Trotting the Trails: We give thanks to Mom

Well isn't sunshine a wonderful thing? April snows bring May glows? I think that is the way it rolls.A wonderful trip to Ontario has caused my girth to grow. It shows when you haven't trotted the trails for so long.

Another reason why I haven't been out is my month of volunteering. Last week was the annual Police Half Marathon and 5 km. I first connected with this event in 1989 when I was a big-shot runner at SAIT and was trying my first half. When all but five others passed me that day it proved I had lots to learn about left-right-repeat. Twenty-five years later and much wiser (but perhaps back to that original speed) I do enjoy volunteering for the 2000 trotters and high-five's to the majority of the gang as they smile and pass by our marshal station.

Next weekend is the 37th Annual Mother's Day Road Race. I have been involved with this event since 1994 as an employee, trainer, and now volunteer. I am now a mucky-muck on the committee, Race Course Set-up Coordinator. What does that mean? I drive around in a truck and make sure the course is ready. Then I get to radio the start and tell them to run!

As part of this committee we have been challenged to raise funds for the event. I have a perk for all of you. If you sponsor me (click on the logo to find my page) I will raffle off the incentive prizes here to any of you that pledge support. If you have enjoyed any of my free mentoring I would appreciate your support to the Foundation and thus the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of the Calgary Health Trust. Click away!

April Showers bring May Flowers!
Guaranteed good weather

As for a trot this weekend, I offer two options. First option is selfish. Our friends at Strides are hosting their first trail trot of the year on Saturday. I will be there enjoying some Cochrane trails. Their info is below as well Salomon will be on site with practice shoes if you want to try them out. They do have beginner options if you have never tried the trails.See below info if you wish to join us.

For those that don't wish to dance with dirt, please meet at McDonald's Glenmore Landing for a trot on the reservoir paths. Both events are at 9 am.

Thank you for your interest in joining us on Saturday mornings for Strides' monthly trail running group!

For the first run of 2014, we have decided to head back to where we hosted our first trail run last year (see photo above). This coming Saturday, May 3rd, we will meet at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site Visitor Information Centre at 9:00am. There will be something for everyone - from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The elevation gain/loss in this park isn't extreme, so for those who are new to trail running, it should be a good introduction. See below for driving directions to the trail head.

As in past years, we will have demo trail shoes at each of our trail runs in 2014. This weekend, the Salomon test fleet will be available for you to try out. Take the SpeedCross3, Sense Ultra and XT-Wings out for a run. The best news is... you can get them muddy and return them without washing!

Driving Directions: We will meet at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site Visitor Information Centre parking lot. The entrance is off Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail on the North West end of Cochrane, 700m East of the Hwy1A/Hwy 22 intersection. For most people, the fastest route will be to take Crowchild Trail North West out of Calgary, which then turns into Hwy 1A, about a 35 minute drive from City Centre.

Trails: The Big Hill Springs Valley runs North out of Cochrane and is full of a wide range of single track trails. Staying on the West side of the creek you can tackle various short loops towards the Ranche House that take you past Cochrane's famous horse statue through wide open grasslands along the ridge. Following the creek on the East side takes you through lush forest on a meandering single track with options for rolling hills or steep climbs. Since the trail is shaded on this side of the creek there will still be spots of mud and snow but are avoidable (all the other fun trail obstacles like roots, rocks, and logs are guaranteed). The creek side trail serves as a great out-and-back run with the option to run all the way to Big Hill Springs Provincial Park (10km one way) and lots of options for add on trails including a loop in the Provincial Park or a run to the towers on top of Big Hill (700' elevation gain from the creek to the top). The park also connects with Cochrane's red rock trails to the south which takes you to the Bow River for many more miles of sans concrete running. Trails are marked blue in the attached map. Click Here

Post Run Reload: Those looking for breakfast can head to Guy's Bakery and Cafe (200 Grand Blvd.), a popular runner hang out. Or head straight for the good stuff at MacKay's Ice Cream. The best beer can be found at the new pub at the Cochrane Golf Club (240 Riverview Drive).

An interesting story was shared with me from Dan. He is full of good info this week. Are you interested in the science of running?

A very scientific stride

Oh, and another one from Dan. Currently in Calgary we are trying to add bike lanes and cut down on drivelanes. Not sure the right way is the right-of-way but check out this neat website on bike and pedestrian traffic.