PAAVO WEST

The Alumni Perspective

By Pat Wylie

DAY 14 Town to Town Run

Today was a big one. Like almost every Paavo the final run decides the overall feeling of the camp. This run really showed me how all Paavo runners that come through these camps have to possibility of bringing back more than what they came with. Of course, we will be bringing back some Minnesota rain in my sleeping back and suitcases, but those will dry out eventually. We have learned here that no one can take away what we know and what we have done. A true key experience, especially one gained at Paavo, changes you forever. Looking back on the first day I remember when everyone was quiet and maybe a bit tense. Now I have seen them all run with authority, become friends, and work hard together. Ive gone to be every night with some sort of rewarding feeling. Coming on this camp, getting to learn from these runners, and gaining a new perspective of the real world, has been more rewarding than I thought it would be. After our tent door broke in Adair, Iowa, I didnt know what kind of experience to expect. But I can say truthfully at the conclusion of our adventure that it has been one positive experience after another. The Paavo Positive Attitude is a crucial ingredient in excellence in distance running. The runners have been provided with many positive experiences and they should bring those home with them.

Of course, you never come back the same either. A Paavo runner once defined the Paavo Adventure as this, When you go somewhere youve never been, when you do things youve never done, and when become someone you never knew you could be. Its an experience that lasts. PAAVO TRADITIONS Drive Home 1. Exit Sheets 2. The Only Morning R&R After a Hard Run Training Benefits 1. Glycogen Depletion 2. Longer Faster Conversion