2013 Trail Running Clinics

Welcome to Peakprints Trail Running! Offering safe and fun clinics for those wanting to give trail running, and even racing, a try! The goal of these clinics is to introduce you to the exhilarating and self-fulfilling sport of trail running, expose you to the varied terrain and challenges of running off road, and prepare you for some or all of the trail runs in the upcoming 2013 Central Alberta 5 Peaks Trail Running Series!

Your two dedicated clinic leaders, Sandi Seto and Marisa Norona, are both experienced runners, on and off the road, are seasoned 5 Peaks race series competitors, and have a wealth of knowledge in the areas of sport training, racing, and well-being. Come on out and feel the joy of running in nature; join us for our 2013 trail running clinics in preparation for 5 Peaks or your other trail running adventures this summer!

Clinic Details

6 informative clinics will be offered this year from May to September. Each clinic will focus on a particular topic related to trail running and racing; we will begin each session with a short discussion from our leaders/guest speakers, then participants will have an opportunity to get out on the trails with the leaders, in a safe and comfortable environment, to give it a try. Clinic locations will vary between trails in and around Calgary and the local mountains. Clinics are geared towards beginners, however, all are welcome. Participants should have the ability to and feel comfortable running (at whatever pace) for 40 minutes on roads.

Drop into each clinic for $10 per clinic, or make the commitment to trail running this year and sign up for the Peakprints package: all 6 clinics for only $50.
Peakprints Package participants will receive a special 5 Peaks souvenir, and all clinic participants will have a chance to win a variety of fantastic draw prizes from our sponsors (free race entries, 5 Peaks souvenirs, trail shoe coupons, other various sports clothing and equipment)! Back by popular demand: a free 5 Peaks race entry will be given to the first 5 participants to register for the Peakprints Clinic Package, and all participants can use a special Peakprints discount code to register for any of this season's 5 Peaks events across Canada! Thanks, 5 Peaks!

Through our partnership with Strides Running Store, additional free casual trail runs (one a month) will be available to our clinic participants. These runs typically happen on the first Saturday of each month, starting in May. To get all the details and to be added to their trail run mailing list, email Strides at run@stridesrunning.com .

Grizzly Mountain Events, another one of our fantastic sponsors, will also be offering additional trail runs on Sundays starting in June out at the Canmore Nordic Centre, yet another opportunity for our clinic participants to get out in a group setting for more trail runs! More details regarding these runs will be sent to clinic participants as the information becomes available.

Sign Me Up!

Detailed information on each clinic will be posted on this blog site a few weeks prior to each clinic date. Sign up as a "follower" and check here regularly for all the details. You can "drop-in" to any of our clinics and just pay on the day. However, if you know that you are coming out, please email us at: peakprintstrailrunning@gmail.com so we can expect you and have you sign a waiver! If you are interested in taking advantage of our great "Peakprints Package" deal, please also email us, and we will sign you up. We will then send you a waiver and information form to complete and bring to your first clinic. If you have any questions or concerns about the clinics or package, once again, email us!

2013 Schedule at a Glance

NUTS & BOLTS OF TRAIL RUNNING
Friday, May 10th - 6pm (North Glenmore Park)

5 Peaks Series Race #1 - Saturday, May 18th - COP

CLIMBING & DESCENDING TECHNIQUES
Friday, May 31st - 6pm (Nosehill Park)

5 Peaks Series Race #2 - Saturday, June 8th - Canmore

BEAR SAFETY
Saturday, June 29th - 9:00am (Nosehill - DUE TO FLOODS)

5 Peaks Series Race #3 - Saturday, July 20th - Sundre

FUELING & NUTRITION
Monday, July 29th - 6:00pm (Bowmont Park, Silver Springs)

5 Peaks Series Race #4 - Saturday, August 10th - Fish Creek

STRETCHING & CORE
Monday, August 19th - 6:00pm (Cochrane Ranche)

RACE STRATEGIES
Saturday, September 7th - 9:30am (Station Flats, Br. Creek)

5 Peaks Series Race #5 - Saturday, Sept. 14th - Canmore
BLITZ Duathlon - Saturday, Sept. 21st - Bragg Creek



2013 Peakprints Trail Running Group

Aug 28, 2011

CASUAL TRAIL RUN #5 - September 12th - Jumpingpound Trail

Come join us for a fantastic final casual/social trail run on Jumpingpound Trail in the Sibbald Creek area! A beautiful 9km loop(shorter options available) of moderate gradient, with some nice views and glimpses of wild flowers; this is a trail not to be missed!

