Spaces are limited and these popular courses sell out!
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.
Who is this for?
Women who can run a 5k (3.1 miles) on flat pavement who are also interested in learning how to run on trails.
There are no pace requirements 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!
Expect the average pace to be around 13 minutes per mile (we will be hiking most of the steep hills and running the rest!). 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 8:30 a.m. depending on what works best for your schedule.
- Spring session: Mid April- late May- FULL
- Summer session: Early June – late July
- Fall session: early September- mid October
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. 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
- Volunteer
- 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 $149 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 with the Life’s 2 Short women.
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.
