NICOLE BITTER
Phoenix, AZ
Specialty:
Ultra-running, with a focus on the 100-mile trail distance
Nicole Bitter has been a member of the Altra team since 2015. It was also in 2015 when she ran the fastest North American time in the 100 mile on a trail. Nicole is a two-time USATF (USA Track & Field) winner at the 100-mile distance and two-time USATF trail runner of the year. She has been in the top ten at Western States three times and most recently won the Javelina Jundred in 2020. Professionally, Nicole is an attorney and leads the Midwest and West regions of compliance for Willis Towers Watson.
She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Zach and their pup, Stella.
Accomplishments:
I once ran the fastest 100-mile in North America on a trail (now second fastest time).
How fast do you think you could run a backwards mile?
What is one of your most memorable non-competition runs?
I will always remember running a weekly twelve-mile route in Dallas with some of my favorite training partners. It was always a highlight of my week.
If you had to pick one race or event this year that you anticipate will be your most proud achievement or moment, which one would it be and why? Do you have a special connection?
I am excited to run the Western States 100-mile event in June. It will be extra special, as the race was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t participate in?
Olympic track and field events, particularly the steeple chase and mile.
Do you have any quirky running habits?
I do not wear a watch as I prefer to run based on feel.
WOULD YOU RATHER:
Eat a slice of pizza mid-race or drink a milkshake?
Pizza.
Run on an empty stomach or a full bladder?
Empty bladder.
Do a beer mile or a milk mile?
Milk mile.
Run in the freezing cold or the sweltering heat?
Heat.
Be met at the finish line with your favorite beverage or favorite meal?
Beverage.
Come across a snake or a rat on your run?
Rat.
Run with a blister on your foot or a cramp in your side?
Blister.
Give up core work or stretching and still stay injury-free?
Stretching.
Run uphill in the first half of your run or the second?
First half.