Date: Monday, September 12th
Time: 6:30am sharp
Location: Jumpingpound Trail, Sibbald Creek
Length of session: 60-80 minutes, 9km loop
Free
 
Directions: From Calgary, head West on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and take exit 68, Sibbald Creek Trail. After exiting to the right, you will then turn left crossing under to the other side of Hwy 1 to follow Sibbald Creek Trail heading South/West. Follow Sibbald Creek Trail for approx. 15-16km to the Pine Top day use area, which will be on your left (just after a cattle guard).

What to Bring:
*Trail running shoes
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Gloves and a toque/beanie, just in case
*Change of clothes/towel for afterwards
*Completed waiver & registration form if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

2011 Clinic #5 - RACE STRATEGIES- September 3rd


Time to start getting geared up for the last 5 Peaks race of the season in breath-taking Canmore! Join us on Saturday, September 3rd at the Canmore Nordic Centre, 9:30am. At this clinic, we will focus on race strategies; we will talk about the Canmore course layout and strategies that will help you decide how best to tackle the terrain, be efficient on the ups & downs, and give it your best performance right to the finish line. We'll also touch briefly on pre-race preparations for the days leading up to the race, as well as mental preparation strategies for race day.!  Come on out and bring your 'race face' with you!!

Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Time: 9:30am
Location: Canmore Nordic Centre parking lot
Length of session: 90 minutes (pre-run talk & run)
Drop in Cost: $10 (cash or cheque)


Driving Directions:
From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Hwy (#1) heading west for appox. 80 km. Upon approaching Canmore, take exit 93 toward Three Sisters Parkway /Bow River Campground and turn left at Three Sisters Pkwy.  Take your 1st right to stay on Three Sisters Pkwy, then turn right at Three Sisters Dr.  Turn left at Three Sisters Dr/Hwy 742 and continue straight onto Spray Lakes Rd/Hwy 742.  Continue to follow Hwy 742 for 1.8 km.  Turn right 210 m further and take 1st left into the Nordic Centre parking lot.
Address is: 1988 OLYMPIC WAY SUITE 100, Canmore, Alberta
Canmore Nordic Centre trail Map & Directions

What to Bring:
*Trail running shoes
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Insect Repellent & Sunscreen
*Change of clothes/towel for afterward
*money for coffee/tea afterward
*Completed waiver & registration form if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

Jul 24, 2011

CASUAL TRAIL RUN #4 - August 22nd - Allen Bill Pond, Bragg Creek

Hope you can make it out to Allen Bill Pond in Bragg Creek on the evening of Monday, August 22nd for this fun local trail run. Our plan is to run the Fullerton Loop - a 7km, return, loop. See you all there!

Date: Monday, August 22nd (please note change in date)
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Allen Bill Pond parking lot, Bragg Creek
Length of session: 60 minutes
Cost: Free

Driving Directions:
From Calgary, either take Trans-Canada Hwy #1, turning south at Hwy #22 and following road for 19 km into Bragg Creek. Alternatively, take Hwy #8 from Calgary heading west until it ends at Hwy #22 (Bragg Creek Road).Turn left (south) and follow road into Bragg Creek

Then, turn left at the 4-way stop by the Shell Station in Bragg Creek and follow the road until it ends shortly at a T junction. Turn right onto hwy 66 and follow it to the Allen Bill Pond parking lot, which will be the first big day use parking lot (with view of Allen Bill Pond) on your left.

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/westbraggmap.htm

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Insect Repellent & Sunscreen
*Change of clothes/towel for afterward
*Completed waiver
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

2011 Clinic #4 - CROSS-TRAINING & CORE - August 13th

Let's enjoy an invigorating summer evening trail run out in Bragg Creek on Saturday, August 13th! We are lucky to have a special guest speaker coming out to talk to us about Bear Safety in the mountains prior to our run.  After the talk and trail run, Sandi will walk us through a few important core/stablization exercises.

