High Performance Distance Academy Opens as The Clouds Open

This week, down in Blacksburg on the Virginia Tech campus, some of the best distance runners on the entire East Coast gather for the 13th annual High Performance Distance Academy. This year's one not only has quite a few big names speaking but also a plethora of young talented counselors who lead each group daily.


Day 1

As the title hints at, we did experience some rain this first day and that weather unfortunately cut short the long introductions for the day. That didn't stop anyone though as we all moved inside and split into smaller groups to discuss goal planning and each athlete's run log.

Earlier in the day, after everyone had checked in, all 200 runners split into three groups and went on our first run. The distances included 2 Miles, 3 Miles, or 5 Miles. There was really an option for anyone and multiple leaders at each pace.

Thanks to the rain though all the campers and counselors had extra free time Monday night allowing many athletes to play volleyball, frisbee, and of course basketball.


Day 2

Many of the athletes have now realized the serious wisdom from Blacksburg's James DeMarco. DeMarco (pictured above) who founded this camp and is its director spoke about how this camp will be fun but is work oriented. How it sets you up for the entire year to understand the proper workout, diet, stretches, cross training, and race strategies. He also said make sure you get to sleep early because this week is long and he was right!

Day 2 started at the bright, well cloudy and misty, hour of 7:00am and got started with dynamic stretches and core routines at 7:15. You mustn't be late though or you were getting in some more work in the form of pushups.

Throughout the afternoon campers met with their specific groups to go over goals and the very packed schedule. After these morning "warm-ups" athletes were able to either do yoga or go for a similar easy run.

After these meetings and of course a couple trips to Dietrick Dining Hall (ranked as one of the best in the country for Universities) the athletes did some more activities that not only raise their fitness level but also teach them great plyometrics, stretches, speed drills, and better running form.

The afternoon session kicked off with some meetings and of course a great game of capture the flag. By this time the weather had made a complete "180" and was perfect for running and some quality workouts.

At this time the campers were split into their groups and headed off to spin classes, yoga, pilates, plyos, and a pool workout. All of these workouts were meant to teach great recovery and cross training techniques. These of course were built into the master plan that included running up a mountain Wednesday and later Tuesday as well. Having these two runs meant the work load was not too much but still an honest effort.

The night was capped off with a stellar nutrition lesson from Virginia Tech alumni and owner of her own clinic, Dr. Kristen Chang.


The best thing though about coming to camp, aside from all the other benefits, is free coverage by MileStat! All the coverage of this camp will be free to view. You are investing in your track careers and we feel that if you are making that investment you deserve to see all these pictures, videos, and much more for free!

Check out photos from Day 2's Morning here!

MORE TO COME!

MileStat is on-site all camp long and is participating in most of the activities throughout the camp, of course including the Dining Hall visits. We will be updating the site throughout the week for what is happening as well as providing photo and video coverage of it as well! Keep checking it out as we update the pages just after we finish with the day.