Training Zone
Arc’teryx Climbing Academy
The Arc’teryx Climbing Academy isn’t limited to climbing. The popular event in Squamish, B.C., which was digital-only in 2020, includes two days of experiential trail-running classes taught by two of the best-qualified runners in North America: the Squamish-based former competitive Nordic skier, ski mountaineer and trail runner Eric Carter; and Adam Campbell, who lives and works as a lawyer in Canmore, Alta., and who has stood on the podium at major ultratrail events including Hardrock 100 and utmb.
The goal of the first day’s session is to help trail runners with some experience to increase their skills and feel confident on longer, steeper and more mountainous runs. “It’s taking someone who’s done some local trail runs in their backyard, on mountain bike trails or urban park trails, and introducing them to slightly more rugged terrain,” says Campbell. “The trails are technical, but no special mountain skills are required.” On the second day, the focus is on helping more advanced mountain runners cross over to lightweight alpine climbing.
Campbell starts with a tour of what’s in his pack, which usually includes the following: your cellphone (including navigation apps, like Gaia gps and Fatmap), a satellite communicator, like the Garmin InReach (if running i n an area without cellphone service), a locator beacon, a space blanket , a light weight jacket and a neck gaiter to use as a hat or headwrap. Also: bear spray (if you’re running in bear country) and enough food and water to get you through the day, along with the means to carry everything in a backpack, hydration vest or hip belt. Campbell adds that comfortable trail-running shoes that fit well, with a lugged sole appropriate for the type of terrain you’re running on, are a must. If you’re running on snowy or icy trails, you may also want to carry trail crampons or microspikes, and on very loose terrain, like shale or scree, gaiters are a useful accessory.
Then it ’s t ime to r un up t he Stawamus Chief – the granite giant t hat towers 702 met res above Squamish. “We do a loop over four peaks that involves a big, steep climb, some pulling on branches and some scrambling through bushes and rocks, then goes into open slabs, where you’re rolling along the summit,” says Carter. “Then it ’s a big, long descent on a tourist trail back down to the parking lot .” There are opportunities to rest and eat, ask questions and experiment with navigation apps.
Campbell describes teaching how to transition from running into power-hiking, with tips like keeping your cadence up, opening your chest, so you can keep breathing well, and using your hands on your knees to power-hike the ascents. The group also has the opportunity to practise running with poles. Another tip: be aware that wearing a hat, visor or sunglasses while running downhill on technical terrain can restrict your peripheral vision, potentially leading to head bumps and falls.
Carter points out that trail runners need to develop alpine skills to move safely in the mountains. “Even on a two- or three-hour trail run, you can be quite remote,” he points out. “Say you sprain your ankle or twist your knee – do you have enough gear to be able to get yourself out of there? As runners, we like to feel light and unencumbered, but in a situation like that, you might not get rescued until the next day. You need to be covered.”
We are hopeful the in-person Climbing Academy trail-running clinic may return in 2021.