Beginner Trail Running Course
Trail running gives you that sense of adventure and freedom that you haven’t felt since childhood. Running up and down mountains may seem like an intimidating endeavor but it is much more accessible than you can imagine.
Our beginner trail running course will give you the knowledge, fitness, and confidence to get out on your own trail running adventures.
Spaces are limited and these popular courses sell out!
Who is this for?
Women who can run a 5k (3.1 miles) without stopping on flat pavement who are also interested in learning how to run on trails.
There are no pace requirements (we will be hiking most of the steep hills and running the rest) and previous experience on trails is not required. We accommodate all levels of fitness/experience. This program is meant for learning and fun, not to be a race!
Most runs have volunteer Trailblazers to stay with back of the pack runners.
If you have no experience at all, check out our Couch to Trails program! If you’re interested in a more advanced program, consider our Trail Running Training Group.
The beginner trail running program has six-week sessions from spring to fall. You can sign up for either Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. or Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. depending on what works best for your schedule.
Spring session: April 13th/17th-May 18th/22nd
Summer session: Mid June - early August (no class July 4th week)
Fall session: Mid Sep- Mid Oct
Coaching Structure
Each clinic is about 20% lecture and 80% running and skill work on the trail. The first clinic starts at three miles and builds up to a six-mile graduation trail run at the end of six weeks!
Download a sample class structure here >>
Topics include:
General conditioning for trail running
Uphill and downhill running technique
Gear clinic with pros from Runners Roost
Introduction to intervals and speed workouts
Technique for water crossings, snow, mud, and other trail conditions
Technique for technical, steep terrain
Wildlife and trail safety
Running in the dark
Locations
We will be running at a different front range trail every week! After you register you will be sent a packet with more information and the trail locations/maps.
Front range sessions will range from Golden, Lakewood, Evergreen, Morrison and Littleton.
What do program fees include?
Small group coaching for a fraction of the price! (Clinics are limited to 10 participants)
In-person, skill-based training by exercise physiologists and professional running coaches who are seasoned trail runners
Trail work volunteer opportunities to give back to our favorite spaces
Handouts and recaps of each week’s topic
Running-specific, functional strength-training
Private Slack group to communicate with other program participants and coaches.
Local running route suggestions.
Discounts on race entries, shoes, and gear.
A safe, inclusive community for trail runners who identify as women.
How much does the program cost?
Cost is $169 for the 6 week program
If you are sick, out of town, or just have to miss a clinic, don’t worry! There will be make-up opportunities.
-----> View pictures from previous year's programs HERE!
What are we training for?
If you are interested in a specific objective coming out of the program you will be ready to participate in a trail 10k OR join one of our Life's 2 Short women's teams training for a summer or fall trail race (10k-half marathon distances, race discounts included).
Who coaches the program?
Kriste Peoples is a Ragnar Relay pro ambassador with tons of experience on the trails and with night running.
Laura Cardon is most passionate about helping others discover the joy of trail running. She’s a UESCA-certified run coach, works part-time at Runners Roost Golden, and creates beginner-friendly guides to the outdoors at OutdoorBeginner.com.
Lauren Jones has a degree in exercise science, sports performance with certifications in sports medicine and has explored trails and raced all over the world.
Lindsay LaForce has been practicing physical therapy for 10 years, specializing in endurance athletes and return to run programming. She is a Certified POSE Running Technique specialist and an ultra runner, Ironman, and momma of two.
EXTRA, EXTRA!
We are excited to announce Runners Roost will be supporting the event with 15% off shoes and gear for all program participants!!
Also we will be bringing in some guest speakers/experts in the industry for a couple of the sessions to talk about safety, running form/gait and proper gear/shoe fit.
Save $$!
L2S Members save 15% on all programs and enjoy other perks! Learn more about the community now here.
*After you sign up for the membership you will be sent a welcome email with a discount code to apply to this course fee.
