Running training camps
Training camps are for all levels of runner and triathlete
So come on down for the time of your life
The camps are designed to cater for runners of all speeds, ages and ability levels.
Apart from being a tremendous way to get in a solid training block, the social aspect of the camps is always a highlight.
Many runners come away from these camps saying that they had "the time of their lives".
The perfect holiday for a runner
The camps can prepare you to reach goals; eg completing races such as the City to Surf, fun runs, corporate races, half marathons and marathons in targeted times.
Opportunities for one-on -one discussions with coach Williams are available, with several other experienced coaches often visiting these camps to be of assistance.
The camps are ideal for individuals hoping to improve their running in a social, communal, fun atmosphere and also for groups such as running clubs, triathlon clubs and corporate teams.
The camps are a perfect stress release and break from work and the city life. The settings are some of the most scenic in Australia, with virtually every training location at the camps offering breathtaking and inspiring views.
2 training camp locations
Jindabyne and Cudmirrah
The two SWEAT training camp bases are at Jindabyne and Cudmirrah, both in NSW, Australia.
See below for details of both camps.
Jindabyne
We conduct running training camps at Jindabyne at the foothills of Kosciuszco National Park, commonly referred to as the Snowy Mountains.
It is a comfortable 5 hour drive from Sydney. Our permanent camp base is in the Kirwin Apartments, which are very well equipped with all your needs.
The camps typically go from 2-14 days and include training sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced runners. Options are available for runners who wish to stay on for unsupervised training longer than the formal camp period
What an environment!
The camps are an excellent way to take your running performances to a new level. This is due to the fact that much of the training is done in fresh air high up in the hills and mountains in a pristine environment, with plenty of motivated runners. The ever popular run from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia's highest peak), is the only run in Australia where the majority of the course is above 2000m in elevation.
The camps can benefit many different runners who are targetting races ranging from 800m to the marathon; from triathlons to ultra-marathons.
Examples of sessions at the Jindabyne camps
- short, medium and long runs through various high sections of Kosciuszko
National Park which contains hundreds of kilometres of well groomed dirt roads
and trails - hill sessions at high altitude, including short (50m-200m), medium
(200m-500m) and long (600m- 9km) hills - fartlek (running sessions with changes
in pace) - running reps, which can vary between
100m and 3km. - track sessions on a well-cushioned all-weather track at Jindabyne
- technique sessions at Jindabyne, concentrating on your optimum running form
- strength sessions at Jindabyne, mainly outdooors, sometimes in the gym
- recovery sessions and cross training sessions at Jindabyne indoor heated pool
- drills at Jindabyne, which help your running form, flexibility, strength
and speed - plyometrics at Jindabyne, which gives added power and strength
to your running - great opportunities for cross training in the region such
as mountain biking, swimming and kayaking - icing legs in the cool waters of
Lake Jindabyne and or alpine lakes and creeks after hard sessions - talks,
forums, workshops and discussions on a variety of running related topics, including
training, racing, nutrition, strength, stretching and recovery.
well groomed dirt roads and running trails
The training courses used at Jindabyne camps are generally in top shape for quality running. Some course are hilly, others are almost dead-flat, so there is something for everyone.
They follow inspirational, awe-inspiring routes that are sure to keep your adrenlin pumping at a high level throughout your runs
Accommodation
We are staying in units at 11-13 Kirwin Cl, Jindabyne.
Each unit sleeps approx 8 people (they are spacious 4 bedroom units) and includes beds, 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets, kitchen including microwave, dining area, full heating, lounges and TV/DVD player.
2 bedroom units are an option if you so desire.
The complex has a pool and a half court tennis court.
The units are only about a 7minute walk from the main shopping centre in Jindabyne. (Or very short drive) and 200m from the local running trails. Jindabyne Oval, where we will do strength sessions, is only 100m away.
They are also only 2km warm-up jog through trails to the all-weather running track (or 3 minute drive) and a 15 minute drive to running trails above 1600m elevation.
Meals and food
Obviously, nutrition is important because of the amount of training that we will be doing.
You are expected to prepare your own breakfast, lunch, snacks and usually dinner.
There is a supermarket only 700m from the units and we will have supervised trips for shopping.
We will go out to a local restaurant or club for dinner on a few of the nights, but most nights will cook our own meals.
A typical plan for an evening dinner would be for a group of people in a unit to chip in approx. $7 for food and a couple of people to shop for and cook the meal for the others.
Average cost for a club or restaurant meal is $15.
If you have special dietary requirements, you will need to look after yourself by bringing your appropriate foods.
Jindabyne attractions
For those who may feel that such a long way from Sydney and its cosmopolitan delights (or wastes- depending on your opinion) could be tough, Jindabyne is amazingly trendy.
It has the latest in fashion stores, upmarket restaurants and cafes, even a twin complex movie cinema!
