Summer Camp #12

Mom & dad,

Hanging out on the Backbone Trail

    

 Well the final week of camp was amazing!! It was suppose to be a low mileage taper going into the big camp race off this Saturday.  There looks to be a big turn-out in the race. The weather updated to some possible rain and temps near 80F. What can you say when you run for hours and hours the weather will always change by the time you finish. So I will make the most of it.

     Sunday kicked of the week with some backbone trail running. Will Rogers to the hub (16 miles round trip). Tiffany held back a bit because she was running Twin Peaks later in the day. Here we are at the hub.

     Monday headed to Malibu to watch the sunset with The One. Ran Point Mugu up as the sun set then then down in total darkness (6 miles round trip). The weather was ideal on the run up and the stars were incredible on the return down. The best two trails in California are the Ray Miller out and the Ray Miller back.

Sunset on the Ray Miller

       Tuesday went bigger and tougher on part of AC 100 course.

We went from Chantry Flats up to Mt. Wilson (14 miles round trip).  I was told there would be ice cream at the top. upon arriving at the top we noticed they were closed for the day. The run back down was quick and exciting!

     Later got to watch some baseball. Which was a tough game for the home team. We still enjoyed the time there.

Post run fun at Dodger Stadium. Giants won the game but still had a great time!

       Wednesday was a free day from running. So we hit the beach. Water was a bit cold with some small waves on the ocean. There was some volleyball going down with the campers. We didn't have a lot of time so we watched for a bit. Then tThursday headed to the valley for a short four mile run with 20+ other campers. The fog was intense throughout the run. Would have taken a photo but there wouldn't have been anything to see.

     Back in my cabin gathering up my race gear for the race tomorrow. The President, Majic, Milkman, Green Hornet and Tumbleweed can't make it, but all ran it in the past. They have some ambitious expectations for me. Going to do my best and try to hold back on the speed on the first loop of 25 miles.

Really want to run a strong race. Well I should be able to be tracked on the North Country 50 mile site.

Take care and love you
Steve



Ray Miller looking back at the Pacfic Ocean



Summer Camp #11

Mom & dad,

Camp has been a bit quiet after the time trial over the weekend. Some great weather for the 5k and 50k races. I volunteered for both as next weekend will be my time for fun.  This camp has been getting me ready for the summer end run!

Lots of returning campers and even got to meet several new campers. Looking forward to closing out another summer with the anticipation of returning next summer for even more fun!!

I got a surprise trip to California 18-23rd. So there several nice mountain runs planned. Running with the gorilla, she is tough and goes hard for the wins, and some coyotes too. Just an amazing week it will be.

Off to do some chores. Hopefully, not washing any more dishes. That chore sucks!!

Love
Steve

Summer Camp #10

Mom & dad,

Well camp is coming to a close in two weeks. I learned a lot about myself again this summer. There weren't a lot of woo hoo moments, but I still enjoyed the adventure. Learning from mistakes are always useful for future performance.

Saw some amazing things and met several amazing people. After camp I am sure I will be seeing some of the others campers outside of camp.

This week was a good mixture of speed, tempo and weights. Body is feeling good on daily basis. This weekend will be the final time trial for the cabins. In addition, back to back mid distance runs. Each one will be around 15-25 miles.

Then the taper will gradually build for the final camp race on August 25th. A good ole 50 mile trail run. Looking to set a new personal best.

Love
Steve

PS I included some pictures. The first one was a post run against a horse then chores.

Summer Camp #9

Mom & dad,
      Another week and more miles. Feet healed up but look rather rough. Give them a few more days and they will be sandal approved. Still got out for some more running.

    Friday night there was an all boy run "caveman." It was a great time!!  The run got tricky once the sun went down and no one had a light/headlamp.  After the run we were treated to some red meat that was truly cooked through with some killer sides.

     Coach had me back in the gym lifting weights and then put me through a wicked tough track session. Felt good that I made it through both sessions in one piece.

    The upcoming weekend will be the final time trial of the season. No one was broke 19:00 on the course. I think with this being the final there will be some serious sprinting through the woods. Hopefully, I am not banned again from this event.

   I met another camper that is going to work with me on some long distance runs. Looking forward to some time on New trails that are beautifully challenging. I enclosed one of the pictures from the trails.

Love
Steve

Summer Camp #7 & #8

Mom & dad,

The last week was crazy and I didn't get a letter out, sorry. The previous week was a bit hectic getting ready for the AC Camp weekend in California. The President & Green Hornet made the trip too. One day was spent checking out the area. It is sooooo beautiful!!

Well the group run on Saturday didn't go so good. The heat was around 95-98F throughout the day. The elevation didn't seem tough, but my heart rate was out of control. Then on top of that I started blistering at 20+ miles. As I walked my last section of the run I ended up dropping halfway through the group run. In short, yea I was crushed. A lot of campers told me that it happens. Well that doesn't make it any better. I know I have the ability to buckle again and I WILL.

So with a few more weeks of camp left I need to get my head in the game and produce. Speed work and two a days will be more of focus.

This week was just normal downtime camp activities: campfire roasting, finger painting, and other things.

Well of to hang out with some campers for the weekend. I will update you next week to how the speed feels.

Love
Steve

Summer Camp #6

Mom & dad,

Another week has gone by and it was a tough week for sure. Coach sent Luda and me to the Sleeping Bear Dunes N.P. for some serious training. Luda has a race this week and next weekend I head west to run with the President & Green Hornet. The park offered a diverse selection of terrain. We climbed sand dunes, ran the beach, hit the pine needle covered trails and a bit of paved sections. It appears that neither of us can read a map because we spent a lot of time time. After camp I think I will come back for one more visit.

Wednesday a few of us had to meet with the counselors about having alcohol. So Thursday I was sent cross camp to get some supplies as punishment. It was a round trip of  50 miles and took me nine hours. I would say I learned my lesson.

This weekend we are holding another time trial as the cabins race off. Since the few of us are still on punishment we will volunteering at the event.

Got a new shirt this week since it has been so hot lately. The least amount of fabric the better.

Outside of that there was not a lot of activities that took place. It is amazing at how fast this summer is moving. Well I will continue to make the most of camp and enjoy the time remaining.

Love
Steve

PS send me some blister salve for my feet, some sweet cherries and bit-o-honey candy.

Summer Camp #5

Mom & dad,

Not too much happening this week at camp. The temp has been the biggest challenge. Everyday was triple digits with high humidity.  Most of the runs have resulted in some weight loss because of sweating. So been drinking a lot more and fueling throughout the day so that I can maintain my weight.

Ran with Attorney general, Luda and the Milkman this week. This weekend we have a big group run without the counselors. Probably some sort of mayhem, lol.

I hear the dinner bell I need to head to the meal hall.  See you in a few more weeks. Thanks for sending me to camp again. I get so much from it every year.

Love
Steve