SPRING TRAIL RUNNING CLINIC

Whether you’re a strong hiker curious about running, a run/hiker finding your flow, or a seasoned trail runner looking to sharpen your skills, this 12-week trail running clinic is designed to meet you where you are — and help you move forward with confidence.

Note: Registration opens February 15

Brought to you by Runners Sole and Sole Pursuit Running, Kamloops, BC

Build confidence. Build fitness. Build community — on the trails.

Whether you’re a strong hiker curious about running, a run/hiker finding your flow, or a seasoned trail runner looking to sharpen your skills, this Spring Trail Running Clinic is designed to meet you where you are — and help you move forward with confidence.

WHAT THIS CLINIC IS ALL ABOUT

This is a progressive trail experience focused on:

Effort-based pacing (not speed or ego)
Trail-specific skills
Smart hiking and running strategies
Gradual, sustainable progression
A welcoming, supportive trail community

You’ll explore some of Kamloops’ best trails while learning how to move efficiently, confidently, and enjoyably across varied terrain.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Choose What Works for You:

Full 12-Week Program

The best experience. Build skills and fitness gradually before progressing into more challenging terrain and longer efforts.

Weeks 1–6: Foundation Phase

Perfect for newer trail runners, strong hikers, or anyone wanting skill development with increasing intensity.

Weeks 7–12: Build & Challenge Phase

This phase is more demanding and assumes prior trail experience. Expect longer periods of effort, more technical terrain, and higher intensity.

Note: Joining the clinic at Week 7 means stepping into a harder phase — ideal for those already comfortable on trails.

WEEKLY FORMAT

✔ One coached group trail session per week on Thursdays at 6:00pm (run time: 1 to 1.5 hour). Rotating trail locations around Kamloops.

✔ Two independent workouts per week. Assigned based on your group level.

✔ Optional in-person Saturday long runs (select weeks) Gradually increasing in duration and terrain complexity.

THREE PARTICIPANT LEVELS

(Learn more about our coaches below)

Hike to Run

Strong, confident hiking with a gradual introduction to trail running component.

Primary movement: brisk hiking
Short, easy running added gradually
No pressure to run continuously
Perfect if you’re curious about adding running to your love of the trails

Run / Hikers

For those already mixing running and hiking.

Learn to manage run-hike strategy
Improve pacing, transitions and effort management
Build endurance to support a balanced and stronger run strategy

Runners

For experienced trail runners.

Trail-specific speedwork goals
Technical skills to support downhill control, management and longevity
Tempo structure and race-style training strategies

All groups use effort-based pacing, regroup often, and prioritize fun and confidence over speed.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How to pace by effort on trails
Efficient hiking and climbing strategies
Downhill confidence and footwork techniques
How to handle technical terrain
Trail intervals, tempo, and speedwork
Fueling and hydration basics for longer efforts
How to train smarter — not just harder

WEEKLY THEMES (PROGRESSIVE BUILD)

Weeks 1–6: Foundation

Pacing & effort awareness
Form & flow
Climbing and descending skills
Intervals and tempo basics

Weeks 7–12: Build & Challenge

Technical terrain focus
Fueling and hydration strategies for longer runs
Hill circuits and speedwork
Adventure runs on new trails
End-of-clinic challenge & celebration

THIS CLINIC IS A GREAT FIT IF YOU:

✅ Want to feel challenged and see progress

✅ Are motivated to build strength and trail confidence

✅ Are open to hills, technical terrain, and skill work

✅ Value coaching, learning, and community over competition

This Clinic May Not Be the Best Fit If You:

🚫 Want an easy, low-effort trail pace

🚫 Prefer flat, non-technical routes only

🚫 Are not interested in skill development or progression

Read the testimonials at the bottom of this page to learn how we have helped runners at past clinics.

Meet your coaches

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

With 4 experienced and dedicated coaches, you are sure to find success with your time spent at the Spring Trail Clinic!

Run Group Coach

Clint Sword

Clint brings a steady, experience-driven approach to coaching within the Spring 12-Week Clinic. A UESCA certified ultrarunning coach, his connection to trail running grew from exploring local trails with like-minded runners and naturally evolved into leading consistent group runs, destination trail weekends, and race-focused training experiences both locally and internationally.

His background includes extensive support of trail events through aid station leadership, course flagging, trail maintenance, and start and finish setup. These behind-the-scenes roles have shaped a practical, runner-first coaching philosophy grounded in real-world trail experience.

Within the Spring 12-Week Clinic, for the 3rd year, Clint leads the run group with a focus on building confidence across varied terrain, particularly hills and technical trails. His coaching emphasizes steady pacing, efficient movement, and approachable strategies that help athletes better understand their capabilities while developing resilience and confidence on the trail.

