WHO AM I?

HI.

I’m Rita. I’ve been a runner my entire life.

In elementary school, I would wait in the parking lot at soccer practice to be late on purpose. That way I would have to run laps instead of doing drills. Highschool I was obsessed with running, college my obsession ignited into passion as I competed as an athlete and completed my BS in Exercise Science from OSU. I have never stopped learning about my sport and exercise physiology. I most recently completed USATF level 1 Coaching certificate.

After college running remained close to my heart as I navigated the paths of life. I was a chiropractic assistant, a masseuse, a personal trainer, a strength and conditioning coach for collegiate football teams. Every season I would quit whatever job I had found and return to the career that has captured my heart almost as much as running. I always went back to being a wildland firefighter.

Over the past 16 years, I have worked on everything from handcrews to rappel crews. Every summer I have had to adjust my running goals and training to accommodate fire season's physical and time commitment demands. Every winter, I have worked to excel in my springtime fitness minimums. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a moment of it.

Today I live in Idaho. I am a firefighter on the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the middle school track coach. I run with my dog as much as I can. And I want to help others run more. Whether you’re just starting out, have a specific goal, or trying to juggle time commitments (like a fire season) and be more efficient in your training I am here to help.