Tuesday, August 26, 2014

What Happens at Running Camp

Since I returned from Bird Camp, a lot of people have asked me “what did you do at running camp?” It’s a valid question; I wasn’t sure what we were going to do at until I got there! I’ve also been trying to figure out how to recap the experience, and while I’m not convinced that what I’m doing is the best way to do that, here it goes.
Things started off well when I realized I was carpooling with some really great ladies – Beth, Alicia, Julia, & Jenna. No duds here! (fun fact: Beth & Alicia are also Spartans!)
Bird Camp Carpool
A detour to Eugene to visit Hayward Field
Hayward Field
We heard from several running experts over four days including a Q&A session with Lauren Fleshman and Linsey Corbin, a professional triathlete and Ironman Champion who lives in Bend, OR.
Linsey Corbin and Lauren Fleshman
Physical Therapist Jay Dicharry, who works with pro athletes – including Little Wing – is a certified coach, has competed in several sports on a national level and so much more. He took us through exercises to focus on our posture and form and talked about the importance of mobility, stability, strength and power for runners and how we should all work at least one strength and stability session into our week. You can read his blog HERE.
Bird Camp Jay Dicharry
Steph Howe, winner of Western States who’s working towards a Masters in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology and focuses on bridging nutrition & performance, presented a session on nutrition for female runners. She has a very sensible and realistic view of nutrition, which I found very refreshing, emphasizing the need for female athletes to focus on getting enough calories in order to stay healthy. Check out her blog HERE.
Bird Camp Steph Howe
Lauren, who lives in Bend and graciously welcomed us to her town, spoke about goal setting. This was a very frank discussion as she talked about having to adjust her goals after injury – the need to be realistic and recalibrate. One of my favorite things she said was: “The best gift you can give yourself is to disregard what other people see ass success and name it for yourself.”
Bird Camp Steph Lauren Jay Lesko
A Pro Panel with Kate Grace, Steph Howe, Lauren, and (not pictured) Kara Goucher via Skype. They covered everything from what they eat each day, to how they overcome disappointments and their best race experiences.
Bird Camp Pro Panel
Sally took us through the process of developing a line, from inspiration board to developing a color pallet, choosing fabric, finding manufacturers. It was really interesting and enlightening to learn about the various steps that go into creating the clothes we wear on the run!
Oiselle Inspiration Board
Bird Camp line
About 40 minutes away is Smith Rock, a really incredible state park with tough trails and beautiful views. We spent a morning here with a choice of hiking or trail running. I opted for the hike which took us to the top of the rock. Lauren gave us the low down on our options.
Lauren at Smith Rock
Smith Rock View
Smith Rock
There was also, a lot of great food. I suppose it wouldn’t be very much fun if we were all hungry the whole time, so Oiselle set us up with tons of food for our Condos, snacks in the conference center, great meals and non-stop delicious Nuun. I really wanted to take home the Wild Friends Almond Butter – it was amazing – but was too nervous it would leak all over my bag on the flight. If you see this stuff, try it!
Bird Food
And of course, we did a lot of running – basically as much running as we wanted to do, we could do. One of the great things about the resort where we stayed – beyond the full kitchen in each condo – is that you literally could walk out your door and be on the Deschutes River Trail within a minute. To say this trail was beautiful is an understatement. I was worried about how I’d do with so much running, but my muscles were rarely sore and I was always excited to get out for more miles!
Deschutes River Trail
Bird Camp Run with Leana
Running with Ironman athlete, Leana
Coinciding with our camp was the Twilight 5K put on by Deschutes Brewery right down the road from the resort. While it was pretty awesome to see so many women in Oiselle singlet's, my favorite part of the race was passing Kate Grace just after the 2 mile mark! Okay, so she was jogging, but still, I’ll take it.
Bird Camp 5k
NY Birds Race
Reunited with two of my favorite NYC birds – Amanda & Jenna
Beyond trail running, we also did activation exercises (below), form drills and #TheDozen (as demonstrated by Lesko two down). All new to me, I’m planning to incorporate these into my training moving forward.
Bird Camp Activation
Bird Camp The Dozen
The meditation sessions and yoga with Jasyoga were amazing – legs up the wall and “I am here now” is my new favorite way to relax and let go.
Bird Camp legs up the wall
I had an absolutely fantastic time meeting incredible and strong women, getting to know myself a bit better and learning new techniques that will make me a stronger person and runner.
Bird Camp Roommates
With my fantastic roommates, Katie and Michelle (We look tired because we were! this was before morning meditation!)
Bird Party
Fearless women of Oiselle – Sally, Kristin, and Lauren
Bird Camp Party
What would Oregon be without dancing to an awesome band outside on a beautiful night?
Bird Camp Cheer
If you take anything from this really long post (so sorry!), I hope it’s that by taking chances, trying new things, building bonds and exploring new places, there’s no end to what you can learn about yourself and no limits to what you can do!
Also, it turns out, you’re never too old for camp!
Thank you to women at Oiselle HQ and Little Wing for bringing us all together for a great weekend, and to Heidi & Andrea at Thomas and Velo Photography for all the beautiful photos they took and are letting us use!

7 comments:

Lisa said...

that does look like an amazing fun running camp!

Lisa said...

Loved your recap! Had so much fun hanging out with you over the week!!

Lisa said...

Think looks like soooo much fun and so glad you had a great time. No need to apologize for the long recap. It told the story! Do they plan on making this a yearly thing? If so, looks like you'll have something to look forward to every year!

Lisa said...

Thanks and same here! So great to get to know you. And hope to run with you in Michigan sometime!

Lisa said...

Thanks Katie! Glad you enjoyed my recap!

Lisa said...

They did a great job planning and it was a beautiful location.

Lisa said...

They are talking about doing it annually, but I'm not sure I can swing it each year and still do all the other trips Matt and I have planned. That said, maybe an every-other-year type of thing for me!