Cochrane running club offering prep clinics

Posted by on Monday, February 29th, 2016 at 3:26pm.

Registration for Cochrane’s 17th Annual Footstock running event is now open and if you need to get tuned up for this race, read on.

The Cochrane Red Rock Runners are organizing a clinic that will run for 11 weeks leading up to Footstock which is slated for June 4 and 5 in Cochrane.  The clinics are being organized by Peter McBreen, a running coach and former track and field coach in Great Britain.

The first clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23 beginning at 6:30 pm. Clinics will run three times weekly with different runs each night.  This clinic is suitable for all runners, young and old. Those who are already running or runners who are just looking to improve their personal best times can sign up for a six-week clinic.

The 11-week version will start slowly with participants alternating between walking and jogging over a 1km distance.  Participants will be observed to ensure they are breathing correctly, moving their feet efficiently in such a way as to prevent injuries.  The pace will be sustainable.

McBreen says often he sees people begin a running program, and one they get a little bit strong they think they’re ready to do a marathon.  People sit so much these days that often, leg muscles can’t bear the stress of running and too much in too short a period of time can cause injuries. It can take 12 months for a body to become used to regular running at an intense pace.

The clinics will include hill training in Sunterra and the Headlands and a trip to Glenbow Provincial Park for a quick 15 km run.  Cochrane trail systems will be put to the test as runners prepare for the big tilt in June.

Those interested in this upcoming clinic can visit the Red Rock Runners in Cochrane website.  The fee for this clinic is $90 which includes entry fee for the race in June.

Who are the Red Rock Runners?

This club of Cochrane residents was founded 15 years ago as a social group and has since expanded to include those who are brave enough to do Triathlons and Ironman races.  The name of the group comes from the pathways covered in red shale throughout the Town of Cochrane.

The RR Runners run all over the place; indoors on a 200-metre track, in ultramarathons around the world and extreme races.  However, the majority just like to just 12 km on a nice day and go for coffee after.

What is Footstock?

Held every year for past 17 years, Footstock is an entire festival weekend based around fun and somewhat challenging races in the Cochrane area.  This year’s Footstock is Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5.  There are races for kids and adults and have been scheduled far enough apart that family members can see each other’s race.

People come from other parts of Canada to race in Cochrane and to spend time enjoying Banff and Canmore which are just an hour away from town.

Footstock will include a 5km, 10km, kids’ triathlon, plus an individual duathlons and a relay duathlon. These races will be on the famous red shale path system in Cochrane along the Bow River and the Town of Cochrane’s pathway system.  It goes rain or shine!

Leave a Comment