Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Ashley Horner’s Camp Valor Boot Camp here in Coronado. If you have not heard of Ashley Horner, she is a fitness guru, bodybuilder, competitor, triathlete, ultrarunner…you get the picture. But best of all, she’s a mother of three and a military supporter. In addition to all of her awesome trainers (that you can learn more about on her website at Ashleyhorner.co), she owns two training facilities, a clothing line and runs various programs…but again, you can read all about how awesome she is on her website. Another cool thing she does is host Camp Valor Boot Camps around the country. Luckily, since one of her American Sled Dogs training facilities is located in Coronado, she comes her pretty often to facilitate the Camp Valor Boot Camp.
So, what is Camp Valor? Basically, it’s an opportunity to workout with Ashley and her staff! It’s only $10 and the event runs for about 2 hours. No, you are not working out for the entire 2 hours (yes, she is hardcore – but not that crazy since all fitness abilities are welcome.) She also stresses that it is a family friendly event, so you can bring the kiddos if needed. I left mine at home since the event was held at the beach and I didn’t want to worry about them running into the water. You workout for about 45 minutes and the rest of the time is left for you to meet with Ashley, take pics and purchase merchandise. The fact that this event was on the beach was a catch 22 – it was great weather and beautiful scenery, but working out and sprinting in the sand was quite the challenge!
We were also asked to each bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. A few Marines were on hand to accept and sort the toys as well as monitor us during the workout to make sure we weren’t slacking and kept good form.
I didn’t take pics during the workout because I was just trying to survive (also, the margaritas the night before did NOT help). It was basically circuit training – using your own weight for resistance and sprinting around in the sand. There was also some partner work (i.e. squat walls, sit-ups, wheelbarrows – or is it wheel barrels? hmmm) and it ended with a plank challenge. The plank challenge was fun and reminded me that I really need to work on planks. Ashley said that the plank record for her boot camps is around 11 minutes and no male has ever won the challenge. On this day, a woman also won (sorry guys) and she held it for about five or six minutes. Prizes were awarded to the last three standing “plankers”.
Ashley and her team were really motivating and inspiring throughout the day. They were constantly pushing us and giving us lots of encouragement. After the event, I waited in line and spoke briefly with Ashley and got a picture with her. She really is incredibly nice and amazing in person. This was an awesome event and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get a great workout and be inspired, regardless of fitness levels (there were a couple of pregnant women participating along with some elite crossfitters – so anyone could attend). Checkout out future Camp Valor events here.
*This last photo is courtesy of one Ashley’s awesome team members.
So what was the SWAG?!
~A very sturdy and thick drawstring bag from BodyBuilding.com
~A sweet shaker cup from BodyBuilding
~A nice towel from Bodybuilding
~A drawstring bag from ReebokOne
~A full sample of Rock Tape
~A sample packet of muscle pain relief cream
~The amazing views of Coronado
~Free photo op and advice from Ashley Horner herself!
Again, big thanks to all of the sponsors! I think this event was well worth the $10 and I would most definitely do it again! If you are planning to attend one of her boot camps, be prepared to get sandy and sweaty! Also eat something before you go and bring lots of water and a towel! There will also be some merchandise for sale that runs about $20-$25 per item so bring some cash and/or credit card. Hope to see you at the next event!
Also, I had to represent Stroller Warriors on this beautiful day since it was held right next to a military base! 🙂
And to make the day even radder, it was also Armed Forces day! This meant that the streets of Coronado were lined with beautiful American Flags!
~SM
The Swag Mama 