Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year?
A rescue bunny wrangler, Heather Hart, joins us from the hot & humid training grounds of South Carolina!
Marital Status: Married
Number of Children: Two boys
Occupation: I am a certified exercise physiologist, and I spend my days working as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at a local gym, and also “run” (put totally intended) an endurance coaching business with my husband.
Years running: 11
Years running ultras: 3
Ultras I have done: Knock on Wood 100 miler Hallucination 24 hour (84 miles) Swamp Fox 50 mile Frozen H3 – 100K Endurance Society Infinitus (54 miles) Paris Mountain 50K One Epic Run 24 hour Xterra Myrtle Beach 50K
Favorite race and why: In 2015 my husband and I were fortunate enough to run the TransRockies Run 6 day event. It was life changing in so many ways, from pushing at altitudes we had never experienced (these “sea level” legs tackled 12,000+ feet above sea level climbs) to seeing the beautiful Rocky Mountains…to getting engaged on the top of Hope Pass in Leadville, CO. It was an adventure I will never forget!
Best results in races: I’ve had a number of overall placings and age group placings over the years. I think my favorite, however, was placing 3rd at my first 100 mile race. Mostly because I *almost* dropped out due to a medical issue (I had an umbilical hernia flare up! It was surgically repaired just weeks after the race) In retrospect, I certainly don’t recommend pushing through something so serious, but I was proud of my determination for finishing out a very tough event.
Tell us something about yourself, running related or other: A year and a half ago, my husband brought home an abandoned pet rabbit he found. I was so mad, we did not need that responsibility. And a rabbit? Who has pet rabbits? Now, we are the proud “parents” of three rescue bunnies who live in and free roam around our house. Forget cats, I’m slowly becoming known as the “crazy bunny lady”.
What’s your favorite way to train for Desert RATS: I’m very fortunate that my career revolves around exercise, so every day is an opportunity to become stronger. I’m currently focusing on heavy strength training, and getting ready to switch my focus back over to long distance running. I love running on our local trail here in Myrtle Beach, “the Hulk”. But when I’m not on the trail, the stair climber is one of my secret weapons!
What are your goals for Desert RATS: Goal number one is to finish! Goal number two is to mentally push through the heat. Goal number three is to smile through every mile, no matter how difficult it may get!