Peakprints: May 2011

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

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)