summER 2019 › Recreation
#RunFernieRun
Taking the First Step BY abi moore
ELK VALLEY ULTRA | CAM JAMES PHOTO
While the somewhat simple act of trail running is nothing new, it’s evolving with every step. Each year there’s a new line to toe, a new trail to explore and a new training buddy to be found. This is no truer than here in Fernie - with a trail network to keep even the most enthusiastic distance runner inspired and spur on the novice into taking their first step. The best part about trail running and racing is that everyone’s journey is entirely their own. Goals and mileage can be customised to fit around work schedules, social calendars and family time - better still they can become part of them. However, such enthusiasm should come with a warning, as long before you’ve entered your first race, your casual running could turn into a habit, your Sunday lie-ins replaced with the desire to scale a mountain before breakfast, and your beach vacations replaced with toe-nail losing adventuring.
But really, it’s a good problem to have – and better still, it’s a sport for life. Luckily for you, Fernie is a trail runner’s paradise with a plethora of endorphin induced adventures just waiting to be found, along with support from an increasing number of local stores, races, events and trail running clubs. Want in on the act this summer? Here’re a few key tips to help you start off on the right foot, and get yourself to both the start, and more importantly, the finish...
Find your right shoe. Then be prepared to change your shoe. A few times. And more than likely appear to be operating your own shoe shop out of
your basement. While the rest of your family might see you as having a “problem,” it’s well-proven that rotating through a variety of shoes is good for your feet. Plus, as you start running longer distances, you’ll soon realise what does, or doesn’t work for your foot shape. Be sure to match your foot shape to the shoe, pick the right cushioning level, heel-to-toe drop and of course shoe type – in short, don’t pick your shoes based on colour, or what works for your running buddy.
Find that buddy. Or dog. Or in fact, both. Running with company not only increases you chances RUN FERNIE RUN continued on next page
FERNIEFIX.COM | 33