Things I would tell you about running in Alberta

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Lately I’ve been thinking about my time in Alberta. I will be in Red Deer in four years in March. I was introduced to running in Grande Prairie where I lived for three years. It was an awesome running crew in  GP crew that turned me on to the (eventual) joys of running.

Since I started my Canuck Running Bloggers (And Those Who Love Them) on Facebook, I have learned about the different races and places to run across Canada. I want to run across Canada now! (Can I use your shower?) I didn’t run much in Ottawa save for the random run/walk/crawl around the field before football practice. Nick and I would also “run” before nachos and beer. Now I can’t wait to go back to explore the trails and run on the canal to Dow’s Lake.

                 
Because I am in that mindset, I got to thinking about what I would tell someone about running in Alberta. As you know, I am a reporter and I would much rather ask the questions so I asked a few randomly chosen runners:

What is the one thing you would tell someone about running in Alberta?

I wasn’t surprised at the responses when I asked a few randomly-chosen runners. All three came back with a weather-related answer:

Calgary’s Tina:
“OMG. The weather! Layers are the most important thing ever. Our weather can change on a dime.” 
 Mark in Red Deer:
“Be prepared for any kind of weather conditions.”
 Scottish-Canadian Susan, also in Calgary:
“If you start a run in the heat, it could be snowing, raining or hail by the end or vice versa. Be prepared for weather madness.” 

   

There is no doubt runners LOVE talking and preparing for what Mother Nature may throw at us. I think the timing of the question may have led to their quick responses. (Afterall it is February.) Runners, regardless of where they live, must be prepared for her fickle ways.

 
I would tell you about Alberta’s trails on and off the road. There’s something for everyone. Road runners would not be hard pressed to find a well-developed urban trail system in just about every municipality. Both Red Deer and Grande Prairie (places where I lived) have a wonderfully developed trail system. Off-road runners would be far from disappointed. Think about running in Canmore or Banff with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop or your trail. Truly breathtaking and peaceful. But you don’t have to go to the mountains to conquer some trail. Seek the off the beaten trail and you will find the perfect spot for your run.

I would also tell you that you that you will find runners wherever you choose to put on your sneakers. Runners are everywhere and most are willing to offer some trail advice or to point you in the direction of the “best kept secret” running trail.

Take my word for it.  Runners are pretty awesome people.


Now it’s your turn. Answer in the comments. What is the one thing you would someone about running in your city/town/country/province?

8 Comments

  1. Calgary has great parks too – Fish Creek and Nose Hill – are a great trail option if you cant get out to Brag Creek, Canmore or Banff….every city has some hidden gems.

    1. I need to get out to Fish Creek & Nose Hill – heard so much about them. Okay to run in winter?

    1. I may head there soon. I am tired of running around Red Deer. You can truly see how small a city is on feet!

  3. Running in Nova Scotia – well, be prepared for the weather. If it's winter or the dead heat of summer – dress appropriately. There are some fantastic races/events here: Maritime Race Weekend, Bluenose Marathon, NS Marathon in Barrington, Valley Harvest Marathon, Cabot Trail Relay just to name a few 😉

    PS – you should do a serious of these post 🙂

  4. Definitely weather is an issue in Alberta but the scenery is beautiful along the way.

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