IG: @papa_ziege

Run Group Coach

Dino Aracki

Bio in progress

Run/Hike Group Coach

Nicole Aracki

Nicole is a UESCA certified running coach who brings a thoughtful, community-centered approach to trail coaching. Her introduction to trail running began while living in Quesnel as a young mom, where she participated in a local trail clinic and quickly fell in love with the sport. That early experience sparked a long-term connection to trail running and the communities built around it.

Following her first clinic, Nicole continued running both independently and with groups, eventually stepping into support roles for future trail clinics. Since then, she has been deeply involved in organizing and leading a wide range of movement-based events and clinics in Kamloops, including Hiking & Yoga, Nordic Walking, 10 Weeks to 10km, Winter Running for Women, Elevate – a Women’s Run & Play Day, and multiple trail clinics.

Within the Spring 12-Week Clinic, Nicole leads the Run/Hike group with a focus on shared experience and connection. She values the moments that come from moving through challenges together—where athletes feel supported, understood, and encouraged by those around them.

Nicole’s leadership style is organized, fun, and intentionally challenging. She isn’t afraid to push participants when it matters, guided by a strong belief in their potential and ability to grow through effort and consistency.

Outside of running, Nicole enjoys baking—often bringing the same care and creativity to the kitchen that she brings to the trail.

Instagram: @nicolearackiincanada

Hike to Run Group Coach

Paula Sword

Paula brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to trail coaching, with a focus on helping athletes feel confident and capable on the trails—no matter their pace. With a background in road running and a strong appreciation for power hiking, she has spent the past two years leading the hike-focused group in the Spring Clinic, creating an accessible entry point for athletes who may not be drawn to a run-only format.

This year, Paula is guiding the evolution of the group into a hike-to-run format, introducing gentle running intervals not as a performance goal, but as a way to expand exploration. By blending hiking and running, the group can experience more loop-style routes, reduce out-and-backs, and spend more time discovering new terrain.

Paula is a UESCA certified running coach (2025) and also coaches weekly with Kamloops RUNClub. She regularly volunteers within the local trail community and has led multiple orientation hikes for Walk in the Park, bringing a steady, supportive presence to every group she works with.

At the Spring 12-Week Clinic, Paula is most excited to help athletes reframe their relationship with pace—emphasizing that speed is not a measure of ability. Her goal is for participants to leave feeling supported, stronger, and more confident in their time on the trails, and perhaps inspired to continue progressing in future clinics.

Paula’s coaching style is encouraging and empowering, grounded in the belief that every athlete deserves equal attention and respect. Her guiding principle is simple: if it isn’t fun, it isn’t sustainable.

Instagram: @coffeebaconrun

READY TO JOIN US?
Spots are limited to maintain a supported, personal coaching experience.
If you have questions about the program, please contact us by email at solepursuitrunning@gmail.com – be sure to check your junk/spam folder as our email often ends up there.

A NOTE ON CHALLENGE & EXPECTATIONS
This clinic is intentionally more challenging than our past trail clinics (based on feedback from past participants).

Participants should expect to:

Be pushed (appropriately) outside their comfort zone
Work on hills, technical terrain, and sustained efforts
Feel stronger and more capable as the weeks progress

While all pacing is effort-based and inclusive, the goal of this clinic is to build strength, resilience, and confidence — and to help you set bigger trail goals for yourself.

If you’re excited by the idea of being challenged in a supportive environment, you’re in the right place.

Registration opens February 15th.

T.W.

The first day, I hung back a level and joined the mixed run/hike group. The trail leader encouraged me to move up to the run group the following week, and despite being the slowest, I felt like I could do it. The other runners were encouraging and it was motivating to try my best to keep up.

Clint and Dino were always positive, and added fuel to my efforts in improving my trail running. Keeping up with regular run practice paid off. I’m stronger, faster, and more confident. I even signed up for my first trail relay race last year. Best of all, it’s still FUN!

Sam K.

This clinic was wonderful in teaching me tips and techniques on how to run in the trail systems, with emphasis on enjoying it and making it more of a routine in my running terrain.

I was introduced to five new trail areas in town to practice running in and get familiar with. A great bonus was that I improved my technique and time on the course we were shown halfway and in the final session of the clinic!

I will be back for the 2026 offering! Thank you Clint, Paula, Nicole and Dino.

SPRING TRAIL RUNNING CLINIC

Note: Registration opens February 15

Meet your coaches

Be pushed (appropriately) outside their comfort zone

Work on hills, technical terrain, and sustained efforts

Feel stronger and more capable as the weeks progress

While all pacing is effort-based and inclusive, the goal of this clinic is to build strength, resilience, and confidence — and to help you set bigger trail goals for yourself.

If you’re excited by the idea of being challenged in a supportive environment, you’re in the right place. ​Registration opens February 15th.

If you’re excited by the idea of being challenged in a supportive environment, you’re in the right place.

Registration opens February 15th.