How far are the group runs?
Distances vary depending on who shows up but on average 3-5 miles. We recommend that you list your intended distance and pace as a comment on the Meetup. This will help others know what you're running and it may encourage them to join you.
How fast does the group run?
Paces vary depending on who shows up but on average there are usually two pace groups of 8-9 minute miles and 10-12 minute miles. We recommend that you list your intended distance and pace as a comment on the run you sign up for. This will help others know what you're running and it may encourage them to join you. Regardless, on any regularly scheduled runs you will not run alone. We have group runs to run together, not to run alone.
Where does the group run?
We try to mix it up between paved trails and dirt trails. Some of the locations include: V.L. Gilman Trail, Fox River Trail, Saw Wee Kee, Silver Springs, Hudson Park, Yorkville, Oswego, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Mooseheart, Hoover, Lyons Farm, Johnson's Mound and the Vaughn Athletic Center.
How do I become a member?
Membership is through a website called Meetup, to access it from a computer click here
If you are accessing the site through a mobile device it is highly recommended you download the meetup app for Android or IOS and search Fox Valley RunJunkEes
How much is membership?
30 day trial and then $10 per year (not per month)
Why is there a membership fee?
We try to keep membership fees to an absolute minimum. Your $10 goes to help pay for website costs, meetup costs, RRCA membership, club insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.
What is the make up of the group?
We have members in their teens and some in their 70's...and everything in between.
What if I'm slow?
Slow is a relative term. What might be slow to you might be fast to the next person. Remember that we are showing up at group runs because we like to run with other people. Our group leaders are committed to making sure that you will have someone to run with...there is no such thing as too slow.
Is this a "serious" group?
Well that depends....we all seriously love running but people become runners for different reasons. Some are super competitive and others just enjoy the company and staying active. Either way, our aim is to help support the goals of all members.
What if the group runs don't fit my schedule/location?
You are welcome to contact any of the group leaders to have additional bonus run schedules or contact Dan Woods about becoming a group leader yourself.
How can I connect with other runners in the group?
Showing up to group runs, social events and facebook are probably the main ways we connect. We're open to new ideas so if you think of other ways we can become better connected with one another please let us know.
Will this group help me achieve my goals?
We hope so. There is a world of knowledge in this club. We encourage you to ask questions and learn from the experienced runners in the group. Running with others is both inspiring and helps hold you accountable.
What's the difference between a regular run and a bonus run?
Regular runs are scheduled regularly and will count towards the participation challenge. Bonus runs are in addition to those runs. Bonus runs may also have specific goals such as an intended pace or distance. It's important to read the description of the run if it's a bonus run. If the group is running further or faster than you intend for a bonus run we encourage you to find a running buddy to bring along. At a regular run you will not run alone (unless you're too fast).
What is the mentorship program?
For details please send an email to
FVRJmentor@gmail.com
What is the competition all about?
You can find out more about the different competitions here
Does the group run in adverse weather?
If you mean rain, snow, cold...heck yeah! However, if it gets to the point of super cold, severe storms, etc. we will not run in that. Just keep an eye on the meetup and the group leader will post updates as needed.
What should I know, if I've never run trails?
The four most important things to remember about trails
1) You'll be slower than normal
2) You'll get dirty
3) You'll probably fall down...it's not a trail run until someone does.
4) You'll have more fun running then you've ever had before.
Can I bring my kids and/or can kids run with the group?
Sure. Waivers need to be signed for anyone participating and the club will not babysit your children but if you'd like to have them run with you that would be great! Children ages 16-17 can run with the consent of a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian does not need to be present but we think they should be running too...because running is fun!
Can I bring my dog?
As long as your dog is leashed and friendly you can bring your dog. You are responsible and liable for your dog so please use good judgement when deciding.
Can I wear headphones?
Headphones are permitted however there are times when we run along roads or cross roads. It is STRONGLY recommended that you not wear headphones for these runs.
Can I use a jogging stroller?
Probably not the best idea for dirt trail runs but it will be fun to watch you.
