DAY AT CAMP

You found the ALTITUDE Project…So what happens here?  Scroll down and see what you can expect from your time spent with us.

TRAINING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN ENHANCE EACH OTHER

Have you ever felt unfulfilled chasing times and places in running? Ever wondered what else there is beyond the miles and trials?  The ALTITUDE Project was created to help you discover how the talents you’ve been given can be used to not just bring you pleasure, but glorify God and connect you to others

Staff members have been chosen specifically to help you grow in your ability to bring together faith and running.  Our goal is that you will leave this project able to integrate your faith into everything God calls you to do.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Here’s what a day looks like at the ALTITUDE Project.

Primary Workout

Runs take place in amazing landscapes, on soft trails, with other motivated athletes.  Runs are flexible and have been selected by successful coaches.

7:30

Brunch

After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.
10:30

BIBLE STUDY

In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.
11:30

Mentoring/FREE TIME

Want to see the town or catch a nap?  You’ve got time for those and much more.  In addition, once a week a staff member will meet up with you and spend time helping you grow and process.
1:00
l

training tidbits

Want to learn how to eat wisely, race smarter, rest better, and know those little things that will set you apart from the pack?  Take down some notes from our staff speakers who have taken down records and find your potential.
3:30

SECONDARY WORKOUT

One run just isn’t enough sometimes. Each day we have time for two runs or you can use the time to loosen up and get strong.
4:45

DINNER

Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious al-you-can-eat homemade food.
6:00
l

altitude session

Coaches, elite runners, and staff capably and vulnerably teach on topics helping you learn how to be more than a runner, but a follower of Jesus through the ups and downs of all aspects of life.
7:30

Other Activities

Want to get away for a day?  We take a day trip each week to some of the most beautiful and amazing places nearby: Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument & Rainbow Falls. 
x:xx

Primary Workout

Runs take place in amazing landscapes, on soft trails, with other motivated athletes.  Runs are flexible and have been predetermined by successful coaches.

0730

Brunch

After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.

1030

BIBLE STUDY

In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.

1130

Mentoring/ FREE TIME

Want to see the town or catch a nap?  You’ve got time for those and much more.  In addition, once a week a staff member will meet up with you and spend time helping you grow and process.
1300
l

training tidbits

Want to learn how to eat wisely, race smarter, rest better, and know those little things that will set you apart from the pack?  Take down some notes from our staff speakers who have taken down records and find your potential.

1530

SECONDARY WORKOUT

One run just isn’t enough sometimes. Each day we have time for two runs or you can use the time to loosen up and get stronger.

1645

DINNER

Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious all-you-can-eat homemade food.

1300
l

altitude session

Coaches, elite runners, and staff capably and vulnerably teach on topics helping you learn how to be more than a runner, but a follower of Jesus through the ups and downs of all aspects of life.  

1930

Other Activities

Want to get away for a day?  We take a day trip each week to some of the most beautiful and amazing places nearby: Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument & Rainbow Falls.  On a night off we’ll go worship under the stars or relax in some natural hot springs.

2401

Who Will Be at Camp?

At The Altitude Project, there is a team of staff and counselors committed to your spiritual and athletic success.  Each Year we pray and plan the project extensively so you will get the most out of your time here.

Nick Schuetze

Nick Schuetze

Director

Click to Learn More

Cali Roper

Cali Roper

Director

Click to Learn More

Tyler Werner

Director

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Fun Facts About Nick

AKA: “Shooter”

Resides in: Colorado Springs, CO

University: BS from University of Portland (UP) in 2004, grad studies @ UP, and I am taking classes at Denver Seminary towards a Masters in Counseling.

HS Track & XC: 8:46 3k, 4:03 1500m, 4th at Nike WA/OR Border Clash XC meet, 15:25 XC 5k

XC College: D1 Track & XC @ University of Portland: 9th at US Junior XC Nationals (2000), 2-time WCC XC Champion.

Post-collegiate: 1st place @ NACAC in mountain race (up and down) 12K ’07, 1st place @ St. George Marathon in 2:16:42, 48th in US Olympic Trials Marathon ’07 in 2:21:36.

PR’s: 4:12 mile (i), 8:18 3k (i), 14:12 5k (track), 24:23 8k XC, 29:52 10k (road), 66:30 half-marathon, 2:16:42 marathon.

