Our clinics are 8-10 weeks of skills-based training sessions for all levels of trail runners – from new to experienced. Each clinic corresponds with one of our series races. You will run with experienced, friendly clinic leaders and training sessions will cover trail running technique, gear, hydration, navigation, safety, trail food, trail etiquette, day-to-day nutrition, maintaining balance, cross-training, using a training program, goal setting, developing ankle strength, avoiding injury, rehabilitation and recovery, race preparation, race strategy and trail maintenance.
Each clinic includes:
- Saturday trail run at 8:30 am
- Wednesday night speed workout at 6:30 pm
- Guest speakers
- Race entry fee
- Detailed route descriptions
- Discounts at Forerunners
- Scenery
- Major fun and a chance to meet crazy people (and a few sane ones too)!
Drop-ins are welcome (fee is $10) and no person will be left behind!
Meeting Times:
- Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at designated trailheads
- Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at Forerunners (980 Marine Drive, North Vancouver) for speed training on track or road.
Clinic Distances:
Our clinic distances will depend on the corresponding race series. Typically, we have three distances short, intermediate and long.
Short Distance (10-15 km goal)
The short distance is a good place to start if you are new to trail running. The basics of trail running will be covered, graduating from groomed to technical trails. You will receive a solid grounding in trail technique. The short distance will help prepare you for the short-distance event in the corresponding race series. Prerequisite: 5 km on the road.
Intermediate Distance (15-27 km goal)
Ready for longer distance and more technical trails? You have completed a previous clinic or have some experience as a trail runner? Then the intermediate distance is for you. The intermediate distance will help prepare you for the intermediate-distance event in the corresponding race series. Prerequisite: 10-12 km.
Long Distance (27+km goals)
If you have longer distance race goals, plenty of drive and enjoy the challenge of the north shore technical trails, this is for you. You do not need to be fast to join this group! The long distance will help prepare you for the long-distance event in the corresponding race series. Prerequisite: 15 km.
Note: Long distance runners join the intermediate group to start and then continue a map “add on” distance for the day’s long course. Although many of our leaders will run longer distances, we do not guarantee a leader for every pace group.
Are you a fanatical trail runner? Are you hopelessly hooked on trail running, go through withdrawal when you miss a trail run, don’t mind running with the forest critters, but would like to run with some like-minded humans because you are training for an ultra? You are in luck! Some of our long course clinic leaders fit this description. You will be in good company!