Fit Comes First at Extreme Runners
Extreme Runners is a technical running/walking store with the goal of providing active people with appropriate footwear and clothing.
Our staff have a range of running and walking experience at all levels, and considerable training and experience in fitting all foot types with quality running and walking shoes.
As part of our commitment to customer satisfaction we have a flexible return policy, allowing you time to make sure you are satisfied with our choice.
Come visit us in Downtown Courtenay.
Are you living on the North Island? And can’t make it in. If you know your favourite product and size we would like to help you out! Contact us today!
Current News
Introducing TNT Leader Jerry Van June 2nd, 2013
Extreme Runners would like you to meet one of the many people who volunteer for Thursday Night Trail Runs (TNT). We would like to introduce Jerry Van, a long time Valley resident of 3o+ years. We are so very fortunate to have the help of such an experienced athlete, dedicated individual and really great guy.
Jerry keeps you motivated when you hear him talking about running with that contagious smile.
We asked Jerry his thoughts on TNT, a little about his life, background, and what keeps him hitting the trails.
When did you start running? And why?
Years ago I did a couple of triathlons and then stopped running for decades then a couple of friends called me up to join them at the track for a run. I just kept running!
What do you like about trail running?
I enjoy being in the forest, the views and the feeling of flying down a winding trail.
What are some of the trail events you have taken part in?
One gut buster last year and lots of the TNT runs.
The Gutbuster Trail Series is some serious Vancouver Island trail racing!
How did you become a leader with TNT?
It just happened. I knew the trails well from my mountain biking days.
Could we mention you are a photographer and link your website?
My work is here, www.vansportraits.com
Jerry is a very talented photographer, specializing in portraits. Yes, do check out his work. Amazing!
What is your favourite trail and why?
That is easily the run up in the meadows at Mt. Washington. We really have to do it a couple of times this summer.
Jerry speaks of Paradise Meadows. The trails are beautiful and scenic. This is a real opportunity to get away from it all and only about a half hour drive from Courtenay.
What do you like about TNT?
Pals to run with, they keep you motivated and laughing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
That’s about it. Just get out and have fun, you don’t have to be fast just a good attitude!
If you have had an opportunity to run with Jerry you will see he is a true ambassador to the sport. All our volunteers are. As the summer progresses our hope is we can introduce you to others who give their time to make TNT what it is. They bring a sense of community to the runners and hikers who take part and for that, Extreme Runners is very grateful.
TNT happens every Thursday night at different trails. This is an organized group trail run that accommodates all levels from hikers to various running speeds. The cost is free and the fun is priceless, for more information click on Group Runs.
Happy Trails
CVRR Run4Fun Visits Extreme May 1st, 2013
Each year the Comox Valley Road Runners put on a running program for the youth in the Valley, the Run4Fun. This program is designed for kids age 8 – 14 to encourage active lifestyle through running. Run4Fun is 8 weeks long and takes the kids to various areas within the Comox Valley where they enjoy running themed games and learn about various running related topics. The sessions usually start off with a guest speaker. Some topics covered are nutrition, injury prevention, and shoe knowledge.
Extreme Runners is thrilled to be a sponsor for this program, On Monday April 29th the Run4Fun came to the store to learn a little about their shoes. The kids checked each others shoes to make sure they were the right length for their feet, practiced tying, and learnt how to tie their shoes so that they do not come undone. Then in a blur they were off and running, some to Puntledge Park and others to the outdoor gym at the Filberg Centre.
If you have active kids who love to run this could a great fit for them. For more information visit cvrr.ca
Snow to Surf Follow Up May 1st, 2013
Snow to Surf did not disappoint with the “adventure” in this mufti-disciplined race. The day had so many interesting turns.
Let me explain…The down hill skiers were required to wait at the top after completing their run to retrieve any clothing they may have left behind? Therefore could not head down the mountain right away to follow their teammates. The Snowshoe leg, as previously described, had a run, snowshoe, and then another run, This was not all downhill snowshoeing. Within the leg there was some “adventurous” trekking. Uphills and bare patches of gravel road. The runner had a considerably longer run than usual that was not all downhill either. Some of the road cyclists were delayed by a small car accident. And on top of it all a veeeery low tide and some choppy water for the canoes to contend with in the end. Some of whom went for a little “dip” in the cool waters.