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for CRU, a college ministry, at UCCS.  I run w/, mentor, and am the unofficial chaplain for the XC/track team. I also engage with other post-collegiate runners in Colorado Springs, dabble in photography, and have been known to ballroom dance.

Favorite ALTITUDE run: Deer Lake Hilly Run

Favorite ALTITUDE meal: NOT teriyaki chicken (dangerous), so fruit-filled pancakes!

Why I’m excited to be an Altitude Project staff member:  I love seeing athlete realize how to bring together their two great loves, running and faith, together in a way that brings God glory and demonstrates God’s love and truth to others.  This is a huge part of how I was transformed at the Altitude Project way back in 2005. I hope every runner who comes will experience transformation that enables them to know God more clearly and walk with Him the rest of their life.

Fun Facts About Cali

AKA: Cali – Cal – Califlower :p

Resides in: Houston, TX

Graduated from: Rice University (May, 2017)

Running experience

XC College: Division 1 Track

Post-collegiate: Houston Marathon: 2018 – 1 st Houstonian; 1 st in the 20-24 age group

Current PR’s: Houston Marathon: 2:48:55, 10k: 34.01, 5k: 16.14

What she does when she’s not at ALTITUDE: Loves the outdoors and exploring with her pup, calligraphy, beach volleyball

Favorite ALTITUDE run: Yosemite exploring and the mountain run

Favorite Mammoth hangout: Stellar Brew Coffee Shop

Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: I get the opportunity to be a part of other runners walk/run with Christ while doing something we all love and growing even more in my own faith.

Fun Facts About Tyler

AKA: TyTy

Resides in: Houston, Texas

Graduated from: Sam Houston State

Running experience: Decided to run a marathon

Current PRs: 3:46 Marathon 0-10 miles per week

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for the Houston Fire Department doing fire fighting and EMT. I also play kickball, volleyball rec leagues

Favorite ALTITUDE run:  TBD

Favorite Mammoth hangout:  TBD

Rachel Valliere

Rachel Valliere

Director

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Matt Sheeks

Matt Sheeks

Webmaster

Click to Learn More

Fun Facts About Rachel

Current Hometown:  San Luis Obispo, CA.

Graduated from: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (undergrad) and Liberty University (graduate school)

Running experience: Ran for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an undergrad (3 years) and Liberty University as a graduate student (1 year).

PRs:  5K: 17:34 3k: 10:08.

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE:  I works at a sports clinic as a deep tissue massage therapist, primarily on athletes and chronic pain patients. I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and love riding my bike and playing ping pong.

Favorite ALTITUDE Run: Deer Lake

Favorite ALTITUDE meal: Burritos

Why I’m excited about being on staff: I believe it is invaluable to be a part of, and help to facilitate, lives being changed for the better.  It is so cool to watch college athletes connect their faith to their training in order to build a stronger foundation of understanding their unique value and purpose which will help give a confidence for the rest of their lives.

Fun Facts About Matt

AKA:  “Sheeky,” “Freaky Sheeky,” etc.

Resides in:  La Grande, OR

Graduated from:  University of Portland, BBA (2005), University of Portland, MBA (2006)

Running experience: Stud college runner that turned into a triathlete.

XC College: 2005 WCC Conference Champion, 2006 All-Region

Post-Collegiate: 1st – 2009 ITU Amateur Duathlon World Championships, 1st- 2010 USAT Pro Duathlon National Championships, 5th Pro – 2012 Ironman St. George, 5th Pro – 2012 70.3 Ironman Mount-Tremblant, 6th Pro- 2012 Ironman Canada

Current PR’s:  3:50 1500m, 4:09 mile, 14:04 5K, 29:14 10K, 1:10Half, 2:52 Marathon (during an Ironman), 4:07 Half-Ironman, 9:08 Ironman

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: When not training or racing, you’ll see me coaching local triathletes and marathoners, mentoring college students and leading Bible studues through my involvement with EOU In Action, a spiritual resource for college students. If you have questions for Matt, want to discuss training, God, or life, I would love a personal email at matt@tritheos.com.

Favorite ALTITUDE run:  The run to Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Postpile

Why I’m excited to be an Altitude Project staff member: Mainly to see if I can make Nick Schuetze and/or Paul Davis suffer on a couple runs!  But other than that, I love the perspective that everyone who attends the ALTITUDE Project comes away with: (1) realizing there are people just like them all over the country striving to glorify God and make him known through distance running, (2) realizing that competition is a worthy goal for believers, and one that we can support each other in.

