Featured Runner “Heather Rickerl” July 2017

July 5th, 2017 Tags: amazing, badassery, Being Epic, Featured Runners, motivation, perseverance, ultrarunning, unstoppable, why
Posted in Announcements, Featured Runners, Funny, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Philosophies, Preferences & Opinions, Tips, Training

Heather Rickerl (in her own words): I was born and raised in Indiana, but I have been in Colorado Springs, Colorado almost 17 years.  I am married to my best friend Brad and this year we will celebrate our 14^th wedding anniversary.  I am a proud Air Force veteran.  I work for USAA as a senior financial specialist.  I am currently half way through my masters in Human Resources.

I started running in 2011, so that I could quit my nasty smoking habit. I did not ever touch another cigarette, but I have also not ever stopped running.  I have ran all distances up to 100 miles, and I find that 100’s are my favorite race.  I love the challenge and unknown of how the race will turn out.  When I am not work, doing homework, or going to school we love to spend time at our many breweries that we have in Colorado.  I also love spending time in the mountains hiking with my dogs.

THE BASICS

Date of Birth:  February 12th

Place of Birth: Clinton, Indiana

Currently Residing:  Colorado Springs, CO

Marital Status: Married

Heather with her husband, Brad, at the summit of Pikes Peak.

Job(s): Senior Financial Specialist at USAA.

Children: 2 furry ones

Height:  5’2″

Weight: 107 lbs.

Shoe Size: 7

Best Physical Feature: Eyes

Worst Physical Feature: Hair

Religion: Catholic

Political Affiliation:  Republican

Educational Background: BS in Marketing and pursuing a Masters in Human Resources.

Personal Strength(s): Loyal, Hard worker, Persistent.

Personal Weakness(es): Have a hard time saying no; very critical of myself.

Make Of Car You Drive: Nissan Titan

Make Of Car You Would Like To Drive: Jeep Wrangler

Pets: Miniature Schnauzer named Murphy and a Black Lab named Molly.

FAVORITES

Favorite Author: Dean Koontz

Favorite Book: Too many to pick one.

Favorite Non-running Magazine: Women’s Health

Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Musical Performer: 3 Doors Down

Favorite Spectator Sport: Football

Favorite Subject in School: Math

Favorite Game:  Cards Against Humanity.

Favorite Vacation Destination: California and Disney

Favorite Time Of Day: Morning

Favorite Item Of Clothing: Nike running shorts.

Favorite Non-Running Leisure Activity: Hiking

Favorite Running Shoe: Hoka’s

Favorite Food/Drink Before An Ultra: Bagel with peanut butter and black coffee.

Favorite Food/Drink During An Ultra: Ramen Noodles and what sounds amazing at that moment.

Favorite Food/Drink After An Ultra: Beer and a burger.

Favorite Crew/Pacer Person(s): Chandy Paige for pacing and my Mom for crewing.

Favorite Place To Run: Pikes Peak

Favorite Type Of Running Surface: Trail

ULTRA STUFF

Number of Years Running Ultras: 4

Number of Ultras Finished:  8

Best Ultra Performance(s): Prairie Spirit Trail 100 Miler in 2015

Most Memorable Ultra: Honey Badger, cause I saw many things that weren’t really there.

Typical Training Week(s) Before A Major Race: 40-50 miles and back-to-back weekend runs.

Injuries: 0

Ultrarunning Idol: Anton Krupicka

Why Do You Run Ultras:  The feeling of accomplishing an ultra is un-explainable.

Advice For Other Ultrarunners: Never give up no matter how bad it may seem.

ACHIEVEMENTS / GOALS / MEMORIES

Personal Hero: My Grandfather

Personal Philosophy:  If you think you have it bad, look around.  Someone always has it worse.

Short-Term Goal: To set a new PR on my ascent of Pikes Peak in August.

Long-Term Goal: Sub 24 hour hundred miler next year.

Most Prized Possession: My wedding rings.

Most Proud Achievement: Finishing my Bachelor’s degree.

Happiest Memory: The day I married my best friend.

Secret Ambition/Fantasy:  Can’t tell! Lol!

Greatest Adventure:  I want to hike the Colorado Trail from start to finish one day.

DISLIKES / FEARS

Least Liked Subject: English

Least Liked Household Chore: Mopping

Pet Peeve(s): Unmade beds, open shower curtains, dishes in the sink, and drivers not using turn signals.

Greatest Fear:  Snakes

SPARE TIME

Book Currently Reading: I’m on summer break, so I spend my spare time in the mountains.

Collections: Willow Tree figurines.

What’s next: Focus on some speed and hill training, so that I can achieve my goal of a sub 24 hour 100 Miler.

Heather on the cover of Ultrarunning Magazine with Greg Gray & Michelle Pope at The Hawk 100 Miler.
Heather & Greg were in the process of completing their 3rd leg of The Kansas Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.