The Rise of the Running Camp

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

The NewYorkTimes.com recently had a fascinating article about how running has taken on a whole new light these days. Instead of just strapping on a pair of sneaks and hitting the sidewalk, runners are looking for more these days. From Chi Running to running camps, if you are looking to learn how to really run, it can be done.

Running camps are really the latest fad in running and while some may call it gimmicky, there is nothing wrong with perfecting your run in hopes of preventing injuries down the line. Keep in mind that you'll pay a price for these camps and you have to be really prepared to run while you're there, so they're not for everyone. Here are a few notables:

Craftsbury Running Camps in Craftsbury, Vermont has several camps for all levels throughout the summer that are week and weekend long. Prices range from $379-$679.
Dick Beardsley Marathon Running Camps in Waubun, MN is a week of eating, running, attending seminars, talking one on one with coaches in Minnesota. Prices range from $999.
The Orange County EZ8 Running Camp is an 8-week outdoor running program (day camp) for women that offers running instruction & motivational tools - packed with fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness and running goals fast, no matter your age, size or fitness level. Price is $260.
The Jim Ryun Running Camp will be held in Gettysburg, PA and Fort Collins, Colorado. Beware that this camp is heavily Christian and geared more towards teens as they believe in developing the total runner - physically, mentally and spiritually. Price is $475.
Coach Benson's Smokey Mountain Running Camp is a week long adult running camp in Asheville, NC that includes a run up Mt. Buzzard Bait (a tiny little run...straight up a VERY steep hill). Prices start at $795.

Labor Day Travel: Golden Rules For Houseguests and Hosts

Guest Writer — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:39 PDT

Editor’s note: The following guest post was written by Robert Reid, the US travel editor for Lonely Planet.

This will be my final blog post for you all! And this is your last chance to download any of our 15 free mini-guides off our website so go now and collect them all before they go away on September 5th.

Since this weekend is Labor Day, I’m sure many of you already have your travel plans set. Thus, I won’t give you new suggestions for where to go but rather give some advice that you can perhaps use this weekend, and for years to come.

With rising airfares, hotel costs, and gas prices, people fortunate (and unfortunate) enough to live in destination-friendly places often get a double-dose of cousins and friends dropping by to set up camp for a few days, or more.

But being a good host or guest isn't easy, so how do you make sure you're still friends at the end of the stay, and maybe even have plans for doing it all again next year? We need rules! So, we polled the Lonely Planet staff, and came up with a set of rules for hosts and house guests alike.

Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler was one of the first to offer a rule for house guests: "The oldest line is still the best - guests and fish begin to smell after three days. Or, like fish, guests should go off after three days." There you have it - Rule #1: Three days max, even for family. If you're staying longer, get a hotel.

A general rule everyone should follow: have fun, but remember to play fair.

For house guests:

If you borrow your hosts' car, fill up the tank.
Contribute to food: assist in shopping or offer money for groceries. Or replace things like milk and toilet paper as they are used. If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own food. Do the dishes. Or take your hosts out to dinner.
Send a hand-written thank you note. It's a nice touch.

Read on for more house guest rules.