Who Will Be at Camp?

At The Altitude Project, there is a team of staff and counselors committed to your spiritual and athletic success.  Each Year we pray and plan the project extensively so you will get the most out of your time here.

Nick Schuetze

Nick Schuetze

Director

Fun Facts About Nick

AKA: “Shooter”

Resides in: Colorado Springs, CO

University: BS from University of Portland (UP) in 2004.   Grad work in Education/Coaching @ UP and Denver Seminary in Counseling & Theology

Track College: 14:18 5k, 4:12 mi, 8:18 3k

XC College: D1 Track & XC @ University of Portland: 9th at US Junior XC Nationals (2000), 2-time WCC XC Champion.

Post-collegiate: 1st place @ NACAC in mountain race (up and down) 12K ’07, 1st place @ St. George Marathon in 2:16:42, 48th in US Olympic Trials Marathon ’07 in 2:21:36.

PR’s: 4:12 mile (i), 8:18 3k (i), 14:12 5k (track), 24:23 8k XC, 29:52 10k (road), 66:30 half-marathon, 2:16:42 marathon.

What he does when he’s not at ALTITUDE: I work for AIA, a college athletic ministry @ UCCS.  I run w/, mentor, and am a volunteer coach for the XC/track team. I also engage with other post-collegiate runners in Colorado Springs, dabble in photography, and have been known to ballroom dance.

Favorite ALTITUDE run: Deer Lake Hilly Run

Favorite ALTITUDE meal: NOT teriyaki chicken (dangerous), so fruit-filled pancakes!

Why I’m excited to be an Altitude Project staff member:  I love seeing athlete realize how to bring together their two great loves, running and faith, together in a way that brings God glory and demonstrates God’s love and truth to others.  This is a huge part of how I was transformed at the Altitude Project way back in 2005. I hope every runner who comes will experience transformation that enables them to know God more clearly and walk with Him the rest of their life.

Cali Roper

Cali Roper

Director

Fun Facts About Cali

AKA: Cali – Cal – Califlower :p

Resides in: Houston, TX

Graduated from: Rice University (May, 2017)

Running experience

XC College: Division 1 Track

Post-collegiate: Houston Marathon: 2018 – 1 st Houstonian; 1 st in the 20-24 age group

Current PR’s: Houston Marathon: 2:48:55, 10k: 34.01, 5k: 16.14

What she does when she’s not at ALTITUDE: Loves the outdoors and exploring with her pup, calligraphy, beach volleyball

Favorite ALTITUDE run: Yosemite exploring and the mountain run

Favorite Mammoth hangout: Stellar Brew Coffee Shop

Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: I get the opportunity to be a part of other runners walk/run with Christ while doing something we all love and growing even more in my own faith.

Fun Facts About Tyler

AKA: TyTy

Resides in: Houston, Texas

Graduated from: Sam Houston State

Running experience: Decided to run a marathon

Current PRs: 3:46 Marathon 0-10 miles per week

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for the Houston Fire Department doing fire fighting and EMT. I also play kickball, volleyball rec leagues

Favorite ALTITUDE run:  TBD

Favorite Mammoth hangout:  TBD

Rachel Valliere

Rachel Valliere

Director

Fun Facts About Rachel

Current Hometown:  San Luis Obispo, CA.

Graduated from: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (undergrad) and Liberty University (graduate school)

Running experience: Ran for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an undergrad (3 years) and Liberty University as a graduate student (1 year).

PRs:  5K: 17:34 3k: 10:08.

What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE:  I works at a sports clinic as a deep tissue massage therapist, primarily on athletes and chronic pain patients. I am currently training for an Ironman triathlon and love riding my bike and playing ping pong.

Favorite ALTITUDE Run: Deer Lake

Favorite ALTITUDE meal: Burritos

Why I’m excited about being on staff: I believe it is invaluable to be a part of, and help to facilitate, lives being changed for the better.  It is so cool to watch college athletes connect their faith to their training in order to build a stronger foundation of understanding their unique value and purpose which will help give a confidence for the rest of their lives.

Matt Sheeks

Matt Sheeks

Webmaster

Fun Facts About Matt

AKA:  “Sheeky,” “Freaky Sheeky,” etc.

