GTD: How do you keep your focus during the sessions?
Sarah: Keeping focus during the sessions can get difficult especially when you know are friends with most of the people at camp, but I always had Coach Pete to keep me in check. I also found myself zoning out and just focusing on the task at hand with the end goal of getting better in mind.
GTD: Do you have “habits” or routines that you follow on race day or Braz Camp day?
Sarah: I find myself following a similar routine before races and Braz Camp days. Plenty of water, a good dinner, and a good night’s sleep the night before. In the morning before camp or a race, I tend to eat something smaller like toast with peanut butter and some fruit.
GTD: How do you handle nutrition on Braz Camp mornings?.
Sarah: Eating before camp can be difficult. My stomach can get upset if I eat too close to running, so I make sure to give myself at least an hour between eating and running. I also eat something small in the morning, making sure to refuel after camp, along with plenty of water.
GTD: The last phase of each training session is devoted to core work, flexibility, and strength.
Sarah: I have never met a coach who set aside so much time for core work, and hip strength like Coach Braz has. Spending all that time on hips and core has helped me prevent potential injuries before they were able to progress into bigger problems. While core isn’t my favorite thing to do after a hard workout, the benefits outweigh the 10 minutes of hard work, and hip mobility is a nice way to wind down after an intense session.
GTD: What is the most important thing you learn from the summer program?
Sarah: The most important lesson I have learned from Braz Camp is to trust the process. Things may not come easy at first and you may have to work a little harder, but the progress will come. Trusting the training is the best thing you can do and it works itself out in the end. The times get faster and things begin to feel easier without you even realizing it.
GTD: How would you describe the program to a runner who has never done it, but might be interested?
Sarah: The program is not easy, but it is very rewarding. You are pushed to new levels and can often find yourself outside of your comfort zone. You feel good after, and you get to see the progress as you go. The program is 90 minutes of hard work for a year of progress. Camp also allows you to make friends, and there are plenty of people at all different levels, so you will never find yourself running alone.
GTD: What are your plans for the upcoming fall, winter, and spring sports seasons
Sarah: As I head into my final seasons in high school, I am working to have a strong cross country season. I know where I want my times to be, and it's going to be a challenge, but I'm ready for it. I have goals for the winter and spring seasons, and plan to continue chipping away at my mile time. I want to continue to perform well not only at a conference level, but at bigger meets and during championship season. At the end of the year, I want to be happy with my times, and I want to be able to look back on the past 4 years of running knowing that I made so many memories and came so far from the nervous little freshman I was.
