An Okotoks athlete is getting some pointers from someone who has been around for the long run.
She’s also got the support of a group of runners that have a lot of miles behind it and plenty more to come in the future.
Rosie Bouchard, a Grade 10 student at Foothills Composite High School, is attending informal running sessions under the guidance of Richard Ellum, a former Foothills cross-country coach and one of the founders of the Sheep River Road Race.
“There’s nothing for teenagers who are interested in distance running in the community,” the 70-plus-year-old Ellum said. “We want to get young people out there, get them moving and interacting with their friends, but also to give them some pointers on their technique.”
Bouchard and Ellum were doing drills at the Crescent Point Regional Field House on Jan. 4.
She was the inspiration for Ellum to try and get something for young runners in Okotoks.
“Rosie has been running with the Big Rock Runners for a few months now and I put it to them about helping to provide some training for young people, like Rosie, in the community and the club was on side,” said Ellum, a long-time member of the running club. “They put up some money to pay for this facility one hour each week to work on technique and speed work.”
Ellum ran for 55 years, has his Level 3 National Coaching certification and, most impressive to anyone who has laced on a pair of running shoes, he qualified for and finished the 2008 Boston Marathon.
Bouchard became the first Foothills Falcon to medal at the high school provincial cross-country championship in October since Aaron Swanson did it 18 years ago. Swanson, the 2016 Millarville Run to the Farmers Market half-marathon champion, was coached by Ellum at the Comp.
Now Bouchard is gleaning Ellum’s and the Big Rock Runners’ knowledge.
“I like to run and I wanted to continue to run until spring so I am fit for track and field,” Bouchard said about running with the Big Rock Runners. “I like running with them because I get tips — things I can improve on. They are all willing to help me.”
She recently got a tip on how to use her arms from Big Rock Runner Larry Swanson — Aaron’s dad.
Bouchard said Ellum has had her work on speed recently.
As for Ellum, he will continue to help but at some time he might step aside for some younger legs.
“I am convinced that in any community — I don’t care if is academics, running, dancing — the talent is there for the young people if someone is there to help them. I think the swimming club is a great example,” Ellum said. “At my age, I am not the future. I hope someone will step forward to take the lead.”
For now, Ellum has taken the running reins. Anyone wishing to participate in the free clinic can contact Ellum at [email protected] or call 403-938-7998.
The Big Rock Runners are a social running group, which meets every Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre for a casual run and camaraderie.
For more information got to www.bigrockrunners.com
