Anybody been to this camp ? is this for elites or just regular runners ?
Anybody been to this camp ? is this for elites or just regular runners ?
No, but my team went to Sheen's Hollywood Running Camp last summer (lost four of my runners after that camp)
I went for two years and had a blast. The camp is for anyone, elites and regulars, although many of the top guys from oregon attend. Steens is an amazing experience, i highly recommend going.
yes i went to all sessions of the camp for three years in a row. It is for runners at all different levels. Because of the demanding nature of it, some folks who everyone thought would be tough were reduced to average if that makes any sense. I would highly highly recommend it - it literally changed my life for the better - i still venture to the steens no matter where i am living because of the positive effect it had on me - i can comfortably say that the steens mtn. is my favorite place in this country
How is it demanding ? do you have to be in incredible shape ?
is it ok for average runner ?
question for you west coasters wrote:
How is it demanding ? do you have to be in incredible shape ?
is it ok for average runner ?
Altitude for one. Second, you work out twice a day. High school kids do it so you don't have to be in "incredible shape" but you have to be in some shape. If your average runner is a 4 hour marathoner, then no, not OK.
i sent my daughter 2 years in a row to both sessions. they break each sex into 3 groups so you can find a place and a pace to fit in. harland yriate is a great guy and very motivational, my daughter just loved him. the counselors last year included max king and melody fairchild.
you dont have to be in incredible shape, but you do have to have a decent base in my opinion otherwise you'll be in pain all week. The actual running is really not the hard part. Learning to negotiate the terrain, and get used to the altitude are the bigger challenges. Additionally the big day and cross canyon runs are very difficult to load on top of the other work outs. will teach you alot about yourself - harland yriarte is also one of the more inspirational people you'll ever meet
Is this for adults or kids or both ?
Steen's is Outward Bound meets running. I've heard lots of great things about the camp, but it isn't simply a 'lace up the shoes and get running' type of camp. Some of the runs are more like orienteering. Never had athletes attend myself and probably wouldn't recommend it from a running only standpoint.
It is primitive camping, so not everyone would like it. (Tents, no "facilities", etc.) I've had athletes attend it and they all survived, although some of them hadn't trained much prior to going. They enjoyed it for the most part and one or two were particularly inspired by the experience. Some of the events sound pretty brutal.
They have some great counselors like Max King, but tent leaders are local coaches, some of whom are good - others, very mediocre. Camp director seems to be great at encouraging kids.
It is a right of passage for most of the Oregon runners. Like someone else said - it's not a conditioning camp as much of a team building camp. It's hard to measure the running in terms of mpw, pace or any other conventional terms. Each run is unique and include the cross-canyon team race, the uphill 5K, the BIG day, etc. The best experience is to attend as a team to build camarderie going into the season.
I think it's a wonder that know one is seriously hurt at Steens but the kids love it and talk about their experience all season long.
"rite"
"no one"
hi
former u s marathons champion, organizing nice running camps in morocco ,will post soon in face book at the name runatlas
all levels welcome
It's been a while since I went (2001), but I thought it was ok. There were some fun points, but seemed to be based around the big day.
There was a camp that I liked much better in Florence, OR, Dune Run Camp (or something like that). More fun/challenging/technical than Steens.
I enjoyed both, but the Dune Camp had an edge over Steens.
I went with 5 HS teammates (Summer of 2000) and had an amazing time. Steens is specific for High Schoolers aged 13-18. The camp runs 2, 1 week-long sessions during the summer in the Steens mountains of Oregon. Gorgeous Scenery. Amazing, knowledgable Staff. Good Food. Tons of Fun. Team-Building Focused. Definitely changed my outlook on running, training and prepped us for the upcoming fall XC Season.
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