DAY AT CAMP
TRAINING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE CAN ENHANCE EACH OTHER
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
Primary Workout
7:30
Brunch
BIBLE STUDY
Mentoring/FREE TIME
training tidbits
SECONDARY WORKOUT
DINNER
altitude session
Other Activities
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.
Brunch
After the morning run, we relax and enjoy community and a healthy, homemade, all-you-can-eat breakfast.
BIBLE STUDY
In a small group setting led by an ALTITUDE staff member, we explore, discuss, apply, and are challenged as we study together.
Mentoring/ FREE TIME
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.
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.
DINNER
Share stories and laughs around the dinner table as you enjoy more of our delicious all-you-can-eat homemade food.
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.
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.
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.
Cali Werner
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.
Tyler Werner
Director
Fun Facts About Tyler
AKA: Tyler
Resides in: Houston, Texas
Graduated from: Sam Houston State
Running experience: Started running after meeting Cali to impress her but still can’t keep up
Current PRs: 3:26 Marathon; 0-40 miles per week
What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: I work for the Houston Fire Department doing fire fighting and EMT. Also, playing any competitive sport or exercises that can push my body and mind.
Favorite ALTITUDE run: Long run
Favorite Mammoth hangout: Sotcher Lake
Kevin Gideon
Counselor
Fun Facts About Kevin
Fun Fact: I ran an entire indoor track season with a broken arm.
Resides in: Longview, TX
Graduated from: Cedarville University & University of Central Missouri
Running Experience: High School and college, D2
Current PR’s: 1500-4:02, 5k-15:30, 8k-26:28, 1/2-75:25
What I do: Coach XC & Track at LeTourneau University. Coaching since 2020
Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake
Why I am excited for ALTITUDE: Because it’s the best week of the year! I am excited to meet new people and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!
Thomas Madden
Counselor
Fun Facts About Thomas
Resides in: Bozeman, MT
Graduated from: University of Virginia, 2017
Running Experience
XC/College: University of Virginia and UC Davis; 2017 Big West XC Conference Champion; 72nd at NCAA XC Champs 2017
Post Collegiate: SRA Elite
PRs: 13:53 5000m, 29:52 10k XC , 23:58 8k XC.
What I do when I’m not at ALTITUDE: Grad student at Montana State studying biomechanics. I enjoy kicking around a soccer ball, watching sports, reading, and hiking.
Favorite ALTITUDE Run: The Long Run to Hot Creek
Why I’m excited about being on staff: I’m excited to grow alongside other runners, share my experiences, and enjoy running in Mammoth Lakes! I love to help athletes integrate faith and sport and refine their passion. I am also stoked to train at an amazing place and grow in my own faith within a community of people who share that drive.
Emma Keesling
Counselor
Fun Facts About Emma
Fun Fact: Has climbed Half Dome in Yosemite!
AKA/Nicknames: E Kees, Kees, Eeek (gifted to me by my teammates?)
Resides In: Modoc, Indiana (the sticks)
Graduated From: Purdue University. Boiler up. Hammer Down. Hail Purdue.
Running Experience: 2.5 years DI collegiate, 2 years club, 4 years high school
Current PR’s: 18:15 5k, 21:56 XC 6k
What you do when you’re not at Altitude: Play frisbee with my dogs, farming, traveling, bouldering, cycling, hiking, make sick Spotify playlists
Favorite Altitude Run: Duck Lake
Favorite Mammoth Hangout: Looney Bean (matcha smoothie slaps)
Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: This camp is the perfect blend of runners, Jesus, nature, and fun times. Being at this place with these people feels like home. It’s always real. It’s always fun. It’s always real fun.
Chandler Maciel
Counselor
Fun Facts About Chandler
Resides In: Hanford, CA
Graduated From: Fresno Pacific University (undergrad), St. Mary’s College of California (Masters)
Running Experience:
College: Ran 2.5 years for Fresno Pacific University then ran 1.5 years at St. Mary’s College as a grad student
Post-Collegiate: Has moved to the roads and run two marathons so far: 2022 Twin Cities Marathon (2:29:59, 10th OA) and 2023 Houston Marathon (2:25:05).
Current PR’s: 1500m: 3:54.28, 5000m: 14:37.82, 10,000m: 30:18.82, 8k (XC): 24.34.4, half: 68:23, marathon: 2:25:05
What you do when you’re not at ALTITUDE: I’m a middle school teacher and high school cross country and track coach at Central Valley Christian. I love spending free time reading, listening to podcasts, and being out in nature.
Favorite Altitude Run: The long run to Hot Creek
Favorite Mammoth Hangout: The Looney Bean.
Why I am excited to be on staff with the Altitude Project: Altitude Project has been a place where I’ve gained a much better understanding of how my faith and running intersect and developed meaningful relationships with like-minded people. I’m excited to be a part of fostering that experience for everyone who comes to Altitude this year!
JOIN US SUMMER 2023
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?
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?
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?
What are the sleeping accommodations?
What if I have dietary restrictions? What is the food like?
What if my question isn't on this page?
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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