Rising Stars: Meet Jennifer DiCiesare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer DiCiesare.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a mountain girl through and through, raised in the Colorado Rockies. I hike, climb, run, horseback ride, swim, bike, fish, etc: my favorites being anything on dirt. Trail running has saved my life a few times over. I love traveling long distances on foot (ultra running, fastpacking, and backpacking) more than any other activity.

I started running in college to get away from a #metoo situation. At first, I hated it but then I learned there was a how to running. Once I learned the how I fell in love with distance and trails. I started running ultra distances before I knew ultramarathons (distances greater than 26.2 miles) were even a thing. I race obstacle courses and eventually was introduced to the Leadville Series, all the while working as a certified personal trainer.

When I became a momma to a sweet little boy who entered this world three months early my life changed and I realized there was little support for moms to continue running so I started towards my coaching certificates. Now with an autistic kiddo who has many other special needs who loves the outdoors I’ve expanded into coaching all on-foot endurance-type activities from running to hiking and backpacking, no matter your skill level.

love sharing my adventures with my little man. I’ve learned lots of moms want to adventure but are afraid or don’t know where to start when it comes to adding a wee one. I hope in sharing my stories (about life in general and my adventures) that other moms can learn and hopefully realize it’s not that scary (and even fun and therapeutic!).

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m first and foremost a full-time mom. Fitting in coaching is rewarding but can be challenging. Running your own business is never easy and I am definitely not the social media person businesses need today. Managing my own health my son’s health and a business is just a lot to have on one’s plate.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in coaching ultra distances. I’m known for actually teaching my athletes about mountain safety and survival and providing comprehensive individualized plans for each of my athletes. I believe in teaching them what they need to know so that they don’t actually need to hire a coach. I work with families that have neurodivergent kids and/or parents on a multitude of activities focused around how the outdoors and movement can be helpful. I hoping to guide a small group on a fall backpacking trip this fall (pending fires).

This summer I am thru-hiking the Colorado Trail with my four years old. I’m known as Momma in the Mountains because I’m always out in the mountains with my son. I started hiking with him at six months and backpacking with him at nine months old. Now we spend every spare minute we can in the mountains (and he might be the fastest downhill runner in the state – speedy kiddo!)

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Most quality certification programs have some sort of social group or mentor program to reach out to others with the same certifications as you.

Contact Info:

• Website: trailandultralife.com
• Instagram: @mommainthemountains

Image Credits
All: Jennifer DiCiesare