Can Too Run – Frequently Asked Questions
Can Too Run is for people of varying fitness and experience levels who are able to train for their running goal events in a fun, safe and supportive environment. We will be providing you with a training schedule and experts give information about nutrition, injury prevention and race strategy, and of course, the work of Can Too Foundation researchers. That's the running part, the other half of the Can Too program is about fundraising for cancer research. Since 2005, 15,000+ participants just like you have raised $20 million, towards improving health and well being in the community and supporting the research, prevention, care and control of cancer.
Do I have to be a runner?
Most people have an ability to run but may lack the technical skills and knowledge to give them the confidence to complete a 10km, Half Marathon, Marathon or Trail run. Can Too caters for beginner runners and seasoned runners.
With the help of our qualified coaches and our daily training program, we’ll get you running and improve your fitness whichever distance you aspire to reach.
The first Saturday run of the program will be a walk/run:
- 10km program 25 mins or 3km whichever comes first
- 21km program 30 mins or 4km
- 42km program 60 mins or 8km
What do I need to start the program?
- Running shoes. We all have different running styles, for injury prevention, we recommend you get your running shoes from a store that assesses your gait and running style.
- Running socks
- Running tights or shorts
- Running singlet or tshirt*
- Sunscreen
- Drink bottle with your name on it
- Light jacket to put on at the end of the session if it's cool
- Snack such as banana or muesli bar.
On the first night of training you will be given:
- *Your Can Too training shirt. Please try on for size and ask your Team Captain if you need to swap sizes. Please don’t wear the shirt if you intend to change it. Please wear your own singlet or shirt on the first night.
What do the sessions involve?
Mid-week track session – 1.5 hours:
- Your track entry (if applicable) is covered, please let the staff know each week you are with Can Too.
- One coached hour at the track, remaining time for Can Too information and fundraising updates.
- Track etiquette for runners
- Coached warm up, technique drills and running sets to improve your running style, pace and fitness
- Expert guest speakers talking on a variety of topics such as nutrition, physio, cancer researchers
- You will be given a 10/14/20 week training program to follow including fitness sessions to do outside of Can Too track and long run.
Saturday long run session – 1.5+ hours:
- Qualified Coaches will take you through a warm up, run and cool down
- Mapped routes based on time and distance
- Building on your distance and endurance to prepare for your goal event
- We usually go for coffee and breakfast afterwards, so bring your wallet!
Throughout the remainder of the week follow our at-home session plan for cross training and core strength work to make sure that you have what it takes to reach your goal. It’s that simple! Follow the program for the run of your life!!
Goal Event Run
Can Too follows a 10/14/20 week training program with one track and one long run session per week, culminating in you taking part in your goal run. During the program you will need to register online and pay for your goal event race entry. But don’t worry just yet! Your Team Captain will talk to you about the race day, so you don’t need to register until the program has started and you’re comfortable with which event and distance you want to complete.
You also have your Can Too running shirt, so feel free to get together with your Can Too friends and enter any of the amazing running events during the season and be sure to wear your Can Too shirt with pride! Ask your Team Captain or Coach as they may have advice to give about other runs!
What if I can’t make a session?
Let your Team Captain or Mentor know if you are unable to attend a session. At the start of the program save their phone numbers into your phone and call or text if you are unable to make the track or road, giving as much notice as possible.
If I can't make my mid-week or Saturday session, can I go to another pod and join their session?
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. We are strictly governed by participant numbers at our pods to comply with coach to participant ratios. Unfortunately you can't swap to different pods/locations as this will sway our numbers and put out our Coach:Participant safety ratio. If you can't make a session, please speak to your Team Captain and Coach and take their suggestions on how to follow your outside of Can Too 10/14/20 week training program.
I’m going away, what if I miss sessions?
If you are going away and will miss sessions, please talk to your Team Captain and Coach. Coach will be able to recommend sessions outside of Can Too.
What is the role of the Coach?
Your Coach is there to:
- Guide group training sessions twice weekly
- Share expert advice on proper running technique, with a focus on injury prevention
- Support you to achieve your personal fitness goals.
What is the role of the Team Captain?
Your Team Captain is there to:
- Support and motivate you to achieve your fundraising goals
- Answers any questions regarding program logistics and event day details
- Be your first point of contact for team updates and general admin
What is the role of the Mentor?
Your Mentor is there to:
- Support your fundraising by sharing their own experiences
- Support and motivate you during training
- Support the Team Captain through the program
- They will be your first point of contact for fundraising
I’m worried about the fundraising commitment
Can Too is 50% training program and 50% fundraising. Over 15,000 Can Too participants have raised over $21 million since we began in 2005, following this model of a training program in return for committing to fundraise for cancer research, it’s very achievable. Your Team Captain and Mentors have all met their fundraising pledges, they are there to help you with your fundraising, offering tips and suggestions. Read our great fundraising booklet full of ideas to help you.
We encourage you to start fundraising early in the program and have a Fundraising Plan so you can get that out the way and then focus on your running! Ask you Team Captain and Mentor, they’re there to help you! You have until 30 days after your goal event to complete your fundraising commitment that you agreed to at registration.
Can I roll donations over my target into another Can Too program?
If you raise over your pledge amount, that money will stay as part of this Can Too program's tally and all go to cancer research. You cannot roll donations you raised above your pledge amount into your next Can Too program. Remember, it's all going to an amazing cause! Contact the Can Too office if you have questions regarding your fundraising.
I Referred-A-Friend to join Can Too, how and when is the discount applied?
At week four of your program your fundraising commitment will be adjusted to reflect the Refer-A-Friend discount, as a thanks for you introducing new participants to Can Too.
Do you have more questions?
Call the Can Too office on 02 9096 3649, email info@cantoo.org.au or comment below.