Date: Saturday, August 13th
Time: 9:30am
Location: Station Flats, Bragg Creek
Length of session: 120 minutes (pre-run talk & 50-60 min run),
Drop in Cost: $10 (cash or cheque)

Driving Directions:
From Calgary, either take Trans-Canada Hwy #1, turning south at Hwy #22 and following road for 19 km into Bragg Creek. Alternatively, take Hwy #8 from Calgary heading west until it ends at Hwy #22 (Bragg Creek Road).Turn left (south) and follow road into Bragg Creek

Then, turn left at the 4-way stop by the Shell Station in Bragg Creek and follow the road until it ends shortly at a T junction. Turn right onto hwy 66 and follow it to the Station Flats parking lot, which will be on your right (after the Allen Bill Pond parking lot).

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/westbraggmap.htm

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers (for before and after)
*Insect Repellant
*Change of clothes/towel for afterward
*Completed waiver & registration form if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

Jun 26, 2011

CASUAL TRAIL RUN #3 - July 18

We're gearing up for the next 5 Peaks race (in Sundre) on some fantastic trails in Fish Creek Park! We'll meet at the parking lot/entry point called "Votier's Flats" off of Elbow Drive and Canyon Meadows Drive where we'll hits the trails for an undulating course in this picturesque park!
Unfortunately, Salomon Rep, Andi Carey, will no longer be able to join us on Monday, but will be out to talk about and demo some fantastic Salomon trail running gear at another run in the near future.

Date: Monday, July 18th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Fish Creek Park, Calgary (Votier's Flats)
Length of session: 60 minute run
Cost: Free!

Directions: Votier Flats is located at the far south end of Elbow Drive, just south of Canyon Meadows Drive. See map attached for exact location and trail map of the entire park at: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/fishcreek/pdf/FCPP%20Map.pdf
Most of the trails in the area are gravel pathways, but we'll find some great dirt ones, too!

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes or trail)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Sunblock and insect repellant are a good idea!
*Extra layers (just in case!)
*Change of clothes/towel for afterward
*Completed waiver if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

2011 Clinic #3 - FUELLING & NUTRITION - July 11th

Join us for a fun and infomative clinic in beautiful and secluded 12 Mile Coulee! 
Our evening will start off with an informative nutrition talk from Registered Holistic Nutritionist, founder of Jump Start Nutrition Clinics, and Canadian Mountain Running Champion, Amy Golumbia! She's got some great tips for athletes to keep us balanced, eating well, and feeling great! http://www.jumpstartnutrition.ca/
Then we'll head out for a jaunt in the fantastic single track of 12 Mile Coulee, a run not to be missed!

Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 6:30pm sharp
Location: 12 Mile Coulee (Tuscany, NW Calgary)
Length of Session (talk and run): 90 minutes (run time 45-60 minutes, max)
Drop in Cost: $10 (cash or cheque)

Directions: Heading North on Stoney Trail from Nose Hill Drive, take the next exit for Tuscany Blvd. Upon exiting, turn left at the set of lights, going under the Stoney Trail Hwy you just exited. Turn right at the next lights and follow the road about +500 m, then turn left into a gravel parking lot in front of an appartment complex.

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers for before and after
*bug repellant/sunscreen
*Change of clothes/shoes/towel for afterwards
*completed waiver/information form (will be emailed to you if you pre-register or available on-site)

May 29, 2011

CASUAL TRAIL RUN #2 - June 13

Come and join us for our second free casual/social trail run on the Douglas Fir trail!  We'll meet at the Edworthy parking lot on the SOUTH side of the river. Our run will head east on the river pathway until we "duck into" the forest when we meet the Douglas Fir trail. We will do an out and back along the trail. Be prepared for mud, stairs, and a few good steep climbs and descents!! Hope to see you there!

Date: Monday, June 13th, 2011
Time: 6:30pm, sharp
Location: Douglas Fir Trail, Meet at the Edworthy Park Parking Lot, South side
Length of session: 60 minutes
Cost: Free

Directions:
Edworthy Park South Parking Lot:
From Bow Trail turn north on 45 St. Turn west on Spruce Drive and follow Edworthy Park road down the hill.

Note: If you are coming from the NW, park at the North Parking Lot and walk over the pedestrian bridge by Angel's Snack Shop and along the pathway, crossing over the railroad tracks to the South side parking lot. Directions to the North Parking Lot are as follows: At the corner of Shagannappi and Memorial Drive turn onto Montgomery View and park in the parking lot near the Boothman bridge (a foot bridge).
http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/parks_operations/edworthy_map.pdf

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)

*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)

*Extra layers as needed

*Gloves and a cap/beanie

*Bug Repellant

*Change of clothes/towel for afterwards

*Completed waiver if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

May 18, 2011

2011 Clinic #2 - CLIMBING & DESCENDING TECHNIQUES - June 6th

A trail run/race just wouldn't be so without at least one or two good climbs. In this clinic our aim is to help you work on learning to climb most efficiently and comfortably with a few simple techniques. Luckily, with a little practice, this will equate to climbing faster, as well! Of course we cannot eliminate gravity, but we most certainly can use less energy as we work towards overcoming its force.

