training camps

Don't let the title scare you. In fact the CUH&H training camps are truly awesome and everyone should experience at least one. It’s actually more of a holiday where some people will train hard and some will use it as a chance to unwind, but everyone has a great time! No one is forced to do any running if they don’t want to! The next one will be the at the the Ocean Backpackers Hostel, Ilfracombe, Devon from Sunday 19th-Sunday 26th September 2010.

Contact: James Chettle jc490@cam.ac.uk

The venue is a massive building complete with space for 45 people, including a well-equipped kitchen, a games room and a TV room. Dorm rooms hold 2,4,6 or 8 people and all are en-suite. There’s a beach and many shops within walking distance of the hostel and 7 (yes seven!) pubs within 150 metres of the hostel.

We will be charged on a sliding scale depending on how many people come (so bring a friend!) but the estimated cost will be £55-70 for the week or around £8-£13 per day, excluding transport to the venue and food. There are plenty of places nearby to eat, drink, shop, try other sports or sample some local culture. You can secure your place by sending a cheque for a deposit (£25) cheque to James Chettle Clare College (paybable to "CUH&H"). Note for freshers awaiting A-level results: places can be reserved without deposit subject to obtaining grades. If you have any questions about what goes on during the week, you're welcome to get in touch. I should also point out that it's perfectly possible to come for a few days if you're not free for the entire period or would have to leave early for another engagement.

For those of you who have never been to a CUH&H training camp, here's what to expect:

Firstly no one is forced to do anything. We are a team in which EVERYONE is welcome. There will be some form of running going on twice per day but you can do as much or as little of it as you like. During the week there are usually one or two [rep sessions] available and possibly a hill session (though hills can simply be included in the steady runs). Some will go crazy and do it all. Others will run at most once per day. There is no pressure. For all it is a fantastic opportunity to build a great base level of fitness on which to build during the term.

When not running, the main activity will be eating. You would not believe how much a bunch of hungry young runners can put away. It is always self-catering and in previous years has given the budding chefs among the club a chance to hone their skills. There will be all sorts of hilarious banter, games, and challenges (usually involving cream crackers). There will be some crazy drinking, and not only of electrolytes, but again there is no pressure. If you don't want to drink, that's fine. You won't be the only one.

There will be plenty time for just chilling out (siestas are popular), as well as opportunities to explore the local area and even go for walks if you don't fancy running on a particular day. CUH&H training camps are, without fail, simply amazing and unmissable. Freshers who have yet to arrive in Cambridge are more than welcome. It would be the best possible introduction to the club and a great start to your time in Cambridge. I absolutely promise you it will be one of the best, most enjoyable weeks of your life. Email the Club Captain, Robin Brown, rbb29, ASAP if you are interested.

Your doubts laid to rest:
Below are a few of the reasons people often conceive for not going. As you will see there is no need to worry about any of them...

• Cost:
  It costs less to go on training camp than to live in college for a week. It'll also one of the cheapest holidays you'll ever get, and probably the most fun.
• "The training will be too hard":
  There will be so many people going that there will always be someone of your standard, or with your training interests. You only need do as much as you feel like, and the most popular person on camp is always the one who stays behind to make the porridge.
• "The training will be of the wrong type":
  People usually split up and do different things, from those who find marathons too short, to those who find the BUSA short course too long. Even 400m runners from CUAC come along! No matter what session you're doing, the landscape means it'll be spectacular.
• "I can't see the point" (or "I'd rather be in Barbados"):
  A week of running and relaxing is both a great way to give your training a bit of a kick start (and probably a massive boost), and also a great break from work. There'll be time to get out and do some sightseeing if you want, or just to chill out, before going back to Cambridge.

The 100 Point Challenge

During the training camp in Malham in September 2003, Darren Talbot initiated the challenge of accumulating 100 points over the course of the camp - one point being awarded for each mile run and each pint drunk. Since then, a tally has been kept on each camp. The entries below are in recognition of those Hareys who have successfully completed the challenge.

September 2003: Neil Mathur, Darren Talbot and Si Rutherford completed the challenge, Si accumulating over 100 miles.
January 2005: Neil Mathur completed the challenge again.
September 2005: Rowan Hooper got to 100 points in 5 days and 100 miles in 6 days.
January 2006: Pete Leek, Si and Rich Mathie all broke the barrier, Pete reaching 100 miles on the last day.

Training camp reports and 100-point challenge sheets

Over recent years it has been customary to write a short history of what happened throughout the week. The extensive CUH&H archives stretch back to 2003, though only the inaugural 100-point challenge result sheet survives to this day. For later years records are more complete. They will no doubt come in useful in the years to come if anyone mentioned within them becomes famous...

Cambridge University Hare and Hounds Training camps are supported by High Five, your sports nutrition specialists.

Last modified: Saturday July 17 2010 22:09:11