FAQ's

** Please direct all questions to teamvark@aardvarksportsshop.com. NOT social media. Questions on social might get lost, unanswered, and/or answered incorrectly.

EMAILS:

Q1/2: When are emails sent out?

Q2/2: I'm not getting the weekly emails.

A 1/2: Emails start two weeks before training starts, then every Thursday during training. We will also send out a separate email if we have to cancel or have an urgent update.

A 2/2: Some reason why you might not be getting the emails:

Our email could be in your spam / promotion folders. This is about 90% of the problem.
All emails are from Run Signup, not Aardvark Sports Shop.
You registered with a different email on Run Signup / We have the wrong email on file.
You did not register for Team Vark.
Gremlins are in the system. Just add sunlight to get rid of them.

Please email teamvark@aardvarksportsshop.com from the email you want us to use so we can troubleshoot the issue. If emailing doesn't work, please call the shop 610-866-8300.

Q: What if I can't make the 7:30am runs on Saturdays?

A: Team Vark is team training. We highly recommend attending the weekly runs so you can enjoy all the benefits of Team Vark. That said, attendance is not required unless you want the "Earn it Swag", which IS based off attendance.

A: We have a 100% VOLUNTEER group that starts at 5:30am. More information in your weekly emails. Please email teamvark@aardvarksportsshop.com if you have any quesitons.

Q: Where do I park?

A: Check out this free parking map & info.

Q: What if I'm not running the same race(s) that Team Vark is training for?

A: That's no problem! Although we strongly encourage everyone to register for one (or more) of the Bethlehem Run Festival races, it is not a requirement. You can still join the runs and enjoy all the membership benefits. You will have to adjust your own training plan.

Q: What if I can't follow the mid week training plan?

A: There is no "one size fits all" training plan. You do not have to follow ours! You can add or subtract days as you see fit. Listen to your body! There are a lot of great books and training plans out there. Play around and see what's right for you. Remember we are here to help!! Ask one of the staff, or a fellow teammate.

Q: Do I have to have running experience to join Team Vark? Which training plan is best for me?

A: It depends on your goal. Here is the recommended experience level for each training plan:

5k training: For the beginner to advanced runner. No running experience needed!
10k training: For the beginner to advanced runner. We recommend being able to complete a 5k within 6 months before Team Vark training starts in June.
Half training: For the intermediate beginner to advanced runner. We recommend that you're able to comfortably complete a 10k, without walking, within 6 months before Team Vark training starts in June. We have to start cleaning up the store at 9:20am so we can open at 10:00am. Please keep that in mind as we get into the longer runs.

Q: Can you mail my swag?

A: We do not mail out swag, but you can have a friend pick it up! Please email teamvark@aardvarksportsshop.com to make arrangements or if you have any questions.

Q: Why do the runs start so early?

A: Several reasons: Less traffic = safer. Beat the heat. Race days usually start early in the morning; this will condition your body to run early in the morning.

Q: Why do you only communicate through email?

A: Emails contain exclusive information for your training, news, swag, events, etc. Not everyone has social media. Questions can get lost on social media, and sometimes answers from non Team Vark admin can be incorrect.

Q: Can I change training plans during the season? Can I switch to and from the 5k, 10k, or Half?

A: We hope that you ultimately find the right program for you, but you can switch training programs with no extra cost. You can simply jump into another group to give it a try, or email teamvark@aardvarksportsshop.com if you want to make a permanent switch. This is only so we know how to give you the best experience while you're training for your goal.

Q: Guests. I can't make most of the runs, don't need a training program, don't want any of the perks. Can I run as a guest? Can I bring a guest?

A: Yes. Guests are welcome to run with the Saturday Group. Please check in with an Aardvark Staff member before the run. Guests are not eligable for Team Vark benefits such as routes, training plans, swag, emails, invitation to events, etc.

Q: Is there an age restriction?

A: We are growing as a team and understand the need for family time. For this year, we have the following age restrictions.

Strollers are welcome. Please know the route and your abilities before running with a stroller.
Due to safety considerations, we kindly ask that participants be aged 12 and above to participate in our training program.
12-18 years old must have an adult present during training.
Please note that certain Team Vark events are restricted to individuals aged 21 years or older.