Jenica Law (pictured wearing a Pursuit Hoodie) is a Mammoth Lakes-based multi-sport athlete who divides her free time between climbing, running, biking and skiing. Despite dealing with some injuries over the years, Jenica still manages to spend a ton of time doing the activities she loves, often wearing Ridge gear. We sat down with her to learn more about training and adventuring in the Eastern Sierra.
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1. You're a multi-sport mountain athlete. How do you balance all of your interests?
I have always been a multi-sport athlete. As a kid and through college this involved more typical sports including track, cross country, basketball, soccer, volleyball and even a short stint of rugby.
As an adult, I always wanted to get into mountain sports, so I transitioned to these in my mid-20s. Now, when it comes to climbing, running, biking and skiing, I tend to follow the weather patterns and what gets me most excited. This usually always includes rock climbing with a side of running. I love a double or triple sport day!
2. You also balance your time in the mountains with a full-time job as a physician assistant at Mammoth Hospital. How do you do this?
I’m fortunate to work in Mammoth where people understand the value of work/life balance. I typically work three days a week in one straight block and use these mainly as rest days. Occasionally during my work week I can get in a short training session, but I usually don’t have the energy or the time so I focus on getting good sleep, eating well and physical recovery.
On my four days off, I make it count! I’ve switched to being more focused on effort level in my climbing, which