A Proud Sponsor of FIRST
A Proud Sponsor of FIRST
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Furman Institute of Running |
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2009 Cross Country Running
Camp Group Photo
2010 Cross-country Camp for Youth Brochure
Below is an interview with FIRST Cross Country Camp Directors that was recently posted on SCRunners.com
What made you two decide to have a running camp?
FIRST (Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training) began in 2003 with the primary goal of promoting running as a healthy and life-long physical activity. FIRST provides scientific and time-proven information on all aspects of becoming a better runner. One goal of FIRST is to assist runners of all ages and abilities.
We noticed that some high school runners were attending our scientific lectures in 2003 and 2004 and started thinking of ways to help high school runners. During the summer of 2004, we offered a lecture geared specifically to high school cross country running and it was well attended and we received many questions. It was during the Fall of 2004 that we decided to try a cross country running camp in summer '05.
How much preparation was needed for the first year of the camp?
A lot! We purposefully did not look at what other running camps did; we decided to develop a camp based on what we thought we could offer and what high school runners needed. We wanted to make our camp more than just running; we wanted to make our camp a learning and doing camp.
We worked on developing the camp weekly for 4 months.
How do you find enough counselor's for the camp?
As active runners in the community, we know a lot of runners (adults and collegiate runners). Word of mouth was the best way but we also had some runners see our camp announcement and contact us. This past year, we had counselors (collegiate runners) from 4 different universities. We had four returning counselors from last year, they were a big part in providing direction with the new counselors.
The counselors are the key to our camp; they are collegiate runners who love running. Our counselors do everything from lead group runs, to fill ice coolers, to lead discussions about the transition from high school running to competing on a college team.
How would you consider the camp grew over the past two years?
We have purposefully kept our camp numbers at a manageable level. In 2005 we had 100 runners and in 2006 we had 120 runners. We have turned runners away because we want to be able to provide individual assistance.
What kind of plans are being made for the future?
No significant changes are planned. We hope to continue to offer a positive, safe, and educational experience for our camp participants. We will continue to keep the number of enrolled runners low in order to keep the quality of the camp high.
Because we have had inquiries from adults wanting to attend our summer camp, we are considering offering an adult 4 day running weekend for adult runners.
How many hours would you say you spent with the camp the week of, week before, and week after?
Because we started organizing our camp in March, the week before camp was not too hectic. During the week of camp, Mickey was typically here from 6:30am through 9pm. Scott has a 7 year old and 4 year old at home so typically he arrived at 8:30am and headed home at 6pm. Co- Director Julie Stackhouse stayed overnight in the dorms with the campers. Julie is the assistant coach at Furman.The camp counselors spent 24 hours a day with camp responsibilities.
What area took the most time? Explain.
Developing a schedule and coordinating what we wanted to do with available facilities were quite time consuming. Furman has over 100 camps and conferences on campus during the summer. During the week of our camp, there were 10 different groups on campus. Finding rooms and areas to accommodate our groups was very time consuming. Luckily, the various facility directors were easy to work with and very accommodating.
What do you feel was the area the campers needed work on the most? Explain.
Based on our two year camp experience of working with high school runners, we think there are two main areas that high school runners need direction and assistance.
Most runners just run; with no clear direction or purpose. We think all runners, adults, high school runners and coaches need to have a better understanding of the physiological variables that influence running performance. Having an understanding of some of the physiology of running can help runners and coaches develop sound and effective training plans. Remember, these runners are student-athletes.
We also think that most distance runners probably need to spend more time on drills and technique. An efficient running form takes time and work; movement economy is the performance variable that takes the most time to develop. If 9th grade runners and high school freshmen begin drills and technique training and continue through their senior year, their running efficiency will improve.
What was your biggest challenge with the camp?
The biggest challenge was developing a schedule that was educational, experiental and fun. Based on the feedback from our camp runners, coaches, and counselors, it appears we were able to balance these three objectives.
Another challenge was coping with a heat index that exceeded 100 degrees nearly everyday. We had to modify our activities somewhat in order to avoid heat-related problems.
Explain how much communication is needed with other university personnel to make the camp a success.
Furman has a Department of Camps and Conferences which helps to coordinate planning with housing, dining services, facility services, and Public Safety. But planning for our camp starts 10 months before any runners ever arrive on campus.
Have you considered having a track and field day or week-long camp in the future? Why or why not?
FIRST is composed of 4 Directors. Our lecture series, training programs, lab testing and cross country camp keep us quite busy. And FIRST is something that we do in addition to our primary university responsibilities. While there are many running related projects we have in mind, we just cannot do them all right now. A track and field camp is something we have discussed but not anything we are currently planning.
What would you recommend to all levels of cross country athletes to reach their potential?
Have an understanding
Basic physiology of running
Principles of training
Have a vision of how you are going to achieve your goals.
Stay optimistic.
Focus on your GOAL.
Be flexible enough to adjust.
Have faith in yourself and what you are doing.
Have balance.
ENJOY
Below is additional information regarding the FIRST Cross Country Running Camp:
Why Attend the FIRST Cross Country Running Camp?
In addition to daily runs in the around the scenic Furman campus, runners will spend time in workshops and clinics learning how to run better and faster. Runners will learn about nutrition, biomechanics, racing strategy, pacing and goal setting and the use of equipment and apparel that will take your running to its next level. 