Does the club do more than run?
Yep. we will have social gatherings and sometimes meet for drinks or food after a run. ie Taco Tuesday!
What should I do I to get started?
1.) Sign the Waiver
2.) Join Meetup
3.) get fitted for good running shoes (Naperville Running Co or Geneva Running Outfitters would be our recommendation)
4.) Show up
Many people are too intimidated to join a running club because they think they won't "fit in". If that's you, than this club is for you. While we do enjoy having experienced runners in our group, the Fox Valley RunJunkEes has a strong commitment to the new and the slow. The only competition we are concerned with is the competition with yourself. We are, largely, a bunch of average runners (and walkers) with a commitment to self improvement.
From Turtles to Foxes all runners are welcome..including foxy turtles and turtlish looking foxes.
The Fox Valley RunJunkEes was created to provide a structured organization for the purpose of promoting running as a sport and healthy lifestyle within our community. The Fox Valley RunJunkEes is based in the far western Chicago suburbs. It is a traditional running club and an insured member of the RRCA.
In furtherance of our purpose, the Club hosts group runs, fun runs, training runs and programs on the road and/or track, hosts education lectures about topics of interest for runners, provides awards for club members, hosts social events for members, and all such other things as may be conducive to the encouragement of running.
The Club also engages in community activities, to publicize by appropriate means, the benefits of running as a means of physical fitness to improve the health status of people in our community.
This club will operate independent of the larger national online only RunJunkEes™ Run Club
A primary goal of this club is to create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. As a new or inexperienced runner you will not be left alone at the back of the pack. Our success is measured in your success. You must be 18 years of age to join or have parental consent (16-17). Under 16 years of age can only join as part of a family membership.
Some of our meet locations will include sections of the Fox River trail, Virgil Gilman Trail, Silver Springs, Saw Wee Kee, Harris Forest Perserve and Lyons Forest Preserve. Of course any member is welcome to organize group runs at locations in addition to these.
Questions? shoot us an email. info@RunJunkEes.com
Distances vary depending on who shows up but on average 3-5 miles. We recommend that you list your intended distance and pace as a comment on the Meetup. This will help others know what you're running and it may encourage them to join you.
How fast does the group run?
Paces vary depending on who shows up but on average there are usually two pace groups of 8-9 minute miles and 10-12 minute miles. We recommend that you list your intended distance and pace as a comment on the run you sign up for. This will help others know what you're running and it may encourage them to join you. Regardless, on any regularly scheduled runs you will not run alone. We have group runs to run together, not to run alone.
Where does the group run?
We try to mix it up between paved trails and dirt trails. Some of the locations include: V.L. Gilman Trail, Fox River Trail, Saw Wee Kee, Silver Springs, Hudson Park, Yorkville, Oswego, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Mooseheart, Hoover, Lyons Farm, Johnson's Mound and the Vaughn Athletic Center.
How do I become a member?
Membership is through a website called Meetup, to access it from a computer click here
If you are accessing the site through a mobile device it is highly recommended you download the meetup app for Android or IOS and search Fox Valley RunJunkEes
How much is membership?
30 day trial and then $10 per year (not per month)
Why is there a membership fee?
We try to keep membership fees to an absolute minimum. Your $10 goes to help pay for website costs, meetup costs, RRCA membership, club insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.
What is the make up of the group?
We have members in their teens and some in their 70's...and everything in between.
What if I'm slow?
Slow is a relative term. What might be slow to you might be fast to the next person. Remember that we are showing up at group runs because we like to run with other people. Our group leaders are committed to making sure that you will have someone to run with...there is no such thing as too slow.
Is this a "serious" group?
Well that depends....we all seriously love running but people become runners for different reasons. Some are super competitive and others just enjoy the company and staying active. Either way, our aim is to help support the goals of all members.
What if the group runs don't fit my schedule/location?
You are welcome to contact any of the group leaders to have additional bonus run schedules or contact Dan Woods about becoming a group leader yourself.
