I believe that we are all capable of incredible things.  With a belief in oneself and help from other people (and the right coach!), we can do many, many things that otherwise might seem impossible. I also believe that a great athlete doesn't necessarily make a great coach.  A coach should be knowledgeable, available, flexible, experienced, have a strong ability to troubleshoot and motivate, have a professional understanding of the science of proper training techniques, and most importantly, have a connection and care for the athletes we coach. As a licensed physical therapist with many years of experience helping people live their most full lives, and my own personal ultra-running background, I have the perfect blend of experience, knowledge, and passion.

Personal

  I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1994 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree and I also received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis in Chemistry and Physical Science from NAU. I later completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Montana. I own a private physical therapy practice in my community.

 From a young age, I was fascinated by human movement and the art of caring for others. I've been privileged to participate in humanitarian efforts in West Africa to help teach healthcare workers skills to rehabilitate those in their native communities.  I am a UESCA certified ultra-running coach, a level 1 NICA mountain bike coach, and am on the Board of Directors for a local health center.

     I am the married mother of three children who are the loves of my life. In addition to ultra-running, I have many personal hobbies including reading, mountain biking, climbing peaks, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or anything that takes place outdoors. 

My Running Background

I started running as a teenager on my High School cross-country team. I loved the friendships I made and experiences I had during those years.  During college I used running as a form of stress relief, and sadly, as a form of weight control.  Once again, I found my friendships deepened and my love of the outdoors increased as I spent time running. After college I had a desire to try a marathon but  when I was in graduate school I suffered a serious ankle injury and wasn't sure I would ever be able to run far enough to train for a marathon. However, with the encouragement of friends and a seriously stubborn attitude, I was able to run my first marathon and I was HOOKED!  After running dozens of small town and big city marathons including Boston and New York City, things evolved over the next 15 years and I slowly moved more to trail runs and multi-day adventures in the mountains.  I had grown up backpacking and hiking in the beautiful mountains of Idaho and Wyoming and I found a special kind of peace outdoors no matter the season. I also did multiple long-course triathlons (traditional and off-road) and dabbled in mountain bike racing during those marathon-running years.  I had run some shorter trail races but I had always wanted to do a 100 mile race. As I worked my way toward my 100 mile goal I was able to see so many beautiful parts of the world and spend many hours with friends and family.  In the process I've finished dozens of ultra races from 50k to 100 miles, fast packed, adventure raced, and done adventure runs in places no one is allowed to go except on foot. I have a deep desire to share my love of the trails with you and hope you achieve your dreams!