Elevate Running Camp - Day 1

Its a little after 9pm and I'm so ready for bed.  I'm tired but its a good tired. Today was the first day of Elevate running camp.

Getting up to Flagstaff at 8am this morning I was greeted by the cool weather and green pines.  Camp is held at NAU and I checked into my dorm room.  When I went to college I lived in a suites where each suite had its own shower and bath and a living room.  I had never stayed in dorm rooms where the bath was down the hall and was surprised by the long room, the stationary desks and bed smack in the middle of the room.

After introductions we went out for our first run. Just off campus is an urban trail system that wound through the trees and by a pond. I was happy that I was able to maintain the run at my marathon pace. Runs down in Phoenix have been tough with the heat and my pace is often slower than marathon pace. Its so refreshing to have that boost of confidence.

Lunch was on campus in the cafeteria and was actually pretty good considering it was dorm food. After lunch we talked about phases of training and the old fashioned philosophy of running quantity of miles vs quality of miles, training principles, training effects and assessed our mental game. 

Adrienne, Rob and Deb

After our discussions we headed out for a warm-up run before starting various drills.  We skipped, hopped and tossed medicine balls designed to increase foot turn-over and build core.

One thing I haven't mentioned yet is the rain.  It has been raining quite a bit and we got caught in the rain on both runs and on our way to/from the cafeteria.  Its such a nice change from the heat in Phoenix.

Time for bed!

Happy Running!