Such a memorable year! And as always a tonne of fun! For results go to www.snowtosurf.com
We are proud at Extreme Runners to sponsor the running leg of the Snow to Surf.
See you out there next year.
Snow to Surf Update April 24th, 2013
At this time we have information that the newly added snowshoe leg of the infamous multi-sport Snow to Surf adventure race will happen. The plan is the nordic skier to first runner exchange point will be approximately 1km higher up the main road from the nordic skier to 1st runner exchange. At this point the snowshoer will carry their snowshoes to a designated spot and then put them on to continue. Further on in the leg there may be another place where the snowshoes have to be removed and carried to the snowshoe-runner exchange.
The Snow to Surf committee will make the final decision Saturday April 27th at 4 p.m. The committee ask that they not be contacted in regards to what they are going to be doing before that time. This is how it stands now.
So exciting, they are keeping us guessing…
Trail Head Directions April 15th, 2013
Maybe you have just moved to the Comox Valley or you have resided here for sometime but have yet to explore our beautiful backyard.
New to the Extreme Runners website are some google maps to assist you with your exploring. These maps will help you find your way to the amazing trail systems we visit every Thursday. Lush greenery, fabulous trail construction (thank-you trail builders!) beautiful rivers, and epic views await you all around the Comox Valley.
Nymph Falls is awesome with its rushing water and fish ladder. Tomato Creek is like a world away, arbutus trees line your hike up to one of the most breathtaking views. At Seal Bay Park the lush, green forest and combination of the ocean shoreline stimulates the senses. View the Trent River from a point high above along the trail that meanders beside it. These are only a few of the great areas in the Valley.
The maps we provided get you to the trail heads we visit on Thursdays by car or bike, but there is nothing saying you cannot enjoy these magical places on your own time with friends or family. We are for the environment and do encourage carpooling on Thursdays, which by the way, is an excellent opportunity to meet other fellow runners.
Find these maps and check out TNT under Group Runs and we will see you in the trails.
Your Extreme Team
TNT- The Origin April 11, 2013
Ever wondered when Thursday Night Trails started and how it came about?
TNT began 7 years ago. Lene Curts, owner of Extreme Runners, a trail runner herself, wanted to create a running group based on safety in the trails and fun. It began small with just a few locals meeting and enjoying the trails for an hour together on Thursdays.
As the trails attracted more interest TNT began to morph into what it is today. Once the numbers grew a need for the trail run to accommodate more levels of fitness was recognized. Lene recruited a local runner Frank Graham to assist with this. He had always wanted to help out in promoting trail running so it was an easy fit.
This is what Frank had to say when asked about the beginning of TNT with him as organizer.
“There were 14 out for our first run, including me leading the fast group and John Ingram who led the medium-speed group. I added another, slower, group when we got up to 26 runners.”
How did you choose the trails you run?
“When we choose the 8 trails we made sure they covered the 4 corners of the valley so that each runner would get to know a trail in their neighborhood. We also chose trails that provided a variety of trail running experiences. We started with the easiest and most popular –Seal Bay– then moved on to technical trails like Twister and finished with the mountain trails of Tomato Creek.”
How has TNT changed over the years?
“There is a lot more teamwork in running the trails now. Every Thursday night I need at least 7 leaders and 7 sweepers. There are at least two dozen TNT regular runners who really want the runs to be successful. They step up to the plate behind the scenes, doing whatever it takes to make it go so smoothly including mentoring those new to the trails, run or walk. We all love sharing with others the many trails of the Comox Valley.”
TNT is a great social running experience with some organized “socials” following the run on TBA nights. Potlucks at the lake, pub gatherings, and post run dips in the water. The group is family friendly, although fido has to stay home…sorry… too many people. Trails accommodates all levels; hikers, walk/runners, and runners of different fitness. Carpooling from Extreme Runners is always encouraged. The season for the trail group is generally beginning of April until the daylight runs out around the end of September.
That is it…the beginning. Look for future stories on some of those people who help make the trails what they are today. Check out Group Runs for schedule.
Salomon Running
April 4,2013
Yes! Extreme Runners is now the proud retailer of Salomon Trail Running shoes and we are pretty excited. We hope that if you are a fan of these shoes or you have always wanted to try them, you will come in and feel the Salomon experience.
