Tel: 07901 684 579 | Email: ian@trailrunningscotland.com

Trail running essentials weekend

This course will teach you the essential elements of trail running, setting you up with everything you need to get started with your own adventures.

This two-day course will feature a mixture of workshops and runs across both days, giving you the opportunity to learn new skills, develop techniques and put what you’ve learned into practice!

The workshops are accessible for runners who are new to off-road running, as well as experienced runners who are looking to develop their skills, improve their trail running performance and find out how to stay injury-free.

"So many great tips on top of everything in the course because of the coaches experience which is invaluable - also fantastic value for money!! Signed up for another event with them already..." Debbie

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Itinerary

Our trail running workshops will cover a varied itinerary of trail running essentials, including:

Navigation - This is an essential skill for anyone heading away from the security of roads and parks. We will work on fast map interpretation, direction finding and what to do if you get lost!

Running tactics and techniques - A nice run in which we will work on a warm up routine and analyse our own running style. We will look at our posture, cadence and stride to ensure we are running with efficient technique.

Physical preparation - What can we do to help us run better and avoid injury. This session will give you some simple ideas for strength training, mobility and recovery.

Downhill running - This active session will include all the tips and techniques needed to find grip on loose surfaces, give us control on fast descents and fly over rocky terrain safely.

Route planning - A classroom session to explore route planning resources and ideas.

Kit and equipment - What kit do you need to carry to keep you safe on the trails, as well as a chance to discuss shoes and other essentials. 

Location

Based at Bonaly in the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh, we have a huge variety of trails and locations that we can use for our training. This course includes two days of instruction and does not include accommodation or meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own.

"Had an absolute blast on my two day running course. Thinking about my running in such a different way, feel safer and more confident and having way more fun. Can’t recommend enough." Helen

2024 dates

Dates Price Spaces Booking Your coach
6&7 April £170 Places available Book now Ian
2&3 November £170 Places available Book now Ian

If these dates don’t suit you please get in touch to arrange a bespoke course.

Experience and fitness

This weekend is all about getting stuck in together and exploring the different elements of trail running, so everyone is welcome. The weekend will be a mix of a number of short runs and active workshops, so a basic level of running fitness will help you to make the most of the weekend. If you can complete a Parkrun without stopping in around 30 minutes you should be fine. If in doubt drop us an email to discuss your fitness. 

Kit you will need

Please refer to our guidance on Essential kit for trail running safely.

 

The workshops will be a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions, so it is worth having a change of clothes if it is a wet day.

Waterproof jacket (with taped or welded seams and a hood)

We recommend:

Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for men)
Montane Spine Waterproof Jacket (for women)


Waterproof trousers (with taped or welded seams)

We recommend:

Montane Minimus Waterproof Pants (for men)
Montane Minimus Waterproof Pants (for women)

Running vest

We recommend:

Montane Gecko VP 5+ (unisex)

Spare* synthetic insulated upper layer

*We recommend carrying approximately 300g of synthetically insulated upper layers.

We recommend:
Montane Men's Fireball Lite 360g
Montane Women's Fireball Lite 320g

Hat and gloves suitable for the weather conditions
For cold conditions, we recommend:

Montane Prism Mitt
Montane Via Stretch Beanie

For mild/warm conditions, we recommend: 

Montane VIA Trail Gloves

Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Waterproof Cap (unisex)

Headlamp

We recommend:

Black Diamond SPOT 400-R  

Survival bag 

We recommend:

Lifesystems Light And Dry Thermal Bivi Bag

Trail running shoes - Bring what you have and we can discuss options. Get in touch if you want more advice before the course.

Water bottle

 

Clean trainers for indoors

Lunch

When booking you will receive a 20% discount code to use with Montane to help you equip yourself for the weekend. 

Getting here & Accommodation

 

We are based at the Bonaly Outdoor Centre just off the Edinburgh bypass

Directions are here

Course Programme

Skills weekend programme

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