Today was the first day of Stowe Running Camp and it’s safe to say that expectations were exceeded. The campers began to arrive at the Round Hearth around 1:30 and quickly settled in with some intense frisbee playing on the front lawn along with some spirited wiffleball action before we even started talking about running. There were campers from Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Once everyone was settled in, Camp Director Dan Flynn addressed the group, introduced the counselors, and discussed guidelines to the awesome week of running ahead of us. Campers broke the ice with their new fitness groups with some interesting activities such as Side-to-side, Mrs. Mumbles, and Two Truths and A Lie.
The campers then set out on their first run of the week. After the two to six hour odysseys undertaken, this was an easy shakeout run down the scenic Stowe bike path ranging from 2-6 miles.
Following a delicious dinner of shepard’s pie, salad, rice-a-roni, and a fresh vegetable medley, the campers concluded their day with an educational speech from Harvard University’s Director of Track and Field and Cross-Country Jason Saretsky. Coach Saretsky discussed a wide variety of training tips, including tempo runs, long runs, and “critical non-essentials.”
As the Olympics concluded Sunday night, so did the first day of Stowe Running Camp. Tomorrow will feature a tempo run, a trip to some great trails, and the legendary “watering hole.” Until we blog again, have a good one!
-The Stowe Running Camp Counselors
Stowe Running Camp 