Global Sports: Getting Ready for the Cross Country Season with Running Camp Advice

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Getting Ready for the Cross Country Season with Running Camp Advice

By Rick Moody


Depending on where you live and how far you want to travel, there are many running camps in the United States to choose from. From Florida to Alaska, you can find the right running camp to get you prepared for the Fall cross country season.

My experience with running camps encourages parents, coaches, and runners to look for the following in running camps before taking a few steps backwards in getting in shape:

1. Does the Running Camp have an Expert Staff?: Check out the staff and their credentials. Look at where they coach. Are they successful?

2. Where is the Camp Located?: Are you looking for mountains? Cooler climate? Altitude? Call or email the camp director to find out more details.

3. Know Where and How You Run: You may show up and realize there is nothing around you but open fields with no shade. This is not a perfect situation for someone who likes to run under the shade trees. Are you placed in groups or selecting your own group to run in?

4. Do You Like Speaker Sessions?: If not, then a camp that has 4 speaker sessions a day may be overkill and ruin your week.

5. Team Building, Games, and Activities: There are running camps that offer none of these to some that offer all of them. Make sure you ask if these are involved at camp.

6. Free Time: After running and playing games, you will need time to take a nap or to relax. On top of not going to bed because you want to chat all night with friends in your room, you will need time to get off your feet to chill.

7. Food: This is the fuel that will keep you going for the week. Ask how is the food, is it buffet, cafeteria style, or al a carte. Always make sure you have plenty of snacks in your room. With all the running and fun, your body will need the extra calories.

8. What is the Cost?: Look at all the camps you are interested in and compare the prices. Higher costs does not mean better camp, so save money if you have to.

9. Who is Attending?: Asking questions on discussion boards or to fellow runners can help you determine who will be attending in the future.

10. FUN: Ask around and get the real answers. The last thing you want to do during your summer vacation is to sit in a room by yourself because the camp has only running, eating, and speaker sessions. You will find yourself wanting to go home very quickly.

There may be a few more items to take a look at, but these are what have been important components for our campers. Do your research and choose a camp that is right for you? With a successful summer, you will reach new personal records for your Fall cross country season and make immediate gains on your competition. Now that track is over, get ready for cross country by researching the best summer running camp for you.




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