A few years ago, Cat Morrison followed a hunch and started pedaling in her first 24-hour race. It was no ordinary race, either. The Montezuma’s Revenge started at her front porch and traveled almost endlessly through the peaks and valleys surrounding her home. Her goal was to keep pedaling for 24 hours. She did, and she won. This weekend, Morrison, 34, will be aiming for a U.S. title at the 24-Hour National Championships in Wausau, Wis.
Were you an athlete growing up?
I was, but never saw myself as very competitive or good at anything. I played soccer, ran track and delved into cross country running and nordic skiing in college. I always felt slow and had major insecurities about that.
What’s your best training technique?
Stick to the plan, but prioritize the most important rides. Life happens, and being flexible and relaxed helps me to train well but not obsessively.
Any specific goals for the summer?
I really want to try to compete at the 24-Hour World Championships in Laguna Seca, Calif., in September.
What is your worst injury?
I fall a ton while riding, but so far just scrapes, bruises and sore ribs have been some of the minor consequences.
Most frightening moment?
My first summer in Colorado (2003), I didn’t really ride bikes yet, so I hiked and ran more. I went for an early-morning walk up Torreys (Peak) and had to cross some hard-packed snowfields. Being an inexperienced outdoorswoman, I started traversing a snowfield while trying to dig my toes into the snow. I slipped and fell and went flying feet-first on my butt 60 feet down the snow, landing onto a huge scree field. The fear was indescribable. When I landed, I thought I was going to vomit from the rush of adrenaline.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
Mainly, I’ve learned that feelings come and go and I’ll eventually snap out of it if I tough it out long enough. Talking and singing to myself help, too.
What is the sickest thing you have seen?
That would be the hallucinations I experienced during the Kokopelli Trail Race last year, riding through the Salt Wash and on. I saw bear, cars and people that weren’t there, to name a few.
Whom do you admire most?
Definitely my parents, who had six children, me being the youngest and one of two redheads, which is a task in itself, I’m sure.
Any music that revs you up for a big contest?
Believe it or not, Mr. Cash and Mr. Nelson.
Best advice you’ve received?
Just keep moving.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
Bad races pass as quickly as they come, and there is always something to be learned. I’m happy to have a race that beats me down and humbles me, because when I’m able to overcome that mental challenge, I find myself stronger and more determined in mind, body and spirit.
