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 14th 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.
Great read. Congrats Heather on your accomplishments. I live in Leadville and did the Grand Slam in 1989. I have several sub 24-hr. finishes and I’m lucky to have won a few 100’s. I would love to “friend you” on FB or chat some time with you to get to know you better. Wishing you all the best on achieving your goals which I know you will do as you are already an awesome trail runner. Keep up the good work and training!