Camp taught art, science of running

Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Staff

Runners in the Roger Raymond Running Camp take off in the secoind phase of a 3.5-mile run. The camp concluded today.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Staff

Christy Thorstenson might have wished the non potable water was drinkable as she finishes a 3.5-mile run at the Roger Raymond Running Camp.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Staff

Tanner Fulcher gives instructor Roger Raymond a little running lesson as they were in the middle of a 3.5-mile run at the Roger Raymond Running Camp.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Staff

Noah Konkus picks up the pace as he sees the finish line after running 3.5 miles as part of the Roger Raymond Running Camp.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE, Staff

Jerra Holdsworth, assistant Roger Raymond Running Camp instructor, who is more anarobic-oriented, is helping participants learn the science of running. She also runs with the others as an example.

Tanner Fulcher is real good.

Christy Thorstenson is already a leading cross country runner and she’ll just be in seventh grade.

Usual, short assessments by Roger Raymond, Marco Island Charter Middle School cross country and track coach.

Raymond had some avid learners and some real talent in his 10-day running camp that concluded today.

“Optimistic probably is an understatement when I look at the runners coming back,” Raymond said.

“We have six of our top seven girls returning for both sports and they won the conference a year ago. If Noah Konkus had been at the conference meet the boys might have won instead of finishing second.”

Raymond was assisted at the camp by Jerra Holdsworth, admittedly a more anaerobic-oriented athlete.

“I am more into helping them learn more about how their body responds,” she said during camp. “I want them to understand that slumped over and arms more rigid, wastes energy. Learning the science of running is important, everyone is different. If a sixth grader gains a better understanding about their body, who knows how good they will be by eighth grade.”

Raymond also focused on appropriate warm-ups and stretching.

“It’s not just about stretching your legs, it is about stretching your upper body,” he said. “Stretching and having good arm positioning, proper stretching of back muscles. You’d be surprised how many back muscles get pulled.”

Stefan Langebeeke continues to work hard. “By the end of last season he may have been our most consistent runner,” Raymond said.

Thorstenson, Amanda Marinaro, Adrienne Collins, Savanna and Sierra Rose quickly come to mind in leading next season’s cross country girls team.

“It is good to see some of our team leaders at camp to help others,” Raymond said. “When it comes to numbers we are not a big school, but we can be real good.”