QUEER RUNNINGS NEW YEAR TRAINING LAB
A place to learn and test ways of training that work for you.
In 8 weeks you’ll learn basic training principles around strength, fuelling, recovery and mindset so that you can build (and adapt) your own training practice that works for you and your body/brain.
Key Details
Starts: Monday 19 January 2026
Enrolment Deadline: Friday 16 January 2026
Length: 8 weeks
Format: 100% online. Weekly talks + practical handouts + private club space
QUEER RUNNINGS NEW YEAR TRAINING LAB
What do you get?
Queer Runnings Lab Notebook: plan, record, test, reflect and note questions for Sophie
Weekly talk + resources: Learn everything you need to build a smart and effective training practice
Recordings: watch/listen in your own time (captions and audio-only available)
Private Discord space: share the journey with your fellow lab partners
Full Club access: weekly strength session, club coaching Q&A calls, socials, movie and game nights
Who is it for?
LGBTQIA+ folk only
All bodies, all paces
Casual runners (2–3 times a week) who want to move towards some more structured training
Those for whom cookie-cutter internet plans don’t work (those with chronic conditions or neurodiverse runners)
The Talks
There will be a talk every week on the following topics. Each talk will be accompanied with resources that you can take away with you to help you plan and manage your training beyond the camp.
Week 1 — Training Foundations & Setting Intentions
Week 2 — Types of Runs & When You Might Need Them
Week 3 — The Bigger Picture: Structuring Your Training
Week 4 — Recovery, Rest & Deload Weeks
Week 5 — Strength Training
Week 6 — Pacing, Intensity & Using Data (or Not)
Week 7 — Nutrition: Fuelling Your Training Well
Week 8 — Mindset & Motivation
Pricing
The Training Lab uses the same sliding-scale pricing as Queer Runnings club membership. This means you choose the price that best reflects your current circumstances. Try to choose the highest rate you can comfortably afford without putting yourself in hardship.
If you’re currently struggling to meet your basic needs (rent, food, essential bills) and even the Supported rate is out of reach, I also try to hold a small number of free or very low-cost spots for people with very low or no income – if that’s you, you’re very welcome to contact me and we can talk about options.
Early bird
Early bird pricing is available until 5 January.
Club members
Current club members receive a 40% discount. Please contact me directly for a separate sign-up link
Supported Rate: €159
(Early bird: €139)
Choose this if money is tight and you couldn’t afford the Standard rate, but you can just about make this work if you prioritise it (for example by cutting back on some non-essentials). This rate is here so people who aren’t fully financially comfortable can still access coaching and community.
Standard Rate: €229
(Early bird: €209)
Choose this if you can usually cover your needs, but money is something you have to think about. A surprise bill would be stressful but just about manageable with some juggling. This is the “true cost” of the membership and is what keeps the club running long-term.
Supporter Rate: €299
(Early bird: €269)
Choose this if you’re generally financially comfortable: you can cover your basic needs, often afford holidays or treats, and a surprise bill would be annoying but not a crisis. This rate helps subsidise lower-cost and free spots for others and keeps Queer Runnings sustainable.
Your Questions, Answered
-
No. Talks are pre-recorded so you can watch or listen any time. Nothing is compulsory.
-
Allow 60–90 minutes per week for the talk and handout plus whatever training you choose to do.
-
No. This lab is about learning how to build your own training plan. If it is a personalised plan you are looking for, please see the join us section of the website and choose what membership feels right for you.
-
If you have only just started running (for example a couch 2 5k) then there might be a bit more information than you currently need within the talks. But the information could be useful in the future. Of course, the accountability and check ins are useful even for those brand new to running.
-
The accountability and check ins could be useful to keep you on track but this lab isn’t designed for complete beginners. You may be more interested in our Spring Into Running camp that starts in the Spring: a couch 2 5k programme and support.
-
Yes. The Lab offers education and options so that you can build a training practice tailored to your needs and if you have questions along the way you can ask Sophie. She can’t give medical advise though. You’ll need to consult a professional for that.
-
Tell Sophie what would help: transcripts, audio-only versions, dyslexia-friendly handouts. She’ll do her best to accommodate.
-
There is a sliding scale to accommodate different incomes. There are also limited free/low cost spaces available. Please contact Sophie for more information.