How can I connect with other runners in the group?
Showing up to group runs, social events and facebook are probably the main ways we connect. We're open to new ideas so if you think of other ways we can become better connected with one another please let us know.
Will this group help me achieve my goals?
We hope so. There is a world of knowledge in this club. We encourage you to ask questions and learn from the experienced runners in the group. Running with others is both inspiring and helps hold you accountable.
What's the difference between a regular run and a bonus run?
Regular runs are scheduled regularly and will count towards the participation challenge. Bonus runs are in addition to those runs. Bonus runs may also have specific goals such as an intended pace or distance. It's important to read the description of the run if it's a bonus run. If the group is running further or faster than you intend for a bonus run we encourage you to find a running buddy to bring along. At a regular run you will not run alone (unless you're too fast).
What is the mentorship program?
For details please send an email to
FVRJmentor@gmail.com
What is the competition all about?
You can find out more about the different competitions here
Does the group run in adverse weather?
If you mean rain, snow, cold...heck yeah! However, if it gets to the point of super cold, severe storms, etc. we will not run in that. Just keep an eye on the meetup and the group leader will post updates as needed.
What should I know, if I've never run trails?
The four most important things to remember about trails
1) You'll be slower than normal
2) You'll get dirty
3) You'll probably fall down...it's not a trail run until someone does.
4) You'll have more fun running then you've ever had before.
Can I bring my kids and/or can kids run with the group?
Sure. Waivers need to be signed for anyone participating and the club will not babysit your children but if you'd like to have them run with you that would be great! Children ages 16-17 can run with the consent of a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian does not need to be present but we think they should be running too...because running is fun!
Can I bring my dog?
As long as your dog is leashed and friendly you can bring your dog. You are responsible and liable for your dog so please use good judgement when deciding.
Can I wear headphones?
Headphones are permitted however there are times when we run along roads or cross roads. It is STRONGLY recommended that you not wear headphones for these runs.
Can I use a jogging stroller?
Probably not the best idea for dirt trail runs but it will be fun to watch you.
Does the club do more than run?
Yep. we will have social gatherings and sometimes meet for drinks or food after a run. ie Taco Tuesday!
What should I do I to get started?
1.) Sign the Waiver
2.) Join Meetup
3.) get fitted for good running shoes (Naperville Running Co or Geneva Running Outfitters would be our recommendation)
4.) Show up
Many people are too intimidated to join a running club because they think they won't "fit in". If that's you, than this club is for you. While we do enjoy having experienced runners in our group, the Fox Valley RunJunkEes has a strong commitment to the new and the slow. The only competition we are concerned with is the competition with yourself. We are, largely, a bunch of average runners (and walkers) with a commitment to self improvement.
From Turtles to Foxes all runners are welcome..including foxy turtles and turtlish looking foxes.
The Fox Valley RunJunkEes was created to provide a structured organization for the purpose of promoting running as a sport and healthy lifestyle within our community. The Fox Valley RunJunkEes is based in the far western Chicago suburbs. It is a traditional running club and an insured member of the RRCA.
In furtherance of our purpose, the Club hosts group runs, fun runs, training runs and programs on the road and/or track, hosts education lectures about topics of interest for runners, provides awards for club members, hosts social events for members, and all such other things as may be conducive to the encouragement of running.
The Club also engages in community activities, to publicize by appropriate means, the benefits of running as a means of physical fitness to improve the health status of people in our community.
This club will operate independent of the larger national online only RunJunkEes™ Run Club
A primary goal of this club is to create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. As a new or inexperienced runner you will not be left alone at the back of the pack. Our success is measured in your success. You must be 18 years of age to join or have parental consent (16-17). Under 16 years of age can only join as part of a family membership.
Some of our meet locations will include sections of the Fox River trail, Virgil Gilman Trail, Silver Springs, Saw Wee Kee, Harris Forest Perserve and Lyons Forest Preserve. Of course any member is welcome to organize group runs at locations in addition to these.
Questions? shoot us an email. info@RunJunkEes.com