To kick off the high school cross country season, runners are invited to the overnight InStep XC & Distance Running Camp at Concordia University in Mequon from July 29 to Aug. 1, 2007.

Bob Corby, Calvin Deutsch and Tom Labisch of InStep Running and Walking Centers, and Russ DeLap, head coach of Concordia University are teaming up to lead campers in this pre-season challenge.

"Students will enjoy this camp because of the valuable tips to improve their performance for the upcoming cross country season," said Corby.

The camp is open to local high school boys and girls entering grades 9- 12 for the 2007-2008 school year. Campers stay in the Concordia University dormitories and receive expert advice on strength training, heart rate and short interval training, stretching, injury prevention, race strategy and preparation, nutritional guidelines, video running analysis and tips to prepare for college running.

The camp concludes with the second annual InStep 5k Cross Country Championship and Fun Run the evening of August 1.

The cost for the camp, lodging and food is $285. For teams with five or more members, the cost is $260. Each camper will receive a video running analysis, pair of socks, water bottle, camp T-shirt, coupon for footwear, sample training, stretching and strengthening programs and free registration for the InStep 5K on Aug. 1. Coaches are also welcome to attend the camp. The cost is $170 for coaches staying in the dormitories and $50 for commuting coaches. Application forms for students and coaches are available online at www.runinstep.com