Stowe Running Camp

Attention everyone: we’ve found some never before seen footage of a momentous event in Stowe Running Camp history; the epic eating contest that occurred during our trip to Ben and Jerry’s on Wednesday, August 15th. The teams consisted of Kevin C (a.k.a. “Coach Kev”), Daniel R. (better known by his stage name DSR) and Andy R against Camp Director Dan Flynn, athletic trainer Brian (better known as B.A.T.) and counselor Max. The task was to eat a mini Vermonster. It’s unconfirmed as of press time exactly what was in the each teams’ respective ice cream bucket, but suffice it to say that it was a lot of ice cream. Here’s the video:

The Andy/DSR/Coach Kev trio emerged victorious against their veteran opponents in part due to their innovative strategy of sticking their faces directly into the bucket of ice cream. Either way, the spectators were thoroughly entertained. Look for more videos and info coming over the next couple weeks!

P.S. Some people have said that the video is not working. If that is the case, you can view it at the official Stowe Running Camp Vimeo page here: http://vimeo.com/47761381

-Stowe Running Camp Counselors

Yesterday was the last day at Stowe Running Camp. The day began bright and early at 7:30 AM with our last communal meal at the Round Hearth. After a light breakfast, the campers headed to Stowe High School for our morning run. After a warmup and some dynamic stretching, the campers were placed into groups for a game called “Hit Your Pace.”

The point of the game was to come as close as possible to hitting a self-chosen mile time. Each team-member chose a mile time they felt they could comfortably hit. They then got onto the track and ran for a mile, without a watch (this was a struggle for some people!). After finishing, they were told their times. The team that came the closest to hitting their pace was the winner.

This activity was a big success, as many of the runners were extremely close to their pace. Karl C. had the most impressive performance of the day, as he hit his time perfectly. The winning group included Galo, Jon F, Jon M, Joe M, and Gleb.

After a cooldown, some foam-rolling, and a static stretch, the athletes returned to the Round Hearth for the closing ceremonies at Stowe Running Camp. The campers were given personalized Stowe Running Camp t-shirts and a certificate to commemorate the experience. The winners of the air-hockey, volleyball, and lip-sync tournaments were given out, as well as some individual awards. There wasn’t a dry-eye in the house as Camp Director Dan Flynn addressed the group for the last time. The campers assembled on the lawn for a group picture to end their time in Stowe.

It’s hard to believe that the week is over. The counselors were so impressed with how the campers came together over the course of 6 days. There were a lot of highlights over the week, including a highly entertaining Mr. and Mrs. Stowe Running Camp contest, a volleyball tournament which saw Team 2 Fly annihilate the overconfident counselors, and a trip to Ben and Jerry’s which featured an epic display of ice cream eating by Kevin C, Andy R, and DSR.

Of course, there was also a lot of running. The campers participated in a long run, a tempo run, some hill repeats, pool-running, and strides in their week here. We heard from some great guest speakers as well including Jason Saretsky, Greg Zopatti, and Joe McConkey. Hopefully, each camper was able to improve their knowledge about running while making some great friends.

That’s it for now, please check back on this blog, the Stowe Running Camp Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/StoweRunningCamp), and the Twitter account (https://twitter.com/StoweRunCamp) for more information on the camp and ways to connect with counselors, fellow campers, and speakers. This blog will also be updated with more specific information on topics discussed this week such as dynamic stretching, hip mobility, and active isolated stretching.

Stay tuned!

-The Stowe Running Camp Counselors.

Hello All,

Today was arguably the most successful day of the week here at Stowe Running Camp. The day began with a dynamic stretching routine led by Camp Director Dan Flynn. Coach Flynn took the campers through a number of walks, skips, and drills designed to warm up their muscles and improve their flexibility.

After stretching campers were given their brand new spikes and t-shirts, generously given by New Balance. They simultaneously signed up for their mileage groups for the afternoon long run. The campers then had lunch and awaited the arrival of Coach Zopatti of Pembroke High School.

Coach Z gave a spirited talk about long runs and ways to create team unity by participating in these runs. After the lecture, runners set out on their long run which varied from 7 to 15 miles. The long run was a milestone at the camp due to the number of runners who ran the most miles they had ever run in their lives.

Upon finishing this run, the campers enjoyed a refreshing ice bath in the Watering Hole. They then returned to the Round Hearth to stretch, foam, and shower before the nighttime activities.

The night kicked off with a barbecue and a DJ spinning the latest hits. Campers participated in jousting, frisbee, wiffleball, and dancing on the front lawn. The night was capped off with a lip-syncing competition. Joe G., Ryan L., Matt C., Verhal S., and Willy dominated the competition with a stirring rendition of “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction.

Tomorrow should be another fun day, as the campers will participate in their final events of their time at Stowe Running Camp.

See you tomorrow!

-Stowe Running Camp Counselors

Today was day four of Stowe running camp.  Early risers got ahead of the game and went out on an easy run to start the morning. Re-energized with a delicious breakfast consisting of waffles, cereal and a variety of fruit, the runners were all geared up for the eventful day ahead which included aqua jogging, yoga and a hill workout.

