Advice from a Run Clinic Leader

Advice from a Run Clinic Leader

I derive a certain sense of pride and accomplishment whenever I teach a run clinic. I find it incredibly satisfying to bring people into the sport of running or else help them reach a distance they may have previously thought unattainable. This has ranged from 5km to running 60km through the Grand Canyon.

Iʼve been lucky over the years to teach run clinics for both Kintec and Grouse Mountain. Iʼve been even luckier in that along the way Iʼve met great people whoʼve turned into great friends.

I find sometimes people are afraid to put themselves out there. Scared to undertake a new activity or adventure because it means branching away from the safety and comfort of the known. I like the think of myself as a guide; helping people take the baby steps needed to suddenly reach an end goal.

One of the things I tell my running participants is not to compare yourself with others. Sometimes I hear “I was out running and this lady came blowing past me. It was really de-motivating.” My response is usually along the lines of:

“You didnʼt know this person though right?
So you have no idea what type of run they are doing or how elite they are.
This could be someone just peaking for their A-race and doing a tempo workout.
That could be you blowing past somebody, depending on where you are in your training.
Never judge yourself against others, rather compare your achievements against yourself.”

To that end, I keep a running log and keep track of my fastest times on all my regular routes. In this way, I can see if I have indeed improved. In fact, just the other day I broke my personal best time on the Grouse Grind; a ʻrecordʼ that had stood since 2012. I can tell you I was pretty happy to finally best it.

The other thing I suggest my runners do is to take pride in the races theyʼve completed. I keep a ʻrace albumʼ including my bib, a map of the course & elevation profile (when available), my time and place and any other pertinent information. This is a great way to showcase your ʻrunning careerʼ. Or, turn your bibs into a collage. Use them as a frieze around your office. Whatever it may be, donʼt throw them away!

And remember, no matter how far you run, whether you think it or not, you are a runner. You have chosen to take up a sport that is ever-growing. Keep it up, whether you continue to run 5kms recreationally or want to push yourself longer. You are still getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other.

Kristin Ohm-Pedersen
Kintec Race Team