Training – Melbourne

We hold regular training sessions at the Tan running track on Sundays and Wednesdays (details below). To attend our training sessions, please RSVP via our weekly newsletter.

Please wear comfortable clothing to run or walk in, including comfortable/supportive running shoes. BYO water bottle, sun protection and/or weather protection.

Coming for the first time? Sign up to our newsletter (sent every Thursday evening) and contact the rostered coordinator to let them know you’ll be coming for the first time. Be sure to read our FAQs before you come along!

Sundays at the Tan

When: 8:30-10:30am every Sunday (except Easter and Christmas/NY periods)
Where:   Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda, Linlithgow Ave (200m east of intersection
Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Rd)
RSVP: via weekly newsletter
Facebook group (members only)

Train or tram
Catch any train/tram to Flinders Street station
Exit onto southbound side of St Kilda Rd
Walk 500m south of Federation Square or alight at Grant St, stop 17 on any St Kilda Rd/Melbourne University tram​.
Head east for 200m on Linlithgow Ave. 

Car parking
Ample free carparking available on St Kilda Rd and Linlithgow Ave

Facilities
Possessions can be left at the rotunda while you run – a weekly coordinator will be present to look after belongings. There are no changing facilities at this venue.

Running course
We run around the popular 3.8km Tan running track which encircles the botanical gardens. Those who wish to run further have the option of running alongside the Yarra river via Federation Square on the main Yarra trail. 

Wednesday Strength and Conditioning

Open to existing members only, our strength and conditioning group is run by athletics coaches and is free of charge for Achilles members.

When: Wednesday evenings
Time: 6:15pm-7:15pm
Where (summer/daylight savings): Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda 
Where (winter): Online or Kathleen Syme Library (251 Faraday St, Carlton)
RSVP: via weekly newsletter
Facebook group (members only)

Getting there
as above (see Sunday at the Tan)
Winter: catch any north-bound Swanston St tram, alight at Stop 1 Melbourne University. Turn left when stepping off the tram, then turn right to cross Swanston St. Turn left to walk northwards on Swanston St for 30m. Turn right onto Faraday St and walk 80m to Kathleen Syme Library.

Car parking
paid car parking is limited around the Tan on Wednesday evenings
car parking is limited near the Multicultural Hub

More info: Wednesday strength structure 
Achilles Melbourne is incredibly fortunate to run a dedicated program for our members that goes far beyond your average drop-in gym class. This week, we’re diving deeper into Wednesday Strength (also because it’s the ONLY session that is pandemic-proof!)

What is Wednesday Strength? 
Wednesday Strength is our weekly cross-training, strength building session that is dedicated to our financial members, run by qualified coaches (Deb C, Karen B and from afar, Sarah A). Strength training, while run in a group setting, is tailored to your goals and pitched at your level to prevent injury, maximise your running capacity, while keeping socially in touch with other Achilles members. 

Given the structured nature of Wednesday Strength, it is a requirement to speak to our Coacheteers (our fond collective name for Deb C, Karen B and Sarah A) before joining Wednesday Strength. They will get a better understanding of your activity levels, your goals and key areas that you need to work on. Depending on the seasonal time commitments of our volunteer coaches, you may be asked to complete a form which asks similar questions (activity levels, goals etc). Our coaches will make time for you if filling forms is not your cup of tea; you just need to let them know.

Why is cross-strength training important?
Strength training ensures you reduce overuse of the same muscles required for running and build complementary strength that prevents injury and improves performance. It is especially important right now with recurrent lockdowns to keep accountable to yourself and ensure you’re in the best shape possible to pick up running again when lockdown ends. 

Don’t believe us? Here’s a fun fact: Last year’s top finishers at our annual Tan Handicap were all regular Wednesday Strength attendees!

How do I get started?
1) Ensure you are a financial member of Achilles. Need to sign up? You can do so here.

2) Find “Deborah Christie” or “Karen Buckley” or “Sarah Allport” on Facebook and start a conversation there, or alternatively email them at either debac757@gmail.com (Deb) or striveforlife@hotmail.com (Karen)

OR

Put in a request to join the Achilles Strength Facebook group and Deb/Karen/Sarah will start a conversation with you.

Other Training Opportunities

Looking for more opportunities to train? Please contact us at Melbourne@achillesaustralia.org.au if you’d like to attend your local running club and would like support to conduct guide training at your local running club.