How old do I have to be to join?
All runners must at least be in Kindergarten. For the summer season, athletes must be running as a 9 year old or older.
I run for my high school teams. Do I have summer options with 7LRC?
Yes! If you are a high school middle distance or cross country runner, join us in the summer! If your spring track and field season ended early (or even if it didn’t), and you’re looking to continue to improve, get more opportunities to race and drop some times, you are a great fit for 7LRC summer. New in 2024, there are 2 new programs offered for experienced high school middle distance (400, 800, 1600, 3200m) track and CROSS COUNTRY runners:
HS Summer Track — experienced MIDDLE DISTANCE runners in high school can join 7LRC mid-May to continue their training and racing for the remainder of the 7LRC spring season through to the end of June, which includes AAU Track and Field Regionals for those who qualify.
HS XC Preconditioning — for the month of July, high school runners can train 2 mornings/wk with 7LRC to prepare for their cross country seasons. No races available for this program.
I’m a sprinter. Can I join 7LRC?
We specialize in middle distance. If you are a 200/400m sprinter and want to become a 400/800/1500/1600/3000/3200m racer, we have had a lot of success with athletes running in these events. If you want to stay with sprinter distances, we encourage you to find a coach and club more suited for you.
How much running experience do I need?
We welcome children of all experience levels to join Seven Locks Running Club. All you need is a genuine interest in the sport of running! NOTE: for the summer season, because we are preparing for Nationals, you must have competed for 7LRC, your high school track and field team, middle school team, or equivalent, in a prior season to join. Contact Coach Heilman if you have a unique situation.
When is the best time to join?
Great question! Fall is a great time to join because we are just starting the new year, and we start with cross country. Winter is also an excellent time to join because it’s the beginning of track season, and we play in the snow when we can. Spring is another terrific option to start with 7LRC because outdoor track and field meets are a fun way to be introduced into the sport. Summer is the only season you should not join as a starting point — unless you have prior experience.
Is winter season indoor or outdoor?
All practices are outdoors. Meets are indoor.
I play other sports. Can I still join?
Yes! Many of our runners are very successful with 7LRC and their other sport. You would be in very good company.
When are practices?
Every season Coach Heilman re-evaluates the location and times of practices before the season begins. Check the seasons page for general updates or to refer to the season general schedule the prior year. During the season, Coach Heilman will send updates for weekly or last minute changes due to weather, location availability, or other reasons.
I can’t make all those practices. Can I still join?
Yes. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of the season, but I understand you may have other commitments and don’t take attendance.
What is your uniform policy?
Every athlete must purchase a Seven Locks Running Club jersey which must be worn at meets. Plain black shorts or Spandex must be worn as uniform bottoms. Additional spirit gear and swag, including warm-ups, sweatshirts, hats, and T-Shirts, are encouraged but not required. Spirit gear can be purchased through our team store, which opens and closes various times throughout the year. Uniform bottoms are also available through the team store, or you can find plain black bottoms on your own. Team store items are delivered 3 weeks after each store closing.
Jerseys must be bought directly from Coach Heilman, who orders them in bulk due to their prolonged turnaround time. If she has no jerseys in stock at the time of your meets, you must wear one of Coach Heilman’s reserved shared jersey pinnies over a fitted tank top or T-Shirt and return it before the end of the meet.
If we keep a jersey design for another season and your current jersey still fits, you do not need to purchase a new jersey.
Do you train athletes for middle distance?
We are a specialized middle distance program during track seasons and also have a highly decorated cross country program in the fall.
Do you provide discounts?
There are sibling discount codes available during the registration process. You may also apply for a need-based scholarship if any are still available when registration is announced.
When does registration open?
Registration opens about a month before each season begins. Subscribe to our mailing list if you want to be notified.
Can I join mid-season?
No.
Registration says it’s closed. Do you have a wait list? What are my options?
If you believe the registration closed in error, please contact us. If registration is past or full, there is no wait list. Come join us in the next season! If you have a unique situation for the current season, contact Coach Heilman for consideration.
Do you offer private lessons?
No.
Can I try a practice before joining?
No. Due to legal and administrative issues, we cannot offer trial or observation sessions.