Running wild with words.
You can call me: Morgan or Mo
I’m a free range raconteur focused on the outdoors, human powered adventure, travel, food and public lands. My writing and photography is published by REI, Runner’s World, Trail Runner Magazine, Patagonia, Adventure Pro Magazine, Snowsports Industry Association, Gear Junkie and Archaeology Southwest.
In 2017 I wrote The Best Bears Ears National Monument Hikes, the first guidebook to the original area designated a 1.35 million acre National Monument in 2016. In 2018 I wrote (co-authored with Michael Versteeg) a companion guidebook, The Best Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Hikes, which heavily focuses on education, conservation, and public lands policy. My third book, Outlandish, is a series of short stories paired with recipes for the adventurous meals that “fueled” each epic. Both new books are available for pre-order and will hit bookshelves in March 2019.
When I’m not writing I’m usually exploring the world on a two-footed quest for new trails, hidden treasure and the next adventure. Currently I’m “basecamped” in northern Arizona but I spend most of my time living on the road, or more precisely, outside in the wilderness. You can keep up with my “Running Bum” adventures on Instagram.
Running: I started running when I was 9 and fell in love with racing and using running to incite my imagination while exploring the natural world. I competed in college for my childhood running hero Steve Scott at Cal State San Marcos where I was an NAIA All-American in track. Post-collegiately I chased personal bests from the 400 meters to the marathon, (specializing in the 5K/1500), training with the Mammoth Track Club for 4 years. In 2016 I dove feet first into trail running, which reignited my original draw to this sport–competition and exploring beautiful places. Most recently, running has become my vehicle to explore landscape for personal enjoyment and to gather content (writing and photos) for creative projects.
10th U.S. Trail Marathon National Championships, Moab, UT (Nov. 2017)
2nd Hideaway 50K, Winter Park, CO (Sept. 2017)–First ultra!
14th U.S. Mountain Running Championships, Cranmore, NH (June 2017)
10th U.S. Trail Marathon National Championships, Moab, UT (Nov. 2016)
6th U.S. Trail Half Marathon National Championships, Bellingham, WA (Oct. 2016)
2nd Place Carlsbad Marathon (Debut marathon) (January 2010)
2-time NAIA Track and Field All-American 10,000 Meters (2008/2009)
Read more:
5 Women Who Are Changing The face of Running
Runner’s World: Eat Like An Elite
National Monuments: Play, Love, Protect
