Beginner/Novice Clinic: Intro to Trail Running. A "no drop" paced group hosted by Audree Lafreniere of Run Wild Vancouver. (Full trail description below)
Distance: approx 12-14km/2.5-3 hours.
Cost: $30
Intermediate Clinic: Ultra runner Hilary Matheson coaches uphill and downhill techniques, efficient body positioning and how to navigate technical trails. (Full trail description below)
Distance: approx 20km/3.5-4 hours.
Cost: $35
Transportation provided to/from both Arc'teryx locations in Kitsilano and Downtown. Alternatively, you are welcome to drive yourself (please indicate when registering).
Lunch and snacks provided by Be Fresh Local after the clinics. Runner's are responsible for bringing their own fuel/snacks for the trails.
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FULL ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS:
Beginner: ~13.5km
Route:
Our Beginner clinic winds through the Alouette Valley Trail, before heading out to Mike Lake and then up the aptly named Incline Trail. We then cruise down the Eric Dunning Trail and finish back at Alouette Lake for some well deserved lunch.
What to Expect:
Expect lots of intro-to-trail technique and general safety information, in a “no-drop” paced group. There will be a leader and a sweep, and you can choose your pace wherever is comfortable for you. We will regroup at all trail intersections, and you can feel free to fire any questions at us that you might have along the way. Expect to be on the trails for 2.5 - 3 hours.
Who Is This For?
Perhaps you’re a seasoned road runner looking to venture off road, or perhaps you’re new to this whole running thing altogether. Either way, you should be able to comfortably run 10km at a mellow pace, knowing that the best part of trail running (as opposed to road) is that walking the hills is totally okay. This is a good place to be if you’re building up your mileage, or looking to master the basics of trail running.
What to Bring:
Appropriate snacks for 2.5 - 3 hours on the trails. An emergency rain proof jacket. A headlamp. Trail running shoes. (Full gear list provided prior to clinics)
Intermediate: ~20km
Route:
Our intermediate technique clinic will be lead by Hilary Matheson, a seasoned ultra runner who’s been on the podium of many ultras ranging from 50km - 200km. Your route will start with a warm-up cruise around Alouette Valley trail, followed by a little jaunt around the Lookout trail. From there, you will take Menzies trail all the way to the East Canyon trail, admire the view at the Lower Falls, and then come back down the Lower Falls trail to Menzies and back to the parking lot for lunch.
What to Expect:
Hilary will cover specific uphill and downhill running (and power hiking) techniques for trail runners looking to up their technical game. Expect to cover everything from efficient body positions depending on the incline, the importance of incorporating intervals and speed work into your training, and how to navigate technical trails like a master. We will stop at various points along the run to demo techniques, and everyone will get a chance to test them out as we go.
Who is this for?
This clinic is perfect for trail runners that can handle at least 15km out on the trails without problems. Preferably you’ve been running on the trails for at least a few months, or you’re a road runner with a good base who’s dabbled in trail running previously. The goal of this clinic is to make you a more efficient runner on a range of technique, so its about more than just covering the distance… We assume you can already do that. This is about adjusting your techniques to make you level up.
What to Bring:
Appropriate snacks for 3.5 - 4 hours on the trails. An emergency rain proof jacket. A headlamp. Trail running shoes. (Full gear list provided prior to clinics)
