Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce the name of the group?
It is A-C-T (individual letters) as in Coach Ashley's initials.
There are loads of running groups in Austin. How is this one different?
The "Become A Runner" program says that it is for beginners, but I have NEVER run. Can I really do it?
If you can walk for 30 minutes straight, you'll be able to participate. The philosophy that guides the Become A Runner program is training safely. The biggest mistake new runners make is doing too much, too soon. We take over a month to build up very slowly to 3.1 miles before picking up the pace. ACT Running wants to ensure your entire body can safely adapt to the sport. The principle behind this is that your muscles, lungs and heart are able to adapt fairly quickly but your tendons/ligaments take much longer. They also show no sign of "too much, too soon" like the rest of your body until you get injured. You are given permission to take it easy and train safely. After the 8 weeks, you'll be encouraged to add more miles or increase your speed (if desired). We use scheduled walk breaks throughout the entire program. Coach Ashley believes in setting up a runner for a lifetime of miles rather than just one race.
The "Become A Runner" program says it is for beginners but I used to run a lot. I haven't run consistently, however, in over 3 months. Is this right for me?
The biggest mistake returning runners make is doing too much, too soon. Returning runners will adapt quickly, but still need to ease back in for the first 6 weeks. We take over a month to build up very slowly to 3.1 miles before picking up the pace. ACT Running ensures your entire body can safely adapt to the sport. The principle behind this is that your muscles, lungs and heart are able to adapt fairly quickly but your tendons/ligaments take much longer. They also show no sign of "too much, too soon" like the rest of your body until you get injured. You are given permission to take it easy and train safely. After the 6 weeks, you'll be encouraged to add more miles or increase your speed (if desired). We use scheduled walk breaks throughout the entire program. In fact, the first two weeks can be annoyingly slow to returning runners who know that they can go faster or longer. ACT Running believes in setting up a runner for a lifetime of miles rather than just one race.
What is the difference between a Specialty Program, Individual Coaching and AlumniRun Club?
Programs such as "Become A Runner", 10K training and Half Marathon training have finite schedules (i.e. 8 weeks every Monday at 6am) and are group training programs. Individual Coaching is a one-on-one personal coaching program that generally includes goal setting, personal training schedule and e-mail communications. Alumni Run Club is for any ACT Running program graduate who would like to continue meeting with the team without joining a specific program. It offers a discounted price as a loyalty reward for athletes who would like to continue their training.
Who can join the Weekday Run Club and the Distance Run Club?
Only athletes who have completed at least one full ACT Running program are eligible to join the monthly membership.
What does RRCA Certified Coach mean?
It means that Ashley has completed the certification program taught be the Road Runners Club of America and passed their exam. A level 2 coach means she has taken 15-20 hours extra continuing education classes & exams and commits to adding more CECs. Additionally, she keeps her CPR/First Aid certification current and follows the code of ethics listed here. It also means that your coach has access to a strong community of coaches and their wealth of information.
Can I bring my pet?
Service pets only, please.
Are workouts stroller friendly?
Yes! Your child(ren) are welcome to come along for the ride. Being Austin, we can't avoid ALL hills, so be aware that you may be going uphill (and down!) on occasion. A wrist-leash is highly recommended.
What is your refund policy?
Full refunds are available up to the 7th day after the start of the first class, minus a $15 processing fee. After that, refunds are unavailable.
How do you support our community?
I'm glad you asked! I LOVE Austin and I want it to thrive in all its creative, inspiring, and localness. I also believe that it's my responsibility as a local/small business owner to support other local businesses and suppliers. That's why I only buy our team's shirts from local artists like Kong Screenprinting. I also frequent and recommend local running specialty store Ready To Run for my shoes & gear. For more information on other local friends of ACT Running, see the "Community Partners" page.
ACT Running also donates to many local non-profits including:
I have more questions. How can I contact you?
I'd love to answer them! You can write to me HERE.
It is A-C-T (individual letters) as in Coach Ashley's initials.
There are loads of running groups in Austin. How is this one different?
- Led by a recreational runner (as opposed to a track athlete), ACT Running is not simply an exercise team. Coach Ashley loves running and does not believe that it is a sport reserved only for the fittest and fastest. ACT Running is a community that finds common ground in running, laughter and friendship. Ashley's coaching focuses equally between the fundamentals of running, self-confidence, and community.
