Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Recap: Camp Run Happy

In addition to my excitement of being part of the Brooks Run Happy Team this year, I was invited to attend Camp Run Happy in Park City, Utah! This was the first year a live camp would take place and the team was ready for it. Over 100 team members from the US and Canada were in attendance. As you can imagine, it was an incredible experience. I wanted to share some, ok a lot of photos, as well as some of the highlights of this very short trip but very fun trip.


I headed to the airport early Friday morning for my flight to Salt Lake City. No surprise, my nonstop flight was canceled and I had to change planes in Dallas/Fort Worth. I arrived around 3 pm. Deborah and I had planned to meet up at the airport and share an Uber, but her plane wasn't due in for another hour. I shared a ride to Park City with 3 other runners. I checked in to the YotelPad where we were staying, quickly changed into my running gear, and headed down to the Brooks Run Tour trailer so I could try out the nitro-infused Hyperions. I only went for a mile run in them but WOW! Just like with my Calderas, these gave me such a comfy ride. I love these nitro-infused shoes. Brooks really hit it out of the park with this great technology.

By the time I got back, Deborah had arrived. For the evening, the organizers planned a science theme, to go along with the nitro campaign, and we donned our costumes. We headed down to the patio to meet up with everyone. There were a couple of runners that I really wanted to meet--Lauren and Natalie--and that was really fun. Do you know how you feel like you know someone after years of connecting on social media? Like you've known them forever? It was great. We met a lot of really nice runners that night. There was live music by Stray Local, a couple from North Carolina who also run, and a lot of enthusiasm from the attendees! 

photo credit Deborah

We were up early the next morning for the group trail run up the mountain. We all met on the patio and ran uphill to the trailhead of Holly's Trail, a 4.5 mile out and back. I had my Calderas on and was ready to go, but the altitude had me breathy. Deborah and I took it slow, soaking in all the scenery. We got to 2.5 miles and had to make a decision...do we keep going or turn around? Hearts pumping and short of breath, we made our way back down the mountain for breakfast.

photo credit Deborah

photo credit Justin Hall

Back at camp, we showered and met up with the group. We were treated to a discussion with Jeff Binney, a self-proclaimed husky ginger ultrarunner, who was hilarious. He's an ultrarunner, a motivational speaker, and a performer. He shared his life story with us and had us in tears. What a great guy and if you don't know about him, here's a link to his story. After his talk, he led us through a dance that was filmed for TikTok. 


You can see the full TikTok here

Deborah and I were still full from breakfast, so we skipped lunch and headed into historic Park City for some shopping. It was raining, but that didn't stop us from checking out the historic downtown! We went back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner outing to Wasatch Brewery. The theme for the evening was 'Vintage Ski Lodge' and everyone brought their A-game! It was a fun, loud, lively night out but we were more than ready to head back to our room and go to bed. 

I woke up early Sunday morning with a splitting headache. Was it the beer from the night before? No, most likely it was the altitude. We had plans to join the early morning yoga, but I felt pretty yucky, so Deborah and I went for a walk through a very pretty neighborhood.  We joined the group for breakfast and goodbyes. 


Both photos credit Deborah

The weekend went way too fast. I just loved meeting all the runners, I loved the setting, and I loved all the activities! I wished we had one more day to explore the area. My biggest disappointment was that I struggled with the altitude and couldn't enjoy the trails as much as I wanted. But the positives outweighed that! I loved spending the weekend with Deborah. We made great traveling companions--both of us were flexible about our plans and we pivoted when we wanted. 

I just loved the whole experience, but the best part for me was meeting so many of my teammates! It's great how running has brought so many wonderful people into my life. I am so glad I was able to go to camp this summer. Run Happy!

photo credit Deborah

Have you ever gone to camp? Deborah took such great photos--it was like having my personal photographer!

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, with the Runners' Roundup: DebbieDeborahJen, and Lisa.

28 comments :

  1. This looks like such a fun experience, and so happy you were able to finally meet Natalie and Lauren in person. they are two runners I also hope to meet in person one day. I recently found Jeff's IG page earlier this summer and I really love his vibe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've 'known' both Nat and Lauren virtually for years, so it was really gratifying to meet them IRL. Jeff is an absolute riot!!!

      Delete
  2. Even just reading this, I was getting all excited! So much fun!
    Your (and Deborah's) photos are fabulous. My favourite running pic is the one of you running in the red shorts. Looks great!
    Where are you on the TikTok clip? I was looking for you and Deborah but I couldn't spot you both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are in the middle. Since we are wearing sunglasses, it's hard to spot us. Deborah has an amazing iPhone--so I was happy to let her take photos. I may need an upgrade!

      Delete
  3. Well, I went to camp as a kid. :) From a young age up through almost HS. Park City is so pretty, but altitude can be really hard and harder as we get older. I'm sorry that slowed you down a few steps. Fun to meet up with Deborah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, my body's response to the altitude was disappointing. I've never had issues with altitude before. But we didn't let it stop us from having an amazing time.

      Delete
  4. Just Look At That Smile - Couldn't Be Happier For Ya - Keep Those Vibes Alive

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Travis! My only complaint is that it was too short! I guess that's good thing--they kept us hopping.

      Delete
  5. I had so much fun with you on this whirlwind weekend! Can't wait until next year

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've been to camp, but it was not quite of this caliber. Looks like a fab time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This definitely looks like fun. And Park City is a scenic place to visit. I love your trail run pics.

    I remember running in Denver and the altitude was a challenge.

    I wish I could wear Brooks shoes. They are so pretty. I do wear their caps and shirts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brooks is all about their shoes! I haven't met a pair I haven't liked.

      Delete
  8. It sounds like you two had a fantastic time! Park City is such a beautiful place and I can't wait to get back to Utah to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well, you definitely look happy! It sounds really, really fun. But the altitude thing is real. I have dreams of traveling to Utan and doing a beautiful race like the St. George marathon- I think the only way to do it is go a week early to get acclimated. Your photos are beautiful!!! Oh and btw we were in the Dallas airport one day apart- I was there Thursday : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you about acclimation! Deborah and I wished we had gotten there at least a day early.

      I don't think I would have found you at DFW. That place is huge!

      Delete
  10. It really looks like everyone had such an amazing time! I hope next year it's somewhere a little easier to get to. But now Park City is on my list of places to visit eventually!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What an amazing experience for you! This looks like it was the most incredible weekend. The pictures are amazing and I'm sure the memories will last a lifetime.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Glad you had such a good time. No surprise that Wasatch Brewery is one of our fav places to go in Park City.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glad you had a good time. No surprise Wasatch Brewery is one of our fav places to go in Park City. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this, Wendy! I am glad you and Deborah had a great time at camp. I've been to Utah but don't remember struggling because of the altitude. I did struggle in Denver!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I had no doubt that you would have a blast! I'm so sorry to have missed it and the chance to catch up with you and Deborah.

    ReplyDelete