Why I run

I run because it’s hard. I’m not good at it and I’m certainly not a natural, but I think that’s what keeps pulling me back. I like to challenge myself, and running brings me those “highs” and “lows” that I can’t experience elsewhere. And, the scenery is pretty dang awesome too!

My favorite trail to run

I’ve gotten to run in a lot of cool places all over the world, but my favorite are the local trails at home in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen. My favorite last year was the Sugar Bowls Loop on Buttermilk mountain, a 10-mile loop with a few thousand feet of vert that climbs up to the top of the ski resort before traversing a ridgeline alongside epic views of Pyramid Peak before descending through open meadows of wildflowers (in the summer) or vibrant yellow aspen trees (in the fall). You can’t help but hoot ‘n holler when you’re running there!

What I hope to convey with my writing

I want folks to realize that trail running and ultrarunning aren’t just for the “hardcore” athletes of the world. You can do it even if you’re a mom who works full-time and wrangles a kid and fits runs in between her preschool pickup and goldfish snacks. So often, we hear from the icons of the world, but there is a lot more to running than just the names that fill the headlines. I want my writing to speak to the everyday people and weekend warriors who are getting it done amidst all of life’s responsibilities.

More about Heather

I’m a Colorado-based author and adventure journalist who wakes up thankful every day that I was able to convert my hobbies into a career. I’ve written five books (Backpacking 101, Sleeping Bags and S’mores, Women Who Hike, Moms Who Hike, and Hiking with Kids: Northern California) and while I’m highly unsure as to whether I’ll tackle another, I still enjoy telling shorter stories for publications like The Washington Post, Runner’s World, Outside, REI, and The Red Bulletin. I’m also the co-founder of WildKind, a Colorado-based community for outdoor families. But most importantly, I really love playing outside with my husband and daughter, the two wonderful souls who make every day better than the last.

Connect with Heather on WildKind, Instagram, or Twitter.