Salomon is known for creating quality, progressive mountain gear. Salomon originated in the French Alps in 1947 by François Salomon. Whose passion for skiing and design innovation were the basis of the company. To quote the company “ Salomon’s heritage, culture, and commitment are tied together by one simple concept: the world’s leading mountain people creating the world’s leading mountain product.”
At Extreme Runners we know what our local trails have to offer and believe Salomon Trail Running is an ideal fit for the varying terrain. We have brought in the XR Mission and the Speedcross 3. Both shoes have that signature Salomon upper look with the Kevlar quicklaces. Kevlar, for your information, is an extremely strong material that derives its strength from its spider web-like weave. These shoes are made to hold up.
Come in and enjoy our superior customer service and let us fit you with the right pair of Salomon Trail Runners.
We could not promote Salomon without a Killian video, now could we?
Extreme Runners is taking some time to look for Easter Eggs
STORE HOURS FOR LONG WEEKEND!
GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 29th – CLOSED
SATURDAY MARCH 30th – 9:30a.m.-5:30p.m.SUNDAY MARCH 31st – CLOSED
EASTER MONDAY APRIL 1st – 11a.m.-4:00p.m.
Happy Easter from Your Extreme Team
Action-packed Weekend! March 23rd and 24th
If you love to run, this weekend has it all for you. March 23rd the Comox Valley Road Runners is celebrating the completion of the Learn to Run Clinic with their 5k race. This event is open to everyone. Non clinic members pay a mere $10.00 for entry. Quite an inspirational event, for many, it will be their first race ever.
The weekend continues with the Comox Valley Half Marathon Pasta dinner Saturday the 23rd at the Florence Filberg Centre, Evergreen Room. Cost is $25.00, doors open 5:30p.m. , dinner at 6:30, keynote speaker, Jim Finlayson, 7:30p.m. Jim is a former Comox Valley RV Half Marathon winner and will be attempting to break the Masters` record. For more information on all events visit cvrr.ca
Sunday the 24th is the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon starting at 11a.m. This is a certified 21.1 km course. The route is out and back and beautiful to boot!
There is so much to do and see this weekend. In addition to the activities Extreme Runners is holding a sale on Saturday march 23rd from 9:30a.m. to 5:30p.m. Coincidentally Extreme Runners is also half marathon package pick-up for the Half Marathon, noon until 5p.m., Saturday March 23rd.
30% off all winter accessories
20% off all clothing
Save the tax on all in-stock non-sale shoes
See you Saturday!!!!
Your Extreme Team
The Yeti Gets Extreme !
Our Extreme Yeti Team
The annual Yeti snowshoe race was held Jan. 26 at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
There are three races within the event: a kids snowshoe, a 5K race, and a 10K race. The Yeti saw many keen participants, including teams from Extreme Runners in both the 5K and 10K races. The Yeti never disappoints, with a challenging course of uphill, downhill, groomed, and snow-breaking terrain. The Yeti himself (Adam Campbell) made appearances throughout the course, making it a fun family event for both racers and fans.
The weather was overcast, but the mild temperature was perfect for running in snowshoes. The Extreme Runners teams did incredibly well, with all participants earning podium finishes. The 10K Extreme Runners team won the team category with individual results as follows: Brad Crowe 2nd male overall, 2nd in age; Shauna Connaughton 3rd overall, 1st woman; Louis Lamb 4th overall, 2nd in age; Marion Bryan 1st in age; Marguerite Masson 2nd in age; John Ingram 1st in age; and Cathy Clark 4th in age.
The 5K team also did extremely well with the following results: Glen Christensen 2nd overall, 1st in age; Mary Ann Rolfe 1st in age; Mary Bridges 1st in age; Karen Weller 3rd in age; and Bonny Ervin 2nd in age.
The majority of the Extreme Runners team are members of the Comox Valley Road Runners as well. Snowshoeing makes for excellent cross-training as many of the racers prepare for the Island Race Series and other major events later in the season.
“Thank-you to Lene Curts at Extreme Runners for sponsoring the Extreme Runner teams,” a spokesperson said. Click on Facebook to view more pictures and check out The Yeti Snowshoe Series at theyeti.ca
