BTC Trail Sessions
What?
Trail running is one of the fastest growing categories of running. It builds endurance, strength, agility and coordination, and it is an excellent way to experience nature. Here in the Gallatin Valley we have hundreds of miles of trails within a short drive of downtown. We want to help the young runners in our community learn how to enjoy these trails and experience running in nature.
When?
The BTC Trail Sessions will run for 6 weeks, tentatively from May 21, 2024 - June 27, 2024. We are tentatively planning to meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm. At this time of year they will get to experience all kinds of weather and trail conditions, from dry to muddy, and sunny to rainy (or maybe snow!). We will run in it all, while also respecting trail conditions to minimize impact.
Registration:
There is no cost of this program for 2024! Because this has a limited number of participants, we ask our registered athletes to commit to weekly participation in order to get the most value from the program.
Why?
This program will be equally educational and a physical challenge. Each week the athletes will experience new trails, learn new skills, and become better runners. This will include:
Practical skills for running over rough terrain
Gain endurance for longer-distance running
Gain strength for sustained high effort runs
Learn about nutrition and hydration while running
The run/ hike method to manage energy – approximately 30% of the “runs” will be hiking!
Efficiently running uphill and downhill
Wildlife and weather awareness
Trail etiquette and stewardship
At the end of the BTC Trail Sessions we hope the athletes will be more prepared to run some of our local trail races!
Who?
The BTC Trail Sessions are open to middle school athletes currently in 6th-8th grade. This will be a fairly strenuous program! Because of the high effort and maturity needed, we have several firm requirements for participants:
Must have prior running and racing experience in Cross Country or have completed several recent trail races
Must be able to run for 45+ minutes without stopping
Must have run regularly (10-20 miles per week) for the 4 weeks leading up to the sessions
Must be a member of the USATF
BTC will provide experience coaches to teach, oversee, and mentor these athletes. In order to maintain a positive and educational experience, we must limit it to 25 participants.
As with all BTC programs, parent involvement is important! We would love for you to run with your athletes. And if you have time to volunteer, we welcome your participation.
Where?
Each week, both practices (2) will start from the same trailhead. Trailheads will switch each week, with a specific workout tailored to the location. All of the trails will be within approximately 30 minutes of downtown Bozeman. For example: Sourdough Trail, North Cottonwood, Painted Hills.
Gear and Clothing?
Running is typically a simple sport that requires minimal equipment. Trail running is a little different than road or track running because it requires being prepared for the environment and remoteness. All participants will need to have:
High quality trail running shoes
A hand-held water bottle or hydration vest
A lightweight raincoat or wind-shirt
A variety of clothing for running in different weather conditions