Winter is where the work begins.
​Build through winter. Get strong. Stay consistent. Arrive at spring ready for more.

Winter Trail Running Clinic
January 6 – May 2, 2027

Whether you have a spring race on your calendar or simply want to become a stronger, more durable trail runner, this clinic is designed to help you build fitness progressively and consistently through the winter months — so you’re ready to hit the trails strong when spring arrives.

Over the course of the clinic, you'll receive a professionally designed, periodized training plan tailored to your chosen distance. Group workouts are fully integrated into each plan, giving you the structure, accountability and coaching support you need to train consistently and with purpose.

All training plans are written by Rene Unser, professional running coach, Salomon athlete and founder of PACE Trail Runs. With over 21 years of coaching experience, Rene has helped hundreds of runners work toward their goals while building a supportive and welcoming trail running community.

Wednesday Training Sessions
Wednesday workouts are divided into 25 km and 50 km training groups, allowing athletes to train at an appropriate level while still benefiting from the energy of the larger group.

As the clinic progresses, Rene works closely with each athlete to help them continue developing toward their individual spring goals.

Training sessions may include:

• Interval workouts
• Fartlek training
• Tempo runs
• Time trials
• Hill and vertical challenges
• Terrain management and technical trail skills
• Strength and efficiency-focused sessions

Sunday Long Runs
Sunday long runs focus on progressively building the aerobic endurance, strength and durability needed for trail running.

Throughout the winter, long-run volume will gradually build alongside the Wednesday workouts. As we move toward spring, training becomes increasingly specific to prepare athletes for longer days on the trails and upcoming race goals.

The focus is consistent, progressive training — building fitness without trying to rush the process.

25 km Training Group Requirements

• Comfortable completing a 90-minute long run
• Currently running a minimum of 2 times per week

50 km Training Group Requirements

• Comfortable completing a 2.5-hour long run
• Currently running a minimum of 3 times per week

​What's Included

• 10% off all 2027 PACE trail race registration fees. 
• Weekly Wednesday coached sessions focused on speed, strength and trail-specific training.
• Weekly Sunday long runs designed to build endurance and confidence on the trails. Most runs are adventure and leader-led, with select weekends featuring solo efforts, vertical challenges and Enduro-style workouts that simulate race-day conditions.
• One race simulation Enduro to practice pacing, fueling, race strategy and trail running skills in a supportive environment.
• Online training plan based on your goals and experience.
• Weekly email featuring training resources, performance tips and clinic-exclusive content.
• Dedicated training app for workouts, communication and clinic updates.
• Social events throughout the clinic to connect with fellow runners.
• Ongoing coaching, support, motivation and accountability from Rene Unser and the P.A.C.E. coaching team.

Registration Fee
$420 + GST
Click HERE to register. 
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Before the new year, you'll receive an athlete profile to complete. Coach Rene will use your information, goals and experience to build your training program for the clinic.
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Refund Policy

• Receive a full refund up to one week before the clinic begins, provided you have not accessed your training plan or the online Performance Centre.
• Once access to the training plans and online Performance Centre has been provided, participants are eligible for a $75 refund.
• This is an in-person training clinic. Registration does not include a virtual coaching option.

Build through winter. Get strong. Stay consistent. Arrive at spring ready for more.

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Meet the Coach

Rene Unser is the founder of PACE Trail Runs in Kelowna, BC, a professional running coach, and a Salomon athlete with over two decades of coaching experience. She works with athletes of all abilities, from those preparing for their first trail race to experienced ultrarunners, helping them build confidence, improve performance, and enjoy the process of training.
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Before becoming a full-time running coach, Rene spent more than 22 years in the fitness industry, where she developed a reputation for inspiring and motivating people to achieve goals they never thought possible. That same passion for helping others continues to shape her coaching philosophy today.

An endurance athlete at heart, Rene has always been drawn to big adventures. 

She wasted no time immersing herself in endurance sports—her first triathlon was the Oliver Half Ironman, her first trail race was a five-day stage race in Thailand, and her first mountain bike event was the legendary BC Bike Race, an eight-day stage race through British Columbia.
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Rene has a particular passion for stage racing and multi-day endurance events. Among her proudest athletic achievements are a 2nd place finish in the 2025 Transalpine Run, **3rd-place finish in the 2016 ** and a 2nd-place finish in 2019, racing with her teammates across the Alps. Whether coaching or competing, Rene is passionate about helping others discover what they're capable of and believes the trails have a remarkable way of building resilience, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

Meet the TEAM