"I really worried about whether attending one of Owen's camps would be worth my time and money.  I was a bit out of shape, too, so I was concerned that I would fall behind the other runners.  But, I quickly learned that everything Owen says about his running camps is true: They are highly educational, and they represent a fantastic running vacation at the same time.  Plus, all of the workouts are individualized, so I didn't have to worry about keeping up with anyone.  In just one week of camp, I improved my running form and my speed.  However, the most-important part of the camps is Owen's heart.  He truly cares about every participant and does everything he can to help each person with his/her running." - Charity Thomas, 2009 Camp Attendee

Highlights Include:

Outstanding Classroom Instruction

Trail, Track, & Field Workouts
Video Analysis of Running Form

vVO2max Measurement

Fartlek Sessions on Appalachian Trail

Running-Specific Strength Training

June 18-23 and August 13-18, 2011

Gove Hill Retreat - Thetford Center, Vermont

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN AT CAMP?

You will find out that conventional methods of running training cannot optimize the seven key predictorsof fitness and running performance - vVO₂max, lactate-threshold running speed, running economy, strength, power, max running velocity, and race-specific preparation. At the camp, you will learn exactly what you need to do to maximize each of these seven performance factors. In addition, you will determine your velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max) at the beautiful Dartmouth College track. Owen will then assist you in setting up workouts which optimize your individual vVO₂max.

On the magnificent trails of the Appalachain Mountains, you will learn about - and complete - a workout which is the absolute best for spiking your lactate-threshold speed. No - it won't be a tempo session!  As it turns out, tempo running produces rather sad-looking changes in your lactate threshold, so Owen will show you a workout which forces both your max running speed and lactate threshold to soar simultaneously.

Running economy? No problem - the hill, proprioceptive, and running-specific strength training you learn at the camp will take care of that. Likewise, you will find out exactly what to do to upgrade your strength, power, and race-specific preparations in optimal ways.

 WHO SHOULD COME TO THE THETFORD CAMP?

If you are a male of female runner between the ages of 10 and 100, you should join us at camp. If you want to get faster, you should come. If you would like to learn how to strength-train for running, you should be there. If you have a history of injury, you should absolutely come, because you will learn how to get your injury problems under control. If you want to have a fabulous vacation, you should come, too. You will enjoy unforgettable runs on the trails and in the mountains surrounding the Gove Hill Retreat. Some of our workouts will be conducted on the historic Appalachain Trail (we will also use the track at Dartmouth College). From key points on the Trail, you will savor incredible views of the Green Mountains and the forests of Vermont and New Hampshire. You will relax each night around the fireplace in the Gove Hill Manor House - and cool off in pristine Palazzi Pond during the day.

 WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AT CAMP?

Owen Anderson, Ph. D., will work with you individually to improve your running form and overall approach to training. Each day, Anderson will make two key presentations on important aspects of training, and he will guide you through each and every one of your workouts. Anderson, author of three highly acclaimed running books, Lactate Lift-Off, Great Workouts for Popular Races, and Aurora, has enjoyed a successful career coaching both mortal and elite runners, including Benjamin Simatei (43:15 for 15K), Catherine Dugdale (seven-time Welsh cross-country champion), Joan Cherop (winner, Kampala half-marathon), and Titus Loroupe (3:42 for 1500 meters). In addition, Owen's camp is the only one in the country which features a full program of proprioceptive and running-specific strength training. You'll learn how to be better-balanced and coordinated when you run, and as a result your economy and injury-resistance will improve dramatically. You will also learn a whole progression of strength training, from general to running-specific to explosive, so that you will become a considerably faster and more fatigue-resistant runner. Best of all, you will also understand when to carry out the various forms of training - how to periodize the different types of strength and running work. This camp is open to runners of all ability levels.