Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry

Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry is designed to introduce participants to trail running.

This course is for you, if you are:

• A hiker who is looking to explore local frontcountry trails at a faster pace
• A road runner who is interested in switching the terrain and the views for your runs
• A beginner trail runner who wants to find an inclusive community and new running friends

Field trips will range from 3 to 6 miles. All paces are welcome, including a combination of walking uphills and running/jogging.

This course will introduce you to trail running gear, basic trail running techniques and etiquette, basic frontcountry trail navigation, hydration and fueling basics, and trail running safety.

For participants new to trail running, this course is a good stepping stone prior to  Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry course, should you choose to take it. Please note that this course,  Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry, IS NOT a prerequisite for taking the latter.

Note: If the course is full, please sign up for the waitlist.

Course Format

The course consists of:

• An introductory online session held over Zoom web conferencing.
• Field trips to a frontcountry location, e.g. the Issaquah Alps, to reinforce what you have learned and ask questions.

Field trips are split into 3 different instruction blocks, each focused on a different skill:

• April 14 - April 27 : Trail and group etiquette
• April 28 - May 11    : Uphill and downhill running
• May   12  - May 25    : Technical terrain

*Please initially sign up for only 1 run in each block. There are likely to be additional spots for other runs in each block, which you can sign up for at a later date. We'll discuss this more on the Zoom session on April 7.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate and earn your skills badge, you must attend the introductory Zoom session and at least 1 field trip of each instruction block - 3 field trips total minimum. Once you have completed all graduation requirements, please e-mail course contact.

Please reach out if you have any questions.