FIRST Cross Country Running Camp
2012 FIRST to the Finish Cross Country Running Camp will be held July 8-13. Click here to view brochure.
2012 FIRST to the Finish Cross Country Running Camp Staff and Counselor Application. Click here to view and print.
GUEST SPEAKER - DICK BEARDSLEY
Not only is Dick an international best selling author, but he is one of the world’s most extraordinary, respected, and compelling motivational / inspirational speakers. He is also the subject of a feature film, entitled Against the Wind. Dick has been the keynote speaker at corporate events and fundraisers, non-profits, schools, races, prisons and drug treatment centers, to name a few. Anywhere motivation and inspiration is needed. Dick has spoken to countless number of groups all over the world, ranging in size from 5 people to 15,000 people! Dick is also an accomplished TV commentator and radio announcer. He has a gift of making people laugh, cry and most importantly, think and appreciate life to the fullest, despite any ups and downs that may come along. Dick's talks are directly from his heart and are highly inspirational.
For more information on Dick Beardsley and the Dick Beardsley Foundation, click here to visit his website.
2010 Cross Country Camp Slideshow
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.
Do we just run?
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.
How can the FIRST Cross Country Running Camp help?
The camp addresses all aspects of training:
- Assesses individual running fitness
- Assists with setting realistic goals- short, intermediate and long term
- Works with runners to develop a training plan that works
- Discusses the benefits of varied workouts and how to do them right
- Discusses race strategy
- Have an understanding of:
- Physiology of training
- Principles of training
- Have a vision for how you are going to achieve your goals
- Discusses the need for a defined purpose for every workout
- Teaches how to have an objective but flexible training plan
- Shows how to devise a plan that includes variety and is fun
What kind of runners come to your camp?
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.
Where do we run?
Our runs take place on trails and paths on and around the Furman campus. Technical workouts will be on the Furman mondo track.
How far do we run each day?
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.
Where is Furman University?
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.
What do we do for fun?
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.
Do I need a car at camp?
We anticipate 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.
Will team runners be housed together?
Every attempt will be made to house teams together.
Is there time for the teams to work/run together?
Team time is scheduled into most days' schedule.
Where do we stay?
All resident campers stay in the Furman University residence halls on campus.
What's the food like?
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
Cancellation Policy
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.