Dream Run Camp is a first-of-its-kind, pro-style training camp that welcomes adult runners of all abilities. Developed by renowned author and 80/20 Endurance cofounder Matt Fitzgerald as a way to replicate for others the life-changing experience he chronicled in Running the Dream, the camp features a unique rolling attendance format that allows runners to arrive and depart at whatever times suit them. Dream Runners stay for one to twelve weeks in a comfy five-bedroom Team House nestled in Flagstaff’s Coconino Forest, equipped with a full gym, a mind-body recovery lounge, trail access . . . and Matt himself, who serves as the camp’s coach in residence.
Run with the Pros!
Dream Run Camp operates in partnership with HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, the same professional running team Matt trained with in 2017. Dream Runners enjoy the opportunity to run with NAZ Elite and work with the team’s world-class strength coaches, physical therapists, dietitians, massage therapists, and sports psychologists—just like Matt did before setting a personal best at age forty-six at the Chicago Marathon.
A typical day at Dream Run Camp looks something like this: Runners wake up on their own schedule and make use of one of two fully equipped kitchens to prepare their breakfast, which they might choose to enjoy on a back deck commanding a stunning view of the forest (and the occasional elk herd). When everyone’s ready, Coach Matt transports runners to the day’s group run, which might take place on one of Flagstaff’s infinite trail routes, or on Lake Mary Road (hallowed proving ground of many an Olympic runner), or perhaps in Sedona or Camp Verde, the elites’ go-to destinations for lower-elevation speedwork.
In the afternoon the group reconvenes at the Team House for Tea Time, where Matt serves tea and sits down for an informal session of “coach’s office hours.” The hours in between are free time, when those with work to do can get it done in a state-of-the-art home office located onsite, and those without work obligations can use the gym, the sauna, or the recovery lounge; cross-train in the backyard Endless Pool or on one of the camp’s ElliptiGO standup bikes; go for a run on the immaculate trail network that skirts the property; get a massage from an NAZ Elite-affiliated masseuse or meet with another member of the team’s support staff; or get out and enjoy the Flagstaff area’s many attractions, which include Lowell Observatory, Northern Arizona University, and the Grand Canyon.
At dinnertime, Dream Runners may again make use of the kitchens to prepare their own meal, or, if they don’t feel like cooking, they can take the easy route and enjoy fresh meals prepared and delivered by Dream Run Camp dietitian Abby Chan of Evolve Flagstaff or take advantage of Flagstaff’s many fine eateries. Post-dinner, Dream Runners are encouraged to turn on one of four big-screen HD televisions to catch up on their favorite shows, watch the sun set from the aforementioned balcony, enjoy an evening walk, gather around the fire pit, or enjoy private time.
The camp schedule also features a number of weekly and special events. On Tuesday afternoons Matt hosts “Live from Dream Run Camp,” where a local professional runner or other running luminary drops by to answer questions from those present while a live YouTube audience looks on. On Thursday mornings Dream Runners participate in the Bagel Run, a cherished tradition of Flagstaff’s vibrant running community, and on Friday afternoons there’s another group run, this one hosted by NAZ Elite. Special events range from meetups with Team Run Flagstaff (the city’s largest running club), racing opportunities that include the annual 4th of July Flagstaff Downtown Mile, and community happenings such as Flagstaff Art in the Park.
Customize Your Experience
Dream Run Camp offers two levels of experience: An affordable Pro Experience and a more inclusive and feature-rich Elite Experience. Here’s a breakdown of services at each tier:
| Pro Experience (1-week minimum ) | Elite Experience (2-week minimum) |
| · Stay in room of your choice at the Dream Run Camp Team House (subject to availability) · Access to all Team House facilities and equipment · Free signed copies of Running the Dream by Matt Fitzgerald and Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow) by Matt Fitzgerald and Ben Rosario · Dream Camp partner swag and t-shirt · Free demo of HOKA running shoes · Weekly opportunities to meet and run with NAZ Elite team members · Free coaching consultation with Matt Fitzgerald · Pay-as-you-go access to NAZ Elite affiliated strength coaches, sports dietitians, sports psychologists, and massage therapists · Option to receive prepared meal deliveries from Evolve Flagstaff (cost not included) | · Stay in room of your choice at the Dream Room Camp Team House (subject to availability) · Access to all Team House facilities and equipment · Free signed copies of Running the Dream by Matt Fitzgerald and Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow) by Matt Fitzgerald and Ben Rosario · Dream Camp partner swag and t-shirt · Free pair of HOKA running shoes · Full in-person coaching from Matt Fitzgerald for the duration of your stay · Weekly opportunities to meet and run with NAZ Elite team members · 1 free consultation with each of the following NAZ Elite professionals: strength coach, sports dietitian, sports psychologist, Coach Ben Rosario · 1 free massage from an NAZ Elite-affiliated massage therapist · Daily access to DRC Uber and WeWork services · Option to receive prepared meal deliveries from Evolve Flagstaff (cost not included) |
As a mission-driven venture, Dream Run Camp is priced at a minimum viable level to ensure the experience is accessible to runners of varied means. Here’s a breakdown of costs:
| Pro Experience | Elite Experience | |
| First Week | $500 | $700 |
| Each Subsequent Week | $300 | $500 |
| Room with Semi-private Bath | +$25/week | +25/week |
| Room with Private Bath (Master Suite) | +$50/week | +$50/week |
| Double Occupancy (with non-participating partner) | +$25/week | +$25/week |
| Double Occupancy (with participating partner) | +$150/week | +$250/week |
To celebrate its Grand Opening, Dream Run Camp is offering a 20 percent discount to 80/20 Endurance newsletter subscribers who book a stay that begins (but doesn’t necessarily end) in May 2023. So, for example, if you’d like to purchase a six-week single-occupancy Elite Experience in a room with a semi-private bathroom, which would normally cost $3,350, you will pay only $2,680 provided your stay begins on or before May 31st. If you’re interested in booking, or if you have questions, contact Matt Fitzgerald directly at matt@8020endurance.com.
