Cross Country Camp

Each July, middle school and high school runners converge on McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama to interact with other runners and to jump-start their training for the fall cross-country season through participation in TRAC's annual Cross Country Camp. The camp will run for three weeks Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. during July 12-30.

The 2009 camp hosted 105 student runners who received quality training and instruction at a bargain price.

The camp is designed for the upcoming middle school and high school student interested in running cross country. Our objective is to promote the sport of cross country within our area and to give runners a fun and safe atmosphere for their summer training. Each day, campers cover running related topics to gain a better knowledge of the sport and to improve performance. Most runs will be on soft grass or gravel to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. All group runs will take place in the park with the exception of "Hill Day."

The Camp Directors are Auburn Wilson & Brad Lynch, who will be assisted by several members of the running club, plus a nurse is on duty each morning.

A typical day at the camp is as follows:

• Warm-Up: We meet promptly at 7 am for our Group Run Warm-up.
• Stretching: We work on proper stretching techniques to reduce injury.
• Run: We have our regular training run of 2 to 7 miles or specific workout for the day.
• Strength: We work on core strength exercises.
• Stretching: We show the importance of stretching before and after exercise.
• Discussion: We cover a running related topic.

A general weekly schedule consists of various training topics similar to those shown below:

• Week 1: Attitude, Focus, Setting Goals, Learning From Mistakes, Off-Season Training, Save Your Face, Form Drills.
• Week 2: Nutrition, Pre-Race and Post-Race Techniques, Hill-Running Form, Core-Work to keep you Injury-Free.
• Week 3: Proper Shoes, Scholarships, Speed work 101, Continuous Relay, Training while Hurt, Scavenger Hunt Run.

The entire camp focuses on having the right attitude and mindset to succeed in this tough sport.

Each Runner receives:

• A Training Log
• A camp manual with handouts of each topic covered
• A cool T-Shirt
• Coaching from experienced runners including former and current college runners
• Water and Gatorade each day
• Moon Pies each Friday
• TRAC membership through the rest of the year.

Cost:
$15 for each runner - This covers all 3 weeks.
$25 Family rate - For families with 2 or more runners.

2010 Camp Registration Form (click here)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Auburn Wilson
256-757-4550

Auburn Wilson:      TRAC: