Rok Krar on his summer ultra camp

This summer, Canadian trail sensation Rob Krar will host 20 aspiring ultra runners for a weeklong training camp in Flagstaff, Ariz. The camp will be held July 5-11.

The Western States 100 champion will show his guests how he trains, where he likes to eat and will run them through some of the most beautiful vistas in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon.

Canadian Running: Where did the idea for this ultra camp get started?

Rob Krar: It’s been a fun and exciting ride the past few years and the idea of hosting a camp has been planted in my mind from the beginning. I’m taking a step away from my full-time work and this is offering me the opportunity to become more invested in the ultrarunning community and hopefully give back more than I’ve been able to thus far. I truly believe Flagstaff is one of the greatest towns in the world to be an ultrarunner and I look forward to showcasing what it has to offer.

CR: Has there been a good response? Is it full or are there still spaces available?
RK: With it being the inaugural year, I didn’t know what kind of response to expect. There’s several great camps and retreats for folks to choose from. We’ve been pleasantly surprised with the response and, although a few spots remain, we’re hopeful to have a full camp come July.

CR: What can those who come expect from the camp? Is it meant to be similar to a week of training how you train, or more of a fun week away?
RK: On top of the great runs, our guests can expect a week full of expertise and advice through various workshops, entertaining and inspiring guest speakers – Stephanie Howe, Andy Jones-Wilkins and Ian Torrence – two meals at our home cooked by my wife and author of FeedingtheFrenzyBlog.com, amazing dinners at our favorite restaurants in town and, most importantly, a fun and memorable running vacation exploring all that Flagstaff has to offer.

Although the camp is targeted towards ultrarunners who have at least some experience training for and racing endurance events, our camp is open to all levels of experience and we’ve designed the days to accommodate everyone. All the runs will have mileage options and guides to lead the way. We’ll be able to customize to what each individual hopes to accomplish during the week.

CR: What do you think would surprise visitors who come for the camp the most about Flagstaff and how you train?
RK: The diversity of the trails and surrounding areas will blow people away. We’ll be traversing the trails of the San Francisco Peaks, from picturesque aspen groves to high, alpine ridges and finishing at idyllic picnic spots. We’ll drop down to the red rocks of Sedona to play on a stunning network of slick rock trails with the run finishing at a great swimming hole on Oak Creek. And of course we’ll visit the Grand Canyon. It’s an icon out our back door and not to be missed. The week will offer a glimpse not only into my own training but into the training of some of the most talented runners out there.

CR: How has your own training been going? Has it been any different this year?
RK: It’s been a fun winter that began with a two-month break from running after a long 2014 season. A lot of hours on the mountain ski mountaineering, similar to the past few winters. I hit my first skimo race a couple weeks ago. The Power of Four – and have another skimo race coming up end of the month – The Grand Traverse. I suspect skimo racing will be a large part of my winter next season. It’s something I’ve quickly found a passion for. Over the past few weeks, I’ve begun transitioning back to more running and feel strong and healthy for the start of the new season.

CR: What’s your race schedule looking like?
RK: I’ll kick off the season at the Lake Sonoma 50M in a couple weeks before directing my focus towards a return to Western States. I’m excited to hit my first international ultras in the second half of the year in France for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in August then Japan for Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji in September.