Bluegrass Running Camp: The Best Summer Experience
Recently, I got to attend a day of the 3rd annual Bluegrass Running Camp (BGRC) hosted at Campbellsville University. Upon my arrival, I could instantly tell that the vibes were insane.
To kick off the morning, the campers bussed to Green River Lake State Park where the camp's long run day commenced. There were various different levels of activity for the athletes to choose from ranging from 5-mile groups to 10+ mile groups. On top of that, the groups were further split into pace groups to ensure that everyone had a fun, challenging experience.
At the long run's conclusion, the campers, along with Camp Directors: Jacob Thomson, Thomas Cave, and Jimi Burress, spent the day at the State Park. There, I interviewed several multi-year campers as well as first year campers to gather the overall experience. "We will have to see how the camp party goes tonight, but there is promise that this year could surpass Year 1, it already has surpassed Year 2." That was the sentiment from George Rogers Clark Senior, Liam Parido, who has attended BGRC every year it has existed. Houston Brooks, a Junior at Grayson County, has attended BGRC every year and had this to add, "This year, camp has felt way better than in years past. The atmosphere is better than Year 2, and the activities are better than Year 1." In a similar way, Judah Blair, a Junior at Madison Central, was a first-year camper this year. Blair described his experience as "Unreal. Just being around all these people who love running as much as I do was incredible. I can't wait to come back next year." This message was not only spoken of, but also seen in the way the campers acted. Every single one of them was having a blast building relationships that will bring the Kentucky running community together.
After the day at the State Park, the campers headed to the Chapel at Campbellsville University to here from five of the best college coaches in the state of Kentucky: Hakon DeVries, University of Kentucky; Jay Walls, Midway University; Bradley Sowder, University of the Cumberlands; Joe Franklin, University of Louisville; and Corbin Harris, Campbellsville University. Here, the athletes got to learn about nutrition and doing the little things necessary to run at the collegiate level. Coach Sowder discussed how he works with individual athletes to make their goals a reality, "I can't run for you or have goals for you. At the end of the day, you have to tell me your goals and then I can help you achieve them." That message was emphasized by the other coaches as well signaling that in order to accomplish your goals, you need to have a strong support system. Adding to this message, Coach Franklin talked about how negativity has no place on his teams. "A team can't function if athletes are talking down to each other. Everyone needs to be supporting one another and competing with one another to build a good team culture that will pay dividends come Championship season." This insight spoke to both the athletes and coaches in the room as the best way to accomplish a goal is to work together. If everyone feels good, then the team can work together, and that support system is so valuable.
BGRC will be back for its 4th Camp next year and I cannot wait to see how Jacob Thomson, Thomas Cave, and Jimi Burress improve the camp to make it an even better experience. Every runner in Kentucky, as well as the entire United States, would be lucky to attend this camp and the lessons learned here will pay big dividends for athletes entering their Cross-Country Season.