Blair cross-country Bears ran during their three-day camp last week, but they also listened.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the runners logged miles, but also absorbed information from guest speakers and coaches. Mike Ewoldt and Kailea Wray of Peak Performance covered running equipment Wednesday morning before Jordan Luxa, a Washington County food, nutrition and health Extension educator, spoke to the athletes about their diets and more Thursday.
Then, on Friday, BHS head coach Darrin Harsin spoke to the grade 6-12 runners about training and the mental side of it.
Ewoldt and Wray started conversation about the importance of footwear during the first cross-country camp session. They warned about shin splints and said running shoes should always encourage proper bone alignment.
The Peak Performance representatives added that cotton socks can lead to blisters, and analyzed the Bears' feet to determine what kind of shoes would work best for them. Arch support was a common discussion point.
The Blair High School cross-country team and all teams participating in NSAA fall activities may begin official practices Aug. 9.