Before the activities began, a speech was given by counselors Fran and Keryn informing our fellow Stowe runners about how to stay injury free and stretch effectively. After the speech, the runners were fueled with an early lunch to keep them invigorated. The boys then took off to the “Swimming Hole” where a tough pool running workout was awaiting them prepared by Coach Flynn. While the boys swam, the girls stayed back at the Hearth and enjoyed a relaxing introduction to yoga led by instructor Judy. The girls and boys then switched activities so they both could experience the challenges of these two difficult tasks. Tired and hungry, the campers then trudged up the hill on the side of the Round Hearth and did eight hill sprints.  Once defeating the hill, the campers were treated for their hard work with the excitement of the night ahead.

After dinner, we were led to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, which was quite a treat. Not only did everyone get a taste of the delicious ice cream but also a taste of how it all began. With new knowledge of the history behind the ice cream, the campers were satisfied and shopped in the famous gift shop while eating their ice cream.

To conclude the night, twelve brave and talented runners of the camp stood up in front of all in our first talent show. With six chances to win the judges over, the campers performed eating, talent, speech and best running attire contests. The favorite of the crowd was awarded to Dan (DSR) who performed a solid mad lib using a strong Irish accent. Claire S., better known as Mrs. Stowe, proved herself in her performance of eating an oreo with no milk and giving the judges a truly sincere answer to why she wanted to be Mrs. Stowe. On the guys side, Matt Swift wowed the crowd and judges alike with a rather punny stand- up comedy routine.

Tomorrow is the last full day here at Stowe Running Camp. The campers will be doing a long run ranging from seven to fifteen miles! Coach Z from Pembroke High School will also be giving a speech on the benefits of long term aerobic development.

Thank you all and have a nice night,

-The Stowe Running Camp Counselors

Hi Again,

Today was another fun day here in Stowe. At an hour when most are snoozing, more than half the campers opted to spend their morning traversing the trails of this beautiful mountain community. We returned to the Round Hearth around 8:30 and ate a great breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausages, hash browns, and breakfast burritos.

After breakfast campers went to the Top Notch fields to have their stride analyzed by Joe McConkey, a well known Boston-area running coach and owner of the Boston Running Center. Coach McConkey filmed the runners doing strides from multiple angles in order to identify ways to make their running form more efficient. After lunch, we watched the videos of the gait analysis as Coach McConkey discussed how to improve each runner’s form.

We then went to Stowe High School where the runners were broken into 4 groups and rotated between foam rolling, dynamic stretching, static stretching, and strengthening exercises designed to improve running form and efficiency.

Later in the day, the campers played a competitive volleyball tournament. Team “Too Fly” emerged victorious, including a resounding championship win over the counselors. The team was led by Veeral S., Daniel S-R, and Galo. The rest of the night was devoted to continuing the air hockey tournament, playing board games, and discovering the contestants for the upcoming Mr. and Mrs. Stowe competition.

Tomorrow will be another fun-filled day with several activities on the docket. We will be doing a pool workout at the beautiful swimming hole as well as a trip to Ben and Jerry’s and some yoga.

Have a good one!

-Stowe Running Camp Counselors

Hello All,

Today was another successful day at Stowe Running Camp! After a hearty breakfast, the campers headed out to Stowe High School where they enjoyed the thrills of a tempo run. The campers ran at a comfortably hard pace for 1-3 miles with the counselors’ encouragement and assistance.

Upon returning to the Round Hearth, the campers ate a delicious lunch and then enjoyed some free time before the afternoon activities. Camp Director Dan Flynn gave a speech on Training Theory. Coach Flynn talked about some concepts that many consider elementary but are surprisingly complex. Among other things, he discussed the different energy systems and ways to effectively train those systems. For example, the tempo run done earlier in the day is an active example of how to increase your lactate threshold.

Later in the day, the campers ascended the fearsome hills of Adam’s Camp and emerged unscathed. We then refreshed ourselves with an all-natural ice bath in the river known only as the “Watering Hole.” We took some great pictures which will be posted later in the week.

The campers then discussed and wrote down their short-term, long-term and dream goals and how to achieve those goals.

Tonight also marked the beginning of the air hockey tournament. Highlights of the tournament so far include reigning champion Kevin C. fending off a feisty, defensive-minded Isabel H. On the other side of the bracket, Rachel C. kicked off her tourney with a convincing shutout victory.

Tomorrow the campers will be taking part in a video gait analysis of their running form directed by Joe McConkey and doing some speed development and flexibility work. Check back tomorrow for updates on how everything went!

-The Stowe Running Camp Counselors

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

Hello Campers, Parents, Friends, and Family,

Welcome to the official blog of Stowe Running Camp, one of the premier running camps in the greater New England area! I hope everyone is excited about this year, as we are anticipating an amazing 6 days of great conversation, interesting stories, great guest speakers, and of course, a lot of running. The camp has more than doubled in size from last year, which we couldn’t be happier about.

We’ll be blogging periodically throughout the week, both as a way for parents, friends, and family to see what’s going on, and as a record of all the awesome things that will surely happen this week!

We’d also like to use this blog as a way to post photos and videos from the week and provide more detailed explanations of concepts touched on during lectures. Any questions, concerns, comments, etc. please feel free to write in the comment section below or post in the Stowe Running Camp Facebook group, which can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/StoweRunningCamp.

Looking forward to a great week!

-Stowe Running Camp Counselors

P.S. Here’s a picture of last year’s counselors, along with camp director Dan Flynn. Taking this picture was quite a process, but I think this one came out alright!