"It was a great experience to talk and run with an Olympic level runner, and hear personal accounts of experiences from college athletes and coaches. My roommates were amazing (we continue to text message/email almost every day) and I appreciate the community and family spirit that UCSB promotes...I found it very easy to form close relationships with many other people at camp, such as sprinters and throwers as well as distance runners. Thank you for two of the most memorable running weeks in my HS career" - Kelly (2-time camper)

PHILOSOPHY

The week long Santa Barbara X-Country ~ Track & Field Camp experience is scheduled to give the student-athlete a greater understanding of the sport and leave each individual with tangible knowledge to help meet short and long-term goals. Each day the campers will be exposed to individual and/or team goal setting sessions as well as learning what it takes to run competitively at the collegiate level. The camp will also focus on building leadership skills on and off the track. The coaches and counselors provide for a knowledge intensive camp, but also one filled with fun activities that make it a memorable summer experience.

X-Country & Mid-Distance

A system of periodization for peak performance is the basis of the distance running training philosophy. Each day is broken up into "training periods", where beyond the workouts, the campers will get an in depth understanding of how and why each training period is important to achieve maximum performance at the end of the season when it really counts. Campers will also learn how to achieve ultimate racing fitness through incorporating the "little things"—drills, stretching, nutrition, etc.— into their training schedules. The morning and afternoon workout sessions will allow campers to get in their summer "miles," while giving each the knowledge of what it takes to train at the highest level. Of course running on the beautiful ocean bluffs and trails throughout the area, alongside national class athletes, is an experience not to be missed!

Sprints & Hurdles

While at camp the sprinters and hurdlers will be equipped with knowledge of proper acceleration mechanics, running/hurdling form, strength and conditioning for enhanced speed and power, and the psychological aspects involved in sprinting and hurdling. Workouts will consist of a mix of speed drills, tempo training, hill training for power development, and conditioning runs on the beaches next to campus, while the training "laboratories" will also take a closer look at strength training technique. With the use of video analysis each athlete will begin to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and be equipped with skills to improve or enhance both. Time will also be made for those looking to refine their long and triple jump technique or for those wanting to try it for the first time.

Jumps (**New for 2010!!**)

After a successful 2009 camp incorporating the jumps (high jump, long & triple) into our camp, we're making it a key aspect of our training sessions. While student-athletes interested in the jumps will still take part in many of the sprints & hurdles trainng sessions we will also be specifically allocating time (and coaches/counselors) to focus on everything from your runway speed, approach and power, so you can leap over your competition.

Throws

The thrower is a versatile, powerful athlete. An interpretation and understanding of the different aspects that make up this athlete and how to implement this into individual training will take campers through the week. Two workout sessions a day, a morning and a late afternoon one, will keep camp attendees busy in the rings, getting in the much needed personal attention in the shot put and discuss throughout the week. Track & Field labratories will go over video analysis, techniques, training schedules, weight lifting, core strength and more.

THE FACILITIES

Nestled inbetween the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, inside a haven of eucalyptus trees and evergreen, the track & field facilities at UCSB offer the perfect atmosphere for focused and determined training sessions.

For distance runners the miles of trails on the ocean bluff top are also ideal for long runs and workouts keeping your legs fresh, while breathing in the ocean air. Running in Santa Barbara alone will be an experience of a lifetime.

The throwing facilities have been called one of the best in the United States by team USA athletes. The combination of three shot put rings, including one of Olympic size and two discus rings allow, for many to train at once, leading to maximum benefits for each athlete. In addition, training facilities adjacent to the track, including the infamous "muscle beach," make for a great transition from throwing to strength training.