How to Choose a Running Camp

Things to keep in mind when choosing your summer camp…


Date and Length: When is the camp? Make sure it fits in with your training schedule. Also consider length- most camps are a week but this can vary.

Cost: Can you afford it? Is it worth it?

Location: Where is the camp located? Will you be roughing it in the woods or are there cabins? If it’s at a college, consider checking out the school as well; maybe you will want to attend there someday. Also consider terrain (hill running versus flat running), climate (your body will have to adjust), and altitude-higher altitudes mean your lungs are going to have to adjust to breathing thinner air. Finally, make sure you have a way to get there.

Focus: Is the camp geared more for long distance runners, sprinters, or for everyone? Consider types of workouts, clinics, and speakers. Who usually attends this camp-beginning runners, serious competitors, or athletes somewhere in between? Also think about what other activities there are besides running and how much free time you get-do you want a really serious camp or do you just want to have fun?

Reputation: Who’s directing, coaching, or speaking at the camp? What kind of running experience have they had? Are they college coaches or former Olympians?

You should be able to find out the answers to most of these questions by going to the camp website, or by emailing or calling camp directors or coaches. Ask around too-maybe your friends or coaches have been to one of these camps before.

What to Pack:

· Sleeping gear: make sure you know what the room situations are like so you know what to bring
· Running shoes: Bring a spare pair just in case
· Running clothes: Make sure you bring clothes for all kinds of weather, bring extra socks
· Other clothes: Pack both summer clothes and clothes for cold weather-make sure you have a warm coat, rain gear, pajamas, and swim-wear if there is water nearby
· Towels/washcloths
· Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, bug spray, sunscreen, deodorant, your favorite pain reliever, and anything else you might need
· Notebook/pens: It’s a good idea to take notes and keep a journal of your camp experience
· Camera

How to Get the Most Out of Your Camp Experience:

· Keep a Journal: write down everything you experience at camp-advice from speakers, things you learn at clinics, what kinds of runs you go on, what you eat, how many miles you run, how you feel that day
· Meet People: other runners, coaches, speakers at the camp-you never know what you can learn from someone else and what friendships you can make
· Have Fun!