BONNYVILLE – As temperatures warm, the traffic of walkers, joggers and runners on Bonnyville trails rises exponentially.
The use of these hard paved surfaces for exercise and the impact it has on peoples' bodies is exactly what Les Parsons hopes to address and change with a Running Clinic in Bonnyville.
Parsons, who coaches the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club in the winter months, has spotted a need in the community when it comes to encouraging adults and youth between 10- 18 to get moving in a way that benefits the body rather than causes damage.
Throughout July, four Running Clinics will be held. No registration is required to attend the clinics, but participants must be a minimum of 10 years old.
“Just show up with some old running shoes, a couple of water bottles and some snacks,” says Parsons. “The clinics will take place rain or shine, so bring a rain jacket.”
Each of these sessions will include an introduction to the fundamentals of jogging and running techniques for proper mechanics to prevent running impact injuries, he says.
There will also be information on how to individualize personal training programs including “the athlete lifestyle” and even tips on buying running shoes.
Upcoming clinics
Sessions at Walsh Field in Bonnyville on the running track:
Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Monday, July 11, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sessions at Muriel Lake MD Campground on the hiking trails:
Thursday, July 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Running in the fall
In September, Parsons will also be coaching youth ages 10-18 in the Lakeland Region, to train and help them compete in schools’ cross-country running races in the fall and for track and field distance events in the spring.
“Working together with the schools, we plan to develop our distance running programs that are already offered in the Lakeland region,” adds Parsons.
The Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club will also be partnering with the Lakeland Yellowjackets Athletics Club from Bonnyville-Cold Lake and the Northeast Alberta Track (NEAT) Club from St Paul.
The Yellowjackets are coached by Larry Godziuk and the NEAT Club is coached by Doug Zarowny.
“Please help spread the word to youth who may be interested in distance running,” encourages Parsons.
“Student-athletes active in other sports will also benefit from cross-training with us, especially students involved in aerobic sports like hockey, soccer, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, biking and other sports.”