What goes up must inevitably come down. In trail running, descents can often be on loose gravel or very technical, requiring good eyes, quick footwork and a steady focus. We will also spend time building our technique for moving downhill both quickly and safely.
Clinic will take place at Nose Hill Park in NW Calgary, and there will be no shortage of hills!

Date: Monday, June 6th, 2011
Time: 6:30pm, sharp
Location: Nose Hill Park (NW Calgary)
Length of session: 90 minutes (run approx. 60 min)
Drop in Cost: $10 (cash or cheque)

Directions: Meet at the Edgemont Blvd parking lot off of Shagganappi Trail http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/parks_operations/nosehill/nose_hill_map.pdf

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Gloves and a cap
*Change of clothes/towel for afterwards
*Completed waiver/information form (will be emailed to you if you pre-register)

2011 Peakprints Trail Running Group

Weaselhead Park Clinc

Great first clinic, everyone. Thanks for coming out!

Apr 10, 2011

CASUAL TRAIL RUN #1 - May 16

Come one, come all, and join us for our first "casual trail run" complimenting our 2011 Peakprints Trail Running Clincs. This will be a social trail run with friends, the more the merrier! Both leaders, Sandi and Marisa, will be present to chat with and ask questions to throughout the run. The location of this run, the cliffs of Bowmont Park in Silver Springs, will be a great primer for the first 5 Peaks race taking place at the COP the following week! Hope to see you there!

Date: Monday, May 16th, 2011

Time: 6:30pm, sharp
Location: Bowmont Park, Silver Springs (NW Calgary)
Length of session: 90 minutes (run 60 min max.)
Cost: Free

Directions: Heading north on Crowchild Trail towards Nose Hill Dr., take the Silver Spring Gate/Sarcee Trail exit (which is the exit just before the Nose Hill Dr. exit). Upon exiting, stay in your left lane and turn left at the traffic lights, taking you over the bridge crossing the hwy you just exited. Follow this road into Silver Springs to your first set of lights, and turn left. Parking is along the street at this entry point to Bowmont Park.

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/parks_operations/bowmont/bowmont_brochure.pdf
(Map is on page 2 - meeting location is at 2nd parking lot off of Silver Springs Gate [not 1st], with yellow star beside)

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Gloves and a toque/beanie
*Change of clothes/towel for afterwards
*Completed waiver if this is your first time out
(will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)

2011 Clinic #1 - NUTS & BOLTS OF TRAIL RUNNING - May 9th

Welcome to the wonderful world of trail running! In this very first clinic in a series of 5 throughout the summer, we will focus specifically on the differences between running roads vs trails.

When running off-road, we need to be more mindful of such concerns as variations in terrain, obstacles, trail conditions, wildlife, etc. It is of utmost importance to assure we are familiar with our route or course, and that we are prepared for any sudden changes in weather. This will help prevent us from getting lost and will keep us comfortable and safe throughout our runs.

The session will start with a 10-15 minute discussion; we'll go over the basics to get you out and running on trails, and will have lots of tips to help you feel comfortable and begin to build strength and efficiency off road. Then we'll hit the trails to give it a go!

Date: Monday, May 9th, 2011
Time: 6:30pm, sharp
Location: Weaselhead (North Glenmore Park, Calgary, SW)
Length of Session: 90 minutes (run time 45-60 minutes, max)
Drop in Cost: $10 (cash or cheque)

Directions:
We will meet at the north parking lot, located at the main entrance to North Glenmore Park at the corner of 37 St SW and 66 Ave SW.
http://blog.talkaboutwildlife.ca/park/where-is-weaselhead

What to Bring:
*Running shoes (road shoes are fine, however, as time goes on, you may want to try a shoe specifically designed for trail running)
*Water and a snack (bars or gels are good)
*Extra layers
*Gloves and a toque/beanie
*Change of clothes/shoes/towel for afterwards
*completed waiver/information form (will be emailed to you if you pre-register via email)