Anita Ortiz
Anita Ortiz is Wonder Woman. The 41-year-old Eagle runner juggles life as mother of four and world-class trail runner. She races almost every weekend – sneakers in the summer, snowshoes in the winter – and she typically wins. She was the U.S. Women’s Mountain Running champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004. She won the Master’s division of Mountain Running World Championship in 2004. Four times she has won the annual race up Pikes Peak.
What is your best training technique?
My best training technique would be hill runs. I run some of them as short, fast repeats. Some are longer, slower grinds and some are hilly circuits. All prepare you for different situations in a race.
What is your worst injury?
This is a tough one. I broke my hip several summers ago. That was bad. But it got better after three months off my feet. Recently I totally ruptured my plantar fascia (the tendon that creates your arch in your foot). I tore it completely free. This is an injury that you can’t recover from. It doesn’t heal; I have had to learn to run differently.
Most frightening moment?
The mountain lion that crossed the trail in front of me at 4:30 a.m. in the pitch black. When he crouched on the side of the trail, and my headlamp made his eyes glow, it was scary to continue on. But what can you do?
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I remind myself how crummy I’ll feel in the morning if I let mental fatigue dictate the outcome. Can you live with yourself in the morning?
What is the sickest thing you have ever seen?
Besides changing the diapers for my four children? Nothing.
Who do you admire most?
My mom and dad. Really, that is not just a stock answer. I have a teenager now. I really admire my mom and dad. If you have a teenager, you know what I mean.
What music revs you up for a big contest?
Smash Mouth and Nickelback. Oh Yeah, AC/DC – anything on the “Highway to Hell” or “Dirty Deeds” CDs.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Take a recovery day. I am still trying to take this advice. But I know it is the best!
