Intro by Aude Hofleitner
I first met Morgan in 2019 at the Back on my Feet fundraiser, a week before we both ran The North Face 50K in Marin/San Francisco (and we recently realized we had both ran our first 50K the year before at the Woodside Ramble as TNF had been canceled due to smoke from the Camp Fire). We have since followed each other and crossed paths many times at both road and trail races so I was excited to see her join our Truckee/Tahoe community and contribute with her endless energy and knowledge. Here is more about Morgan…
Where are you from and where do you live now?
Upstate NY – now i’m in Reno, NV
When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
Longer distance didn’t come until later in my running career. I started out as a 400 hudler then went to the road marathons after college and completed my first ultra after moving to SF in 2018. I made friends in the running community that showed me the ropes on the trails and now i love pushing myself and testing all race distances. I’ve always enjoyed testing myslef and trying out different distances.
Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
I find motivation internally, i want to see how i can push myself as an athlete, how I can train and prep myself and push to different limits, weather that is in speed or distance.
Photo credit: Stuart Hartlen
Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?
As a west coast ultra runner, Wester States would be sick. I also have my eye on a few longer FKT routes in the Reno/Tahoe are that I’m stoked to tackle next year.
What was the best running advice you’ve received?
Something I always think about when i’m having a hard time is that “everything ends” similar to the “this too shall pass”. Eventually that run, that race, that hard moment will be gone, you just need to keep your head down, breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You’re going to wake up the next day and think that time really flys by.
Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?
I have really been loving the Precision, Hydration chews lately they taste like Turkish delights. as long as the hydration mix does not contain Stevia. I’m pretty much down for whatever. Skratch has been my favorite thus far. when in doubt, I’m always reaching for an Uncrustable.
Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
I have more of a type B personality so my recipes generally just include throwing all of the ingredients into a bowl with a protein, a starch, and a vegetable and sauce. I like to keep it easy.
What was your favorite recent running experience?
This year, 2025, I, with my five teammates, ran the speed project. A relay race from LA to Vegas. That is something I will never forget. as my move to Reno has been recent, lately, I have been exploring the northern side of the Sierra, Nevada mountain range, and all of the trails around Lake Tahoe, which have me in awe that we get to live here
What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
I feel like anytime I race I’ll learn something new. You learn more about yourself, what works for your training, and learn how strong your mind really is. I always try to have conversations with myself out on course or when i’m doing solo long runs out in the wilderness – you really learn who you are, and learn to love it!
What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
For the remainder of 2025, I will be racing Peavine Peak here in Reno, Mammoth 50K, spinning, pretty sure, I will be racing Rio del Lago 100 miler again. Still trying to lock down my travel for the fall!
What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training?
I always been involved in running and the running industry. Last year I took a dream role for myself at Brooks running. I create educational running content for retailers and for social. I get to go out and engage with run clubs and stores and communities and capture content that tells a story to the audience. on top of that, I am also a running and strength coach. I went to school for exercise science to understand how running works, and how strength training and moving your body and becoming a better athlete can maximize your experience as a human being. I love working one on one with clients to help them achieve their goals no matter if that is running their first mile or completing their first hundred miler. Luckily, a lot of my work is testing out products for Brooks and capturing content so I can plan a lot of my easy runs around filming footage for new products
What led you to join DPMR?
I’ve had the utmost pleasure of being friends with Krissi since 2019. When I decided it was time to leave the bay area, she graciously welcomed her home and her community to me. I quickly discovered the wonderful people attending the social runs, and knew it was going to be crucial to have a group to run with during the winter. We love having accountability buddies when it’s freezing cold outside.
What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
I think every chance you get to meet someone new and can feel instantly connected while out on a trail run is such a bonding experience that I have had multiple times at the Tuesday Social Runs.
Favorite local trail?
Having lived up in Tahoe Donner, running along the ridge trail is always spectacular. I also have to give major kudos to Castle Peak. I have done that trail in every season and every time I stop to take in the majestic views.
Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run?
I think I answered this in the running advice question.
Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?
I haven’t grown up running in the early 2000s that wasn’t really an option. I like to save music for the days I need that extra bit of motivation. When I do throw my headphones on, it’s always throwbacks and more specifically any pop punk from the 2000s.
Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?
Sleep is always key. I know we typically hear the eight hours rule when sleeping, but that is for the general public. All the extra stress from running requires much more sleep than that. I also make sure to get more protein into my diet. That is really going to repair your muscles and help you recover faster.
Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?
Play now that I’ve said I work for Brooks. Feel the need to hype the product. What I will say is that I think a crucial piece of gear, especially for trail runners is your vest. I believe that spending time finding the right fit for you is going to make your experience that much more enjoyable. I have had the same Solomon pack since 2018 and it’s still going strong. Unfortunately, I do believe it is no longer sold, but is the S lab 3L.
What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?
I’m thankful any time that I can get outdoors. I love to rock climb, bike, swim, paddleboard, and try to do most of this with my puppy pal, Echo.
Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?
I am also into motorized sports. My dad got me my first snowmobile when I was five years old and also got me into racing motocross in my early teens.
🩷 thanks Aude! Has been great to run with this community.