MayaZier

On July 17, three Marian varsity cross country runners made a trip up to Keystone, Colorado for an intense, high performance training camp. Sophomore Maeve Wharton, senior Caitie Slattery and senior Bridget McGill, all took training to the next level with the Summer Altitude Camps hosted by Peak Performance.

This training camp is for incoming high school freshman and current high school runners, to help enhance their endurance and speed by running in altitude just over 9,000 ft. on challenging terrain. This is a big jump from the 1,000 ft of elevation in Omaha. The cost runs from $975-$1,250.

When they got to the camp, they were split into different teams where they would compete in challenges together and attempt to win the trophy at the end of camp. On the first day of camp, everyone piled into vans and were driven to a lake where they ran around a trail. To cool off after their run, they all jumped in the lake together. This training camp also included fun activities such as making meals together, ultimate frisbee, team bonding games and even dance competitions. 

Despite all these enjoyable activities, this camp did not come without its challenges. The average mileage was four to ten miles every day. Wharton explained, “On the 19th, we climbed Ptarmigan Mountain, which is a summit in Colorado. It was very painful but very rewarding.” It showed her that, no matter the task, with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. 

The Hill Climb challenge was something that these runners were not used to and was a huge deal in the camp. “We had to run straight up a ski slope, which definitely tested our strength. Once we got to the top, it was time to turn around and run back down,” Wharton said. The runners also ran through a forest, over an aqueduct, and hiked up Loveland pass.

When they were not running they had speakers come and talk about different running skills. An Olympic coach talked to them about different running techniques and the best ways to improve. “A nutritionist from Skratch Labs came to talk to us about healthy habits and ways to make your body more energized,” explained Wharton. “Preston Cates, an Olympian, came to talk to us about his running experience and his Olympic stories.”

 Nike is well known for their running shoes, more specifically their trail shoes. Wharton said, “Nike Trail came with three ambassadors who fitted us for trail running shoes, which we got to borrow for the day. We then did a run called the “Blaire Witch,” while a Nike photographer got footage of us in our Nike shoes.”

The last day consisted of a short run around Keystone, saying goodbye, and getting picked up. Slattery described her favorite part of camp as “the drive back from a 13-mile run and just laughing with the other campers and getting to connect with them.” 

“I learned that running is more than just a sport. I found a community that was incredibly supportive and encouraging. From this experience, I gained a joy for running and gratefulness to be part of such an amazing community that I will carry with me into future seasons,” Wharton said.