[We asked Riley if he had any advice for athletes about to start this summer's Brazcamp. He did. His advice applies equally to xc runners, soccer players, and all other sports.]
The main advice I’d offer to high school and college runners at the GTD summer program is simply to fully embrace the program.
GTD offers an atmosphere and coaching that is tough to find over the summer.
For a cross country runner, the base made in summer training is crucial for a successful season. After 8 years of camp, I can confidently say that GTD makes you more prepared for the cross country season than most other runners. Camp gets you to run the miles you need, the stretching you don’t want to do but you know you should, and the core work you wouldn’t do on your own.
On top of the training, and arguably even more important, the mentorship you gain from Coach Braz, Coach Pete, and all of the staff goes beyond running, as does the friendships you gain from spending summer mornings training together with other runners who have similar goals.
Anyone who has the opportunity to go to camp is already putting themselves at an advantage, and then fully embracing it once you’re there will continue to put you at an advantage.
While spending summer mornings running doesn’t always sound that exciting, the experience, training, and friendship you take away from camp are irreplaceable. With my summer mornings now limited, as I’m writing this from a cubicle, I don’t regret a moment I spent at camp and would do it all over again if I could!
[Riley and Tia Patterson are new GTD Phds.
During their entire high school and college careers they trained in Coach Braz's summer programs, and in either his scholastic or personal coaching program.
Riley graduated from Peabody High School and Stonehill College. He currently looks over the wall of a cubicle and has thoughts of running again.
Tia graduated from Lynnfield High School and Boston College, begins graduate school at Boston University in August, and continues to run.]
