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hi, I’m Sarah

I’m a fitness coach, running coach, certified personal trainer, and breathwork coach who helps adventure lovers build epic endurance for hiking, backpacking and mountaineering trips.

 

My Story

I’ve been hiking and backpacking in Colorado since 1999, and I spent 2017 and 2018 learning high-altitude mountaineering and climbing all over the place. I’ve summited big peaks in Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, Bolivia, and Washington State.

However, I also know what it’s like to make a comeback starting from the very beginning! In 2016, I injured my hand severely and had to go through a surgery and a long rehab process. (Yes, all for a finger!) When I started to work out again, I was pretty much back at zero. It was a LONG road back, but one year later to the day, I climbed Mt. Rainier.

That’s how I know that you can too. Yes, even if you’re a beginner. Even if you live and train in the flattest place on earth.

 

Experience and Training

  • Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT)

  • Certified Running Coach (UESCA)

  • Certified Breathwork Facilitator (Pause Breathwork)

  • Master’s Degree in Counseling, Colorado State University

  • High Altitude Mountaineering Certificate, Colorado Mountain Club

favORITE TRIPS/FINISHES

  • Sangre de Cristo Ultras 50 K, Colorado, USA (2020)

  • Pikes Peak Ultra 50K, Colorado, USA (2020)

  • Four Pass Loop in a Day, Colorado, USA (2020)

  • Grand Canyon R2R2R, Arizona, USA (2019)

  • Cayambe, Ecuador (2018)

  • Mount Olympus, Washington, USA (2018)

  • Iztaccihuatl, Mexico (2017)

  • Huayna Potosi, Bolivia (2017)

  • Pequeno Alpamayo, Bolivia (2017)

  • Mount Rainier – Emmons Glacier, Washington, USA (2017)

  • Mount Ararat, Turkey (2014)

  • Kilimanjaro, Tanzania/Kenya (2009)

Attempts

Because every good mountaineer has them. I like to think of them as “unfinished” 😆.

Pico de Orizaba, Mexico (2017), Illimani, Bolivia (2017), Chimborazo, Ecuador (2018), Mt. Shuksan – Fisher Chimneys, Washington, USA (2019).

What’s Next?

Constantly under construction. Follow along on Instagram.

  • Grand Canyon R2R2R (Arizona) - March 2021

  • The Wild Canyon Ultra 25K (Texas) - April 2021

  • Bears Ears Ultra 30K (Utah) - June 2021

  • Volcanic 50K (Washington) - August 2021

  • Mount Whitney (California) - September 2021

  • Bear Chase Half Marathon (Colorado) - September 2021

  • Colfax Half Marathon (Colorado) - October 2021

  • Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon (Colorado) - November 2021

  • Dead Horse Ultra 50 Miler (Utah) - November 2021

 

How I help

 

My philosophy

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I follow the classic endurance training model, which emphasizes building strength and stamina through lots of medium-intensity training. You’ve probably used this approach if you’ve trained to run a long-distance race like a half or full marathon.

Classic endurance training can be a slow process, and it does demand time. But research shows it gets the best results for longer events like mountaineering trips. On a 15-hour summit day, you’ll definitely notice the benefits!

I’ve seen classic endurance training work for beginners, people of all ages and sizes, and those who have physical limitations (like bad knees). So there’s an excellent chance it can work for you!

 

Ready? Start here!