Resides in:  La Grande, OR

Graduated from:  University of Portland, BBA (2005), University of Portland, MBA (2006)

Running experience: Stud college runner that turned into a triathlete.

Current PRs:  3:50 1500m, 4:09 mile, 14:04 5K, 29:14 10K, 1:10Half, 2:52 Marathon (during an Ironman), 4:07 Half-Ironman, 9:08 Ironman

What he does when he’s not at ALTITUDE: When not training or racing, you’ll see me coaching local triathletes and marathoners, mentoring college students and leading Bible studues through my involvement with EOU In Action, a spiritual resource for college students. If you have questions for Matt, want to discuss training, God, or life, I would love a personal email at matt@tritheos.com.

Favorite ALTITUDE run:  The run to Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Postpile

Why I’m excited to be an Altitude Project staff member: I love the perspective that everyone who attends the ALTITUDE Project comes away with: (1) realizing there are people just like them all over the country striving to glorify God and make him known through distance running, (2) realizing that competition is a worthy goal for believers, and one that we can support each other in.

JOIN US SUMMER 2021

What if there were a place where you could train with other motivated college runners, receive expert advice from elite athletes, learn how God wants to use you and your abilities for greater things, and get an altitude training benefit all at the same time?  That sounds like running heaven!. We call it the ALTITUDE Project.  Take the leap and sign-up now before we run out of space.

FAQ

Who comes to camp?

The ALTITUDE Project is for collegiate distance xc runners who desire to train at altitude and grow in the Christian faith with other college runners.  If you have just graduated from college, you are also welcome to attend.

I'm graduating from high school this spring. Am I eligible to come?
Yes! If you are under 18, you will need to have the written permission of a parent/guardian.
What if I'll still be in high school next year?

Unfortunately, you must at least be entering your freshman year of college to attend the ALTITUDE Project.  In the meantime, check out Athletes in Action’s TUFF Camp at https://goaia.org/track/event/tuff    When the summer you are headed into college come along we would love to have you come join us in amazing Mammoth Lakes! 

What's the best way to travel to camp?

Fly or Drive!   Our travel days are the Sundays at the start and end of each week (July 21, 28th, and Aug 4th).

Driving: If you’re in driving distance please arrive !

Flying:  You have the 2 options below.

1) Fly into Mammoth Lakes, CA (MMH):  We can pick you at whatever time you fly in/out on Sunday. (This is probably the most convenient (although more expensive) way to get to camp)

2) Fly into Reno, NV (RNO): We will pick you up and shuttle you to Mammoth Lakes.  Your arrival flight needs to land at or before 2PM on Sunday.  You departure flight needs to leave at 1PM or later on Sunday.

How much do we run each day?
We are not your coach and do our best to accommodate your training plans. Most athletes run between 6-10 miles each morning, with the option of a second run or cross-training in the afternoon. However, the runs are flexible and can be tailored to your individual training needs.
Do you offer scholarships?

Oh yeah!  Thanks to our generous donors, we have some scholarship funds available.  Please complete our scholarship application and we’ll get back to you.

Are there any group discounts?

You betcha!   Five or more athletes from the same school receive a $30 discount off of each athlete’s fees.

Do I have to be a Christian to come?
No. Anyone who is open to learning about the Christian faith is welcome to come. We devote an equal amount of time to physical and spiritual development.
What are the sleeping accommodations?
We stay at Sherwin Creek Villas (condominium resort-style accommodations). Athletes share a room with 1 to 5 other runners of the same gender. The condo complex has a pool and two hot-tubs, so make sure to bring your bathing suit.
What if I have dietary restrictions? What is the food like?
Vons (grocery store) is right across the street. Our food is fantastic! We provide two healthy, home cooked meals each day (brunch and dinner). For lunch, athletes can eat leftovers or make a sandwich, etc. We provide plenty of snacks as well. You will never be hungry at ALTITUDE. (Each athlete is assigned to help prepare a few meals, so you might pick up some cooking skills as well!)
What if my question isn't on this page?
Email Rachel or Nick at altitudeproject@gmail.com if you have any other questions.

What are you waiting for?

THE ALTITUDE PROJECT

The ALTITUDE Project is committed to developing collegiate distance runners to excel in competitive running and Christian living. Your donation will be used to elevate the camp experience for those who come and scholarship athletes who wouldn't be able to come otherwise.

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