- Coach Ashley RUNS WITH YOU on every group run. She makes a point to spend time by the side of every runner during each session. It's the best way to assess individuals needs.
- In addition, runners are encouraged to log their workouts on an online training site so that the coach can see each athlete's progress.
- Beginner runners are trained using a Run-Walk-Run method (scheduled walk breaks) which allows your body and mind to safely increase distance and speed.
- The cherry on top? Handmade medals.
The "Become A Runner" program says that it is for beginners, but I have NEVER run. Can I really do it?
If you can walk for 30 minutes straight, you'll be able to participate. The philosophy that guides the Become A Runner program is training safely. The biggest mistake new runners make is doing too much, too soon. We take over a month to build up very slowly to 3.1 miles before picking up the pace. ACT Running wants to ensure your entire body can safely adapt to the sport. The principle behind this is that your muscles, lungs and heart are able to adapt fairly quickly but your tendons/ligaments take much longer. They also show no sign of "too much, too soon" like the rest of your body until you get injured. You are given permission to take it easy and train safely. After the 8 weeks, you'll be encouraged to add more miles or increase your speed (if desired). We use scheduled walk breaks throughout the entire program. Coach Ashley believes in setting up a runner for a lifetime of miles rather than just one race.
The "Become A Runner" program says it is for beginners but I used to run a lot. I haven't run consistently, however, in over 3 months. Is this right for me?
The biggest mistake returning runners make is doing too much, too soon. Returning runners will adapt quickly, but still need to ease back in for the first 6 weeks. We take over a month to build up very slowly to 3.1 miles before picking up the pace. ACT Running ensures your entire body can safely adapt to the sport. The principle behind this is that your muscles, lungs and heart are able to adapt fairly quickly but your tendons/ligaments take much longer. They also show no sign of "too much, too soon" like the rest of your body until you get injured. You are given permission to take it easy and train safely. After the 6 weeks, you'll be encouraged to add more miles or increase your speed (if desired). We use scheduled walk breaks throughout the entire program. In fact, the first two weeks can be annoyingly slow to returning runners who know that they can go faster or longer. ACT Running believes in setting up a runner for a lifetime of miles rather than just one race.
What is the difference between a Specialty Program, Individual Coaching and AlumniRun Club?
Programs such as "Become A Runner", 10K training and Half Marathon training have finite schedules (i.e. 8 weeks every Monday at 6am) and are group training programs. Individual Coaching is a one-on-one personal coaching program that generally includes goal setting, personal training schedule and e-mail communications. Alumni Run Club is for any ACT Running program graduate who would like to continue meeting with the team without joining a specific program. It offers a discounted price as a loyalty reward for athletes who would like to continue their training.
Who can join the Weekday Run Club and the Distance Run Club?
Only athletes who have completed at least one full ACT Running program are eligible to join the monthly membership.
What does RRCA Certified Coach mean?
It means that Ashley has completed the certification program taught be the Road Runners Club of America and passed their exam. A level 2 coach means she has taken 15-20 hours extra continuing education classes & exams and commits to adding more CECs. Additionally, she keeps her CPR/First Aid certification current and follows the code of ethics listed here. It also means that your coach has access to a strong community of coaches and their wealth of information.
Can I bring my pet?
Service pets only, please.
Are workouts stroller friendly?
Yes! Your child(ren) are welcome to come along for the ride. Being Austin, we can't avoid ALL hills, so be aware that you may be going uphill (and down!) on occasion. A wrist-leash is highly recommended.
What is your refund policy?
Full refunds are available up to the 7th day after the start of the first class, minus a $15 processing fee. After that, refunds are unavailable.
How do you support our community?
I'm glad you asked! I LOVE Austin and I want it to thrive in all its creative, inspiring, and localness. I also believe that it's my responsibility as a local/small business owner to support other local businesses and suppliers. That's why I only buy our team's shirts from local artists like Kong Screenprinting. I also frequent and recommend local running specialty store Ready To Run for my shoes & gear. For more information on other local friends of ACT Running, see the "Community Partners" page.
ACT Running also donates to many local non-profits including:
- a leadership level donation to Ramsey Park Improvement Project,
- Business Membership with KUTX.org,
- LASA Highschool, Kealing Middle, Highland Park Elementary, Lee Elementary
- All Austin Cooperative Nursery School,
- Early Childhood Center @ UUMC.
I have more questions. How can I contact you?
I'd love to answer them! You can write to me HERE.