There are internet cafes plus the opportunity to use your lap-tops for work/study at the accommodation venue.
Non-running activities include fishing, kayaking and mountain biking.
For those who like the Spartan lifestyle, the camp also can cater for you.
There will be the option of healthy home-cooked meals, quiet recovery periods in between hard sessions and "nights-in" watching running DVDs, reading, listening to inspirational music and discussions.
Jindabyne has an indoor heated pool, ideal for recovery and cross training sessions in a cool-climate area. The cool water of Lake Jindabyne is ideal for icing the legs after hard workouts.
Cudmirah
Sensational running location
We also have running training camps at Cudmirrah, which is near Sussex Inlet, about a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Sydney on the beautiful NSW South Coast.
They are usually short, sharp camps where the main focus will be on solid training and relaxation. The mountains and altitude of the Jindabyne camps are replaced with the lush forests, pristine beaches and enormous sand dunes of the south coast. It is a classic location where the forest meets the sea. You feel like you are a million miles from anywhere.
The bush trails in the adjoining national park are first rate and include an abundance of wildlife, including numerous kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, goannas and possums.
It is certainly a place where good running comes naturally.
Accommodation
A great place to stay!
We stay in cabins at the Lakeside Cabins and Holiday Village. Each cabin sleeps 5 people and includes beds, bathrooms, toilets, kitchens with cooking facilities, dining area, lounges, TV, DVD and verandah. The verandahs are a place where many runers like to kick back after a session and have a chat, play board games, read, listen to music. take in the beautiful view of the bush and Swan Lake or simply to chill out.
The Tourist Park has excellent facilities, which include heated swimming pool, table tennis, pool tables, tennis court, basketball court, gas bbq area and laundry facilities.
Cudmirrah session locations
Right at the cabins doorstep!
The training sessions take place within close proximity to the cabins. With the national park being only 300m away, Swan lake being across the road and the surfing beach with sandhills only 400m away, all the training facilities are right at your doorstep.
Examples of sessions at the Cudmirrah camps
Sessions include short runs (3km- 8km), medium runs (5km- 16km), long runs (10km- 40km), sandhills, tempo runs and races on the hard sand at the beach at low tide, hill repeats in the forest, time trials in the forest, strength work on the beach or by the lake and aqua sessions in either the lake or at the heated indoor pool.
Runners will be grouped according to their ability in all sessions. More often thn not, runners are paced into "packs" or at least pairs to stick with for the majority of the runs.
The short and medium runs can either go along the dirt roads and trails in the forest, along the beautiful beaches on the hard sand at low tide or along the lake front. They are out-and-back courses or loop courses. Weaker runners may walk/jog shorter distances whilst stronger runners will run at a faster pace over longer distances.
The long runs are out-and-back courses along dirt roads and trails in the national park. Personal water bottles containing your water or sports drinks can be dropped off for your at preferred spots on the course prior to the runs, at your request.
The sandhill sessions include a short walk/jog or jog to warm up and get to the dunes, stretching, drills, strides, short hill sprints, long hill sprints and circuits of between 100m and 600m which include ups and downs. It is followed by a short walk/jog or jog back to the cabins and more stretching.
Tempo runs and races on the hard sand at the beach include a short walk/jog or jog to warm up and get to the beach, stretching, drills, strides, a hard effort(s) of anywhere from 2.7km- 10+km. This session can easily be done in any conditions, even really hot weather, as "cooling off" during a run is only one step away in the Pacific ocean. It is followed by a short walk/jog or jog back to the cabins and more stretching.
Strength work on the beach includes a brief warm-up, numerous exercises with medicine balls (mainly with a partner, some on own), plus exercises using own body weight such as pilates, bridging, lunging, bounding, running squat jumps, sit-ups and push-ups. A short cool down concludes the session.
Aqua sessions vary but are either held in Swan Lake (in the warmer months) or in Sussex Inlet Heated Indoor Pool (in the cooler months). Activities include deep-water running, semi-deep water running, drills, egg-beaters, under-water repeats, stretching and various swimming strokes, Lake sessions often conlude with a game of touch footy in knee-deep to waist deep water in the crystal clear, sandy-bottomed Swan Lake. Non-swimmers are very well catered for.
Meals and food
Obviously, nutrition is important because of the amount of training that we will be doing.
You are expected to prepare your own breakfast, lunch, snacks and usually dinner.
There is a supermarket only a 5 minute drive from the cabins in Sussex Inlet and we will have supervised trips for shopping.
We usually go ot Sussex Inlet RSL Club to enjoy a hearty meal at the bistro in a relaxed atmosphere.
Average cost for a club meal is $12.
If you have special dietary requirements, you will need to look after yourself by bringing your appropriate foods.
Fun, Fun for EVERYONE
Time and time again, people tell me how much fun they have at these camps. They leave the camps fitter, more motivated and ussually learn a thing or two as well.
