The Wharton Wildcats headed up to North Carolina to take part in the Appalachian State Running Camp where they came away with valuable training and bonding that they will bring into the 2016 cross country season as one of the top teams in 4A. Chandler Good and Cate Small give us an inside look at their running camp experience.
Sunday morning at 4 a.m., barely able to keep our eyes open, we loaded onto our bus and started our 14-hour trek to Boone, North Carolina. As we approached our destination the bus filled with excitement and anxious chatter as we started making our way into steep mountains, nothing us Florida girls had ever experienced before. Finally, around 7 p.m. we reached Appalachian State University, where we would call home for the next 4 days.
Monday morning, we woke up bright and early to start our first training session. As the sun rose over the mountains we did an easy run around the campus checking out where we were going to be staying the rest of the week. After an easy two and a half mile run we all headed to our favorite part of the camp, the cafeteria. There we experienced what it was like to have an unlimited amount of food at our fingertips.
After stuffing our stomachs to the point it was hard to walk back up the hill to our dorms, we headed to a team bonding circuit. At the team bonding circuit we participated in activities that helped us learn to further cooperate and proactively communicate with each other. The team building made us realize that in order to make it back to States this year we have to work together and believe in each person on the team. Our coach; Anthony Triana, has taken us to states 2 years in a row since he began coaching the Wharton team. Every practice he encourages us to push ourselves, even on the days our legs do not want to move.
That night, the team active relays took place. The games were timed and all the teams attending the camp competed for a trophy and bragging rights. The games began at 8 p.m. and lasted till 10 p.m. We completed relays such as sack racing, rolling a tire, and human caterpillar. We were able to use Shaelyn Hammel for the tire rolling because of her strength and Olivia Giarrizzo for the human caterpillar because of her ability to keep the team together and in sync. As a team we were able to work together using each individual teammate's skills for certain relays which enabled us take first place overall.
Tuesday morning, our bodies ached from the exhausting previous day. Once again, we were ready to run. This time we headed to a local park/trail. At the park some of us ran 3 miles while others ran 4. Outside the air was a crisp 65 degrees with little to no humidity; that was a special treat for us Floridians.
After breakfast and getting cleaned up the entire camp headed to a seminar where Coach Boza spoke to us about the mental aspects of running. He taught us that in order to push ourselves physically we have to be able to push ourselves mentally. Running cross country not only helps people achieve physical aims, it also teaches people how to set/achieve goals and mentally challenge themselves. Additionally, running cross country builds character and team work skills. Qualities gained in this sport will stick with individuals through adulthood. In sum, the seminar was inspirational and taught us to run smart.
Tuesday afternoon we decided to hike up a mountain that was about two miles away from campus. What an experience. We drove our team van up the mountain and parked about a quarter of the way up. There was no trail that we were aware of so we started up the paved road. After 30 min into hiking our legs were killing us and we were starting to get in bad moods. Thanks to coach, we did not need to walk much further; he retrieved the van and carefully drove us to the summit. The sharp turns and steep incline kept us all at the edge of our seats.
Once we made it to the top, we were rewarded a breath taking view. The complaining ceased as people enjoyed the view and posed for pictures. We could have all stayed there forever. Sadly, we had to make our way back down to please our hungry stomachs.
That night, 7 of us entered the camp lip sync competition where we sang and danced to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. The battle was an exciting and funny experience which wrapped up the day perfectly.
Waking up early Wednesday was one of the more difficult things we had to do at camp that week. Our bodies were so sleep deprived and tired from the constant activity. When coach told us we had a one mile recovery run, relief could be seen on everyone's faces.
That day we went into the actual town of Boone and shopped around at the original southern boutiques located there. After a couple hours of shopping we went to a local state park about 30 min away where we hiked to a miniature waterfall. We spent the rest of our day relaxing and enjoying nature's beauty. Although all of us slipped and fell trying to climb the surrounding rocks, everyone enjoyed the time spent in the river.
Thursday morning, we were unable to compete in the camp's two-mile race because of a time shortage. As an alternative we had the option to complete our own two mile time trial. All in all, our time trial was a success. We can foresee many PRs in the future based on several time trial results. Post run we cleaned up and packed up. It was time for us to head back to the Sunshine State.
The ride back went by fast as most of us were out cold. Our time in Boone was a huge success. Our team got to closer connect and improve upon skills that will help our upcoming cross country season while simultaneously creating lasting memories that will last a lifetime.