The camp's philosophy emphasizes coaching first and performance second, providing runners with a mixture of insight and experience to make the most of their summer training. This well rounded program helps student athletes realize their objectives through skill-building drills, videotape analysis and classroom instruction. Instruction and lab demonstrations in the Molnar Human Performance Laboratory, which contains equipment for the scientific study of anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and motor learning will also be used during the camp.
There's much more to camp than running!! Other than running, the FIRST Cross Country Running camp includes workshops with speakers to deliver the kind of information that educates and motivates every level of runner to improve by training harder and smarter.
In addition to the running and workshops, other activities include all of the elements of a great summer camp experience. Our social activities make it easy to make new friends and get to know the Furman campus and the surrounding area. The Furman campus includes a pool, fitness center and weight room, and scenic walking paths
The camps addresses all aspects of training:
All kinds! Everyone from novices to seasoned competitors are welcome and encouraged to attend. It's fun to share experiences those who have "been there" as well as those who are just learning about our favorite sport.
Our runs take place on trails and paths on and around the Furman campus. Technical workouts will be on the Furman mondo track.
Depending on your level of fitness you may run from 2 to 10 miles per day. Each year we have several staffers and campers who choose to run extra miles. This is completely optional, however. The amount of running is flexible and individualized. It is not our intention that runners leave the camp over-trained.
The FIRST Cross Country Running Camp will be held at Furman University, just 6 miles north of Greenville, South Carolina. The 750-acre campus includes a scenic lake, 36 major buildings including 490,000-plus volume library, science building with over $6 million of scientific equipment, computer science and mathematics building, high-tech social sciences building, 2,000-seat auditorium, music complex with recital halls and technology lab, theatre, visual arts building, infirmary, classroom building with Humanities Center, student center, residence halls, dining hall, physical activities center, and chapel. Also on campus are a 16,000-seat football stadium, athletic fields, tennis center, soccer stadium, multi-purpose arena, and 18-hole golf course.
Fun is an important part of your week at camp. Each night we show a motivating and entertaining running movie. Camp participants will also enjoy sand volleyball, swimming, Frisbee golf and other fun social activities. Later in the week we have a talent show.. The people are the real fun: camp participants can expect impromptu get-togethers-- a great way to get to know new friends.
We are anticipating those that come as teams will come in vans or a bus. For any off campus activities, those campers will travel in their school van or bus. Transportation will be provided for campers without team vans. Most of the camp activities will take place on the Furman campus. Again, transportation to off campus venues will use camp vans and team vans.
Every attempt will be made to house teams together.
Team time is scheduled into most days' schedule.
All resident campers stay in the Furman University residence halls on campus.
Camp participants will eat in the Daniel Dining Hall which is an all-you-care-to-eat residential pavilion that features a wide variety of menu options at every meal.
The selection is often baffling. Runners may enjoy handmade pizza and pasta creations, rotisserie meats and homestyle vegetables. Other choices include sizzling grilled sandwiches and fries, made-to-order deli sandwiches, Belgian waffles, a wide assortment of vegetarian and vegan options, an abundant salad bar, a self-serve wok, soft serve ice cream, and homemade desserts.
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:
6:45am Wake up
7:15am Morning run (15-30 minutes)
8:00am Breakfast
9:30am Featured speakers
10:45am Learn by doing sessions
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm team or group time
2:15pm Featured speakers
3:00pm Flexibility exercises
3:30pm Afternoon run (30-60 minutes)
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm General group meeting
8:00pm Recreation/social
10:00pm Report to room
10:30pm Lights out
Refunds, minus a $100 administrative fee, will be issued for any cancellations received prior to 1, July.
How do I get to Furman?
From Asheville, N.C., and points northwest, take I-26 to Hendersonville , N.C. , then U.S. 25 South. In Travelers Rest, S.C., bear left onto U.S. 276 to Greenville (just past the Hampton Inn). Stay on U.S. 276 to the Furman exit.
From Charlotte, N.C., and points northeast, take I-85 to the I-385 exit into downtown Greenville. Go past the Bi-Lo Center (on your right). This road becomes Beattie Place. Follow Beattie Place (which becomes College Street) until bearing right onto U.S. 276 West toward Travelers Rest and Hendersonville. Continue five miles to Furman exit.
From Atlanta, Ga., and points southwest, take I-85 to Exit 42 (I-185 Greenville). Follow I-185 into Greenville , where I-185 becomes Mills Avenue, then Church Street. Turn left (at the First Citizens Bank Tower) from Church Street onto Beattie Place (which becomes College Street). Follow Beattie Place until bearing right onto U.S. 276 West toward Travelers Rest and Hendersonville. Continue five miles to Furman exit.
From Columbia, S.C., and points southeast , take I-26 to I-385. Continue on I-385 approximately 43 miles into downtown Greenville . Go past the Bi-Lo Center (on your right). This road becomes Beattie Place. Follow Beattie Place (which becomes College Street) until bearing right onto U.S. 276 West toward Travelers Rest and Hendersonville. Continue five miles to Furman exit.
Once on Campus, to reach the Physical Activities Center by car from the front gate, travel halfway around the main traffic circle. Look for signs and turn right just after the Hartness Welcome Center and Alester G. Furman Administration Building. Follow this street to a traffic circle. The PAC faces the traffic circle. You may park in the area set aside for PAC visitors to the left of the facility.