.
Your membership allows you to use a whole host of club amenities. You can join teams and groups that train for particular races.
We give you the support, confidence and motivation to get fit through running and keep track of your progress every month.
Being out in the open air as oppose to a gym also has its benefits, especially for those that are stuck inside an office for most of the day.
Your membership allows you to use a whole host of club amenities. You can join teams and groups that train for particular races.
We give you the support, confidence and motivation to get fit through running and keep track of your progress every month.
Being out in the open air as oppose to a gym also has its benefits, especially for those that are stuck inside an office for most of the day.
What are the Juveniles Training Times?
Please see HERE for the Juveniles Training Times.
What do I do if I am interested in joining?
Please see our Join page for the most up to date information
Do I have to take part in Races or compete in events.
While we have special training for Events and Races. You do not need to take part in any. We offer casual, social running for people who just want to keep fit or get out and about.
Should I join a running club?
Joining a club can only enhance the experience of being a runner, whether through competition, group running, support or advice. Clubs are "no pressure" environments that add to a runner's options. They don't replace the solo runs we all enjoy, they just provide an occasional alternative. There really are no downsides.
What are the Advantages/ Benefits to Joining the Club
Advantages/ Benefits to Joining the Club include-
- 3 weekly training sessions under the supervision of highly qualified coaches.
- Specialized training for major races.
- Ask trained and experienced coaches any of your running related questions.
- Access to the club house gym at Irishtown Stadium during the Clubs Training hours.
- Attend free talks on different aspects of running, including technique and nutrition.
- Active social calendar with a wide variety of events for meeting new people.
- Discounts on entrees to Road Races and other events.
- Athletics Ireland-qualified Coaches on hand for questions, advice and feedback on your individual progress.
- Get Fit while making new friends.
- Safe floodlit environment, full size outdoor track.
- All weather facilities, 40 meter indoor track.
- Use of the sate of the art clubhouse, it's facilities and training areas.
- Showers, toilet facilities and changing rooms.
- Lockers to store personal items.
- Water fountains and taps.
- Onsite free parking, easy access from major routes.
- Conveniently located right beside Dublin city / Docklands and Grand Canal Square.
- Located within 5 minute walking distance of the Dart, city bikes point, Bus stops and15 minutes from the Luas.
- Fully insured while training with the group.
Can I talk to someone in person before i join?
Yes, the best time would be to come down during the Tuesday training session and talk to the coaches who will be at the side of the track. Alternatively you can contact the club and make an appointment to talk to someone.
How do I join
Go to our website www.crusadersac.ie/join and pay the annual subscriptions.
This will allow us to insure you before you come to our training session. You can then pre book your training (required during the Covid crisis). If you change your mind you have 14 days to submit a request for a refund.
This request must be by email to crusadersathleticsclub@gmail.com . If received within 14 days of payment a refund will be made less € 30 which represents cost of insurance and attendance at training. Requests made after 14 days will not be considered.
During the Covid crisis all sessions must be pre booked and is only available to fully paid up members for 2020.
For Tuesday evening sessions, event booking is open on Saturday.
For the Saturday Phoenix Park session, event booking opens on Wed.
As you need to be insured we can only accept fully paid up members.
Full details of the protocol for training is available on our website HERE
This will allow us to insure you before you come to our training session. You can then pre book your training (required during the Covid crisis). If you change your mind you have 14 days to submit a request for a refund.
This request must be by email to crusadersathleticsclub@gmail.com . If received within 14 days of payment a refund will be made less € 30 which represents cost of insurance and attendance at training. Requests made after 14 days will not be considered.
During the Covid crisis all sessions must be pre booked and is only available to fully paid up members for 2020.
For Tuesday evening sessions, event booking is open on Saturday.
For the Saturday Phoenix Park session, event booking opens on Wed.
As you need to be insured we can only accept fully paid up members.
Full details of the protocol for training is available on our website HERE
How much does it cost to Join
A full years membership costs €150 for an adult. There are special rates for students and families and depending on the time of the year. See all pricing HERE
Will I need to get insurance ?
All members are insured under Athletics Ireland insurance while taking part in official club training sessions and races.
Do you have a marathon training group?
Yes, we have a dedicated Marathon training group. We normally would have close to 100 members running the Dublin Marathon each year but many members also go on Club trips to take part in Marathons in different countries.
What Running Club should I join?
One that suits your ability and has different training groups like Crusaders Dublin running club
What Risks are there with Running?
While running has risks associated with it such as injury and stress fractures. The benefits of running vastly outweighs the negative
How should I breath while running?
Avoid shallow chest breathing while running and focus on deep belly breathing. Breathe through both your nose and mouth, but primarily through the latter. Try out several different breathing rhythms and choose the one that feels most comfortable to you.
What is a good heart rate for running?
When running, you should train at 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. To calculate the maximum rate, subtract your age from 220. If your heart rate dips below this, you might want to pick up the pace to get better results from your workout.
Does Running help you lose weight and belly fat?
Running or walking: As you exercise, calories are burned and your body fat percentage decreases. So, exercising not only helps you to reduce belly fat, it also sheds fat from other areas. Running and walking are two of the best fat-burning exercises. Plus, the only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes.
Does running cause lower back pain?
Poor running posture and trying to “push” yourself forward while running may cause lower back pain but correct form and warm up should prevent back pain.
Can running give you abs?
Running helps you lose body fat and can make your abs more pronounced.
What does running do or help?
help to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise.
- strengthen muscles.
- improve cardiovascular fitness.
- burn plenty of carbs
- help maintain a healthy weight