Five years ago we had a vision. Could we invite a group of strangers to come train and live like a pro athlete for a few days. Could they experience our workouts, our strength sessions, our recovery tools, and become better runners in just 4 days? Well we’ve been hosting an annual adult running camp for the past 5 years in our hometown of Flagstaff, AZ. But let me tell you it’s become so much more than a running camp. I truly had no idea how transformative an experience such as Bruce Camp could have for so many people. I think about the people we’ve met, the stories we’ve heard, and the friendships that have been made. I think about how it’s more than just a running camp.
So what does camp look like? I can’t reveal all the secrets because if you’ve never attended before we have to leave a little bit to the imagination. On the first day everyone arrives, they check into the hotel, giddy, excited, and perhaps a little nervous. They think “am I going to be the slowest one?” Will I make new friends. Or this is way outside my comfort zone.”
We head to Buffalo Park for introductions and a short run. Ben debriefs everyone on the altitude and how it can slow you down significantly but it’s all about your own pace here at Bruce camp. We welcome everyone and give a sneak peak of what’s in store for the next 4 days. We ensure them they will laugh, maybe cry, be challenged, get sore, get pampered, feast on Picky Bars, Diablo Burger, Picky oats, Pizzicletta, and adult beverages.
Bruce Camp is undoubtedly the busiest 5 days we have every year. It’s also the most rewarding 5 days of each year. We coordinate massage and chiropractic appointments, fill up goodie bags, check hotel reservations, set up the NormaTec recovery lounge, and rides to and from the airport. Each year we have a great group of camp counselors to help us run the camp. Big shout out to our previous counselors David, Leah, Scott, Craig and to Dani, Rachel, Rachel, Courtney, Mia, Bob, and Ted for your endless support, running errands, and willingness to be part of camp.
We start off each day with a morning run on one of our beautiful dirt trails. Water bottles are filled, coffee is consumed, and we’re off to suck wind at 7000 ft. Ben sets up an aid station when campers stroll in, some for a minute, others to chat for 10 minutes. Breaks are not looked down upon here, they are encouraged. We refuel with overnight Picky Oats, leftover cookies, water and electrolytes.
Recovery is an integral part of camp. That’s how we as pros get better. By sleeping, refueling, and getting massage and chiropractic work. We set up our recovery lounge where spontaneous chats occur among the campers while they NormaTec. Here’s where I learn why they came. Some for the nerdy training advice that we gladly give out. Others and more dear to my heart are the stories of connection, longing, and maybe struggle. This is my area, this is what speaks to me. We have an impromptu womens’ session where we share post partum struggles, and cry, and laugh. This is why as a pro athlete I share my journey, because these connections, and these moments make it all worth it.
We try to bring in a new challenge each year, like a hill climb to our famous “guardrail challenge.” This challenge has nothing to do with the actual hill. It’s symbolic. Of you setting goals, just out of reach, hitting them, failing them, and setting them higher again and again. To me that’s how we progress as runners, as humans.
“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michalangelo”
One morning we head south and descend to the hills of red rock Sedona for a track session. It appears intimidating to some who have not stepped foot on a track in 10 years. But by the end of the drills session, the 400m repeat relay, campers are laughing, cheering, with hands on their knees from working hard, but no longer intimidated. They own this track and now they think “I’m going to hit up my local track when I return home.” We cram 45 people into Local Juicery for post run smoothies and recovery drinks. The temps are rising into the 80s and a soak in the ice cold Sedona creek is what we are all craving.
As camp winds down, I am concerned. Have I talked with everyone, made an impact, ticked all the boxes? I give myself some breathing room and realize the campers are creating their moments. They are seeking what they came here for. We are simply providing the atmosphere with our knowledge of training, nutrition, recovery, and the most important part: Transparency. Ben and I share our personal stories. I tell them how my father died while I was on a run as an 18 year old. How I went down one path, and my brother Jamie the other. How I was given a 2nd chance to stay in college when finances had run out. That my life feels like 2nd chances and I’m not gonna waste them. That’s what fuels my running career. To make the most out of every starting line and every race. To lean into the discomfort, those moments of a 10k, of a marathon because I choose it. I want to see where running can take me. And I hope others find that for themselves.
So you see we had a vision. To host an adult running camp where you could come live and train like a pro. No speed limits, No ability standards, open to everyone. You could witness what we do to reach the high levels we train and compete at. But along the way you’ll find we are all just people with our own stories, struggles, and triumphs. The more we share them, the more we connect. Those connections are the bonds that make people keep coming back. That and the endless dirt trails, the beauty of the Aspens, the beers, and the cheers. See you next time at Bruce Camp.
Dream Big
Steph Bruce
“Thank you for being so open and transparent and for giving us “regular Joe runners” a real honest look inside the lives of elite professional runners.
If part of your mission is to “share the journey”, then you guys knocked it out of the park.
Having the comradery with you guys and the other campers has given me new excitement about my running. I’m looking forward to the next year of running and I am also looking forward to returning to Bruce Camp.”
“This experience was way outside of my comfort zone from a social perspective, but a good growth experience. Meeting/interacting with new people is a challenge for me, especially in group settings. I’m leaving with an increased desire to continue finding experiences that push me to go outside my comfort zone.
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