Introductory training series
Monday, 23 August 2010 22:53 | 
Written by | 
| 
| 
Welcome!
Dear (new) athletes. Although you are probably celebrating some well deserved time off, you have to face the end of the summer. Although this not a moment to look forward to, it actually has quite some advantages: A new city, a new academic year, new people and a new study. Probably it’s also time for a new sports challenge or continuing your sports, and what can be better than combining this with meeting new people?!
Introductory period
Therefore GSAV Vitalis will organize their introductory training series. Whether you have been an active high level athlete in the past, take sprints to catch the train at the very last moment or just want to start working on your stamina level, everybody is welcome to follow these training series for free and experience their own personal runners high. The start will be at the 6th of September at 18:30 at our track in the city park. For directions, click here. Our meeting place is on the right side on the stand. You can recognize our athletes by their youthful appearance and handsomeness. Besides our appearance you can also recognize us by our clothing. If you can’t find us, just ask a local athlete at the track. They are always willing to help you guide to the designated place.
What to expect during my introductory period?
As said before, we’ve created a series of introductory courses. Here you will get acquainted with almost all athletic disciplines under professional supervision of our trainers. The series will start with a general training, followed up by an introduction of the technical disciplines. After a few weeks, the general training will be divided into an all-level group, mid-long distance group and a sprint group where specific training will be facilitated. At the end of the introductory period, you might end up in one of these groups, or the technical disciplines group. Combinations are also possible and uncommon.
The introductory period will be held in the theme of the outdoor track club championships. If you decide to become a member of Vitalis, you are allowed to enter this competition. The introductory training series will prepare you in the best possible way for this event. No qualifying limits are required and all participants are welcome, without any regard of level. Participation is not obligatory of course.
Except getting acquainted with all athletic disciplines, you will meet the current and new members of Vitalis. You will see them at the stand, during training, at our monthly pub night at tram 13, at our organized side events or after training at the weekly dinner at our clubhouse. After the first introductory training, the weekly dinner will be combined with a brief information evening about our training groups, trainers and injuries.
If you'd like to attend our introductory training, please enter your name and email address in the form underneath and press send. If you'd like to attend our weekly dinner, please mention this in the comments. You can also send an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
In which events does Vitalis participate?
Firstly, Vitalis is active in the national competition. The best athletes represent our club in this competition and try to enforce a promotion to a higher league. Currently the men are represented in the 3rd division while the women are in the 2nd division.
Secondly, one of the biggest events of the year for Vitalis is the annual batavierenrace. This is a relay event of 25 separate stages over 177km. Vitalis always ends up high in the final ranking and is also major supplier of the varsity team, which won last edition of this race!
Thirdly, Vitalis hosts annually at least one training weekend a year. This weekend will be all about training in a different location somewhere far away from Groningen. Some trainers will join on this trip to direct the training during this weekend.
Fourthly are the different national student championships. Each year there are a number of these events varying from indoor, cross, outdoor, road, ekiden and teams. Vitalis participates in every competition with a lot of members and you are welcome to join them if you’d like. The levels of the participants vary per event, but you can always join in as a supporter or volunteer. Most of these events will close with the famous student parties, exclusively for student athletes.
Furthermore there are the club championships, cross country races and other big running events where Vitalis athletes will be participating. These races will be announced on the schedule on the website or at the track during training.
What does Vitalis got to offer besides running?
Vitalis is more than a club of athletes. We offer various activities for our members to experience their student life to the fullest and meet other members in different surroundings. The best example is the previously stated monthly pub night at tram 13 in the Gelkingestraat. There is also party/event committee which organizes on regularly basis different types of theme nights, athletic related fun games, barbecues and a big club weekend. Watch the schedule online for more information about upcoming events.
It is also possible to join one of the many committees which represent Vitalis. All these committees are run by volunteers with the best intentions for the club in general. Varying from public relations to organizing races or building the website, all these volunteers help Vitalis out in a great way. Feel free to enquire at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about open positions in one of these committees and help Vitalis achieve an even higher status.
If a committee is not satisfactory enough for you, there is always the possibility to enter the board of Vitalis. This board is chosen annually and will be active all year long. If you have a clear vision, spare time you’d like to invest in Vitalis and will be available for at least one year, you can send an application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Darn, another injury!
Unfortunately running is the number one sport in obtaining injuries. Although our trainers do their best to prevent upcoming injuries, it still remains impossible to prevent them all. The constant pressure on the legs results in different lower extremity injuries preventing you to run freely. Therefore we have our own physiotherapist Dannie Snijder to help you get back on your feet as fast as possible.
You want more info about Vitalis?
Sure, no problem. On our website www.vitalis.org a lot of information is gathered about different topics. Underneath you can find some links (some are in Dutch) to interesting information about topics previously treated above. If you have other questions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Training groups
http://vitalis.org/nl/informatie-trainingen
Committees
http://vitalis.org/nl/vereniging/commissies
Board
http://vitalis.org/nl/vereniging/bestuur
Club weekend
http://vitalis.org/nl/agenda/details/115-verenigingsweekend
Pictures
Movie NSK outdoor track 2011, hosted by Vitalis
Physiotherapy
http://vitalis.org/nl/vereniging/gezondheid/fysiotherapie
Batavierenrace