Featured Runner “Heather Rickerl” July 2017


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.
One Response to “Featured Runner “Heather Rickerl” July 2017”
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!
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