Break from the routine: Plan a running vacation

Colorado has had a pretty nice winter so far, but the cold and snow starts to get old in February. If you are finding you need something more to look forward to than a few spring flowers along the trails to spark your running, plan a trip to warmer weather and tour a new country or take your running to a new level with these spring camps and destinations.

ACTIVE AT ALTITUDE

Terry Chiplin and his wife Jacqui moved from Britain to Colorado back in 2006, purchased a property up in Estes Park, CO and started Active at Altitude where they host running and training camps throughout the year.

In April, they will host the Spring Trail Running Clinic with Nancy Hobbs. The camp will be held Thursday April 18 to Sunday April 21, 2013 in Estes Park, CO.

The weekend is for men and women runners who can already run at least 6 miles at 10 min / mile pace or better on road, and want to learn more about trail running, either as an established trail runner, or as someone who has just started and would like to know more about progressing in the sport.

A typical day at the Trail Running Camp includes meals, instruction on form and drills, time for rest and relaxation, a hike, discussions on trail running and of course, running the amazing trails in Estes Park, CO.

For more information on the Spring Trail Running Clinic, visit: http://activeataltitude.com/camps/trail-running-camps-2013/.

In May they will host the Women’s Running & Conditioning Camp – Level I which will be held Sunday May 5 to Saturday May 12, 2013.

In its 5th year, this series was created specifically for adult women. They are designed for experienced runners who want to rekindle their enthusiasm for running or possibly want to take their running to a new level. Whether its your first 10k, half marathon or marathon these camps will give you the tools and inspiration you are looking for.

“To be able to meet women with my same interests and spend an entire week doing activities to make us better athletes physically, spiritually and mentally, was an experience of a lifetime.” - Dena Jordan, NC.

For more on the Women's Running & Conditioning Camp visit: http://activeataltitude.com/womens-running-camps-2013

MCMILLAN RUNNING CAMPS

Greg McMillan is the well known exercise scientist, author and head coach of the McMillan Elite team based in Flagstaff, AZ. Greg has helped a wide range of athletes including Olympians to every day runners who are looking for that Boston Qualifier or just running their best.

In May there are two sessions of the McMillan Running Adult Camp held in Flagstaff, AZ. May 2nd - 5th or the 16th - 19th, 2013.

"Going to camp was the single best thing I've ever done for my running." stated camp participant Becky.

Camp Activities include, running on the beautiful Flagstaff trails at 7,000 ft., training clinics and advice from Coach Greg McMillan, video form analysis, and one on one attention. You will also have plenty of time to relax and enjoy downtown Flagstaff at night and the opportunity to meet and mingle with elite athletes.

For more information on this camp visit McMillanRunning.com/adultCamp.

MAYAN RUNNING ADVENTURE

Spend a week running trails in Guatemala at one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán. The lake sits at 5,000 feet elevation which makes the climate moderate all year long which makes for a great Spring Break getaway or any time you like.

Host Greg Jenson, an ex-patriot from the states speaks fluent Spanish and makes everything easy, from comfortable accommodations, satiating local cuisine including a refreshing fruit and milk "liquado" after your run, to sight seeing in the local towns along the way. Take a refreshing dip in the lake and enjoy a relaxing massage as a reward for all you've accomplished.

The trails will take you high above the lake, through Mayan villages, corn and onion fields, rain forests and coffee plantations, leading to spectacular vistas of the fertile valleys and the inspiring three volcanoes that stand sentry around the ancient volcano crater lake. You will have a chance to climb one, Volcán San Pedro, later in the week.

For more, visit: http://www.mayanrunningadventure.com.