Freedom’s Run is excited to announce their 1st Annual Adult Running Camp! Why should kids have all the fun? Running is our passion, but play is our life. So join us June 21-23 and learn the the foundations of healthy running performance, proper nutrition/fueling practices, injury prevention, improved running skills, muscle endurance, strength development, mindfulness, and racing strategies. Whether a weekend warrior just fitting in a couple runs here and there or an ultra extraordinaire, our workshops are developed for every skill level.

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella has been a competitive runner for over 35 years, and author of “Run for Your Life”. His innovative work and story has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Outside Magazine, Running Times, Runners World, Air Force Times, the Washington Post, JAMA, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and other medical and media outlets.

Quick Links
Schedule in a Nutshell
Lodging
Speakers
FAQs

Schedule in a Nutshell

Day 1: We start the camp Friday morning around 10:30am (with check-in starting at 9:30am) with skills and drills to build the foundation for proper running form. Then we move onto mobility and strength development; as well as, run analysis on the True Form Runners. From there enjoy structured free time, optional trail run, and/or cross training - bring your mountain bike and enjoy some of 12 plus miles of trails! And finish the day out with a happy hour by the campfire with s’mores! Lunch and Dinner included this day

Day 2: Where Day 1 focuses on the physical foundation, Day 2 will focus on the mental aspects. After an optional sunrise run and yoga; we’ll start the day with a workshop on nutrition with experts in LCHF and Plant Powered Running for an open discussion on fueling and importance of eating real food. We’ll then move into using running as a therapy tool and seg way to “Racing Strategies”. After a break at lunch, enjoy some cross training on the Potomac River with Stand Up Paddle Boarding – great for working the core and stabilizer muscles, but also just a beautiful, fun sport! Paddle Boarding isn’t your thing? Try canoeing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the shore. After some fun in the sun, we’ll head to historic Harpers Ferry where we will break into groups to enjoy a historic running tour or trail run with beautiful vistas overlooking the town. Dinner to be provided by a local vendor, you won’t want to miss! We’ll end the day with happy hour by the campfire, outdoor movie option, and of course – more s’mores. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day

Day 3: It’s time to put your knowledge to the test. We will start the day with some very light snacks/ fueling and begin our long run to try out our new practices. For those wishing to get in a long run, we will go offsite to run along the Appalachian Trail which connects back to the campus, mileage ranging from 13-16 miles. For those looking for something closer to campus we’ll have some great options 7 -10 miles in distance, or break away from the group grab a map and do your own thing! We’ll all join back together at 10:30am for a brunch feast! After brunch we’ll have a quick wrap up session, grab some snacks for the road, and head out (around noon-ish)! Light snacks and Brunch will be included

Lodging

Our camp will be hosted at The Outdoor Education Center of For Love of Children located at 671 FLOC Way, Harpers Ferry, WV. Lodging is not included in the base price of registration; however, the link for registration will include the 3 lodging options listed below. Please note: this is summer camp style living; the beds in the lodge and cabins are single and bunk bed.

Lodge: $70 for weekend

This a completely self-contained building with typical amenities of simple lodging in the woods; men and women’s shower rooms/ restrooms, full kitchen, and fire place. There are six bedrooms with single and bunk beds, handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Linens will be provided, but please bring extra pillow if needed and sleeping bag/ blanket.

Cabins: $36 for weekend

These rustic cabins are just a short walk uphill from the center of the campus. Equipped with 4 cabins; a composting toilet; an open air pavilion; and a large fire circle. The cabins are furnished with bunk beds. A bath house with showers is centrally located. The cabins do not have running water or electricity. Please bring your own sleeping bag/ blanket and pillow.

Tent Space: $10 for weekend (does not include tent)

On a budget and enjoy being closer to nature? This is a great way to enjoy true wilderness experience. This price includes use of the shower house, centrally located. For an additional $10, you can rent tents on site at the campus.

Speakers

Check back as we add to this list of talented individuals incredibly knowledgeable in the sport we love.

Dr. Mark Cucuzella

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel (ret), practices Family Medicine in Ranson and Martinsburg, West Virginia. He is a Professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine and conducts Continuing Medical Education courses on health, fitness, and running through HealthFitU and developed the US Air Force Efficient Running Program. Mark has run competitively for almost four decades, with more than one hundred marathon and ultramarathon finishes, and he continues to compete as a national-level masters runner with thirty straight years under a 3-hour marathon. Mark owns the first minimalist running and walking shoe store, Two Rivers Treads. He has also been named a Distinguished Mountaineer by the Governor of West Virginia, a Blue Ridge Outdoors Pioneer, Air Force Athlete of the Year, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians’ Teacher of the Year, is inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame (2018), and has received the President’s Award from the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, with his wife and two children. His new book “Run For Your Life” summarizes the science and the soul of running, nutrition, and physical activity to help you maintain a vigorous life. Visit Mark's site at www.DrMarksdesk.com.

Katie Nolan Thompson

Katie Nolan Thompson has her BS in Exercise Science from James Madison University. An aspiring ultra runner, winning Highland Sky 40 Miler in 2018, Katie is relatively new to the sport in just the past 6 years. Katie has worked professionally as a Program Coordinator/ Director at a local outdoor education center to develop engaging curriculum for youth from all over the region. Currently, the Co-Race Director of Freedom’s Run, Harper’s Ferry Half Marathon, and Miner's Lady 8 Hour Endurance Race, Katie is thrilled to be able to offer a fun experience for adults and share her passion and love of the outdoors and running.

Suzy Munnis

Suzy Munnis is a Personal Trainer/ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist for the past 20 years. She is currently working at Shepherd University Wellness Center. Suzy is also an American Red Cross Instructor, Trainer in Lifeguarding, and swim instructor. Suzy was the Head Coach for the Boys and Girls XC Jefferson High School Team from 2010-2016, and was named 2015 Boys WV XC Coach of the Year! Suzy is a talented runner and is excited to be heading to Boston this year after 41 years of running!

David Welch

David Welch is a Frederick, Maryland based ultra runner and RRCA-certified coach. He works with athletes of all abilities at Plant Powered Running. David has completed over 30 ultra distance races, including six 100-mile races. He continues to be competitive as a masters runner, finishing top 10 in three races and second overall in the Beast Series in 2018.
David has a Ph.D. in Plant Developmental Cell Biology, a certificate in plant-based nutrition, and is the Director of Science and Technology for The Good Food Institute, an organization using science and innovation to create a healthy, humane, and sustainable food supply.

FAQs

How do I register for the camp?
Register Here!

How much is the camp? And what does it include?
The camp is $350 (prices increase May 1). This includes all meals, transportation to and from activities, and workshops. Lodging is not included in the price; however, lodging options are included in the registration. Please see Lodging and Facilities section of the page, to see what works best for you.

What kind of weekly mileage is required in order to participate?
We don’t require any kind of base mileage in order to participate in the camp. We will break everyone into groups to ensure everyone is performing at a level that works best for them. The runs are also completely optional – if you feel you’ve hit your mileage for the day, feel free to break away from the group and take some free time to cross train, relax, read, whatever you like!

Will I be bored if I am an experienced runner?
No! The workshops are designed for every level to improve performance and take your training to the next level. We will have group runs designed for all skills, and if ever you feel like you need to add more mileage and break away from the pack – grab a map and enjoy!

Who is the camp designed for?
Anyone who loves running

Where does the camp take place?
The event takes place at The Outdoor Education Center of For Love of Children at:
671 FLOC Way
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Nestled between the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah River, these pristine woods are the perfect get away to rejuvenate and refresh your love of running and the outdoors.

Something has come up, I can no longer attend the camp, will I receive a refund?
As long as you let us know by May 1st, you will receive a refund in full. After May 1st, refunds will depend on date proximity to camp, as we will have to pay deposits and account for your participation. We will not be able to issue refunds after June 7. Contact katie@freedomsrun.org with further questions

How do I get to the campus/ FLOC?
The event takes place at The Outdoor Education Center of For Love of Children at:
671 FLOC Way
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Please note: Not all cell phone providers will work on the mountain, so please have the written directions handy in case you lose cell service.
When you arrive at Mission Road off of 115, we high encourage using the following directions: Distance: 7.7 miles
NOTE: Do not add additional driving time from Mission Road. This driving time has already been figured in the time estimates given above. Take Mission Road South to the Rolling Ridge/FLOC Outdoor Education sign on left at the intersection of Mission Road and Patriot's Way (6.3 miles)
(You will pass one stop sign and small Country Market will be on the left after about 3 miles. Watch for the Rolling Ridge/FLOC Outdoor Education sign after a series of sharp, winding turns going down a hill.)
Turn left on the gravel road and drive about .9 miles to the 4 way intersection.
NOTE: The paved road continues as Patriot's Way to Riverside Community, about a half mile down the road. Turn left at the 4 way intersection onto FLOC Way and follow the gravel road to the parking area.

More questions?
Contact katie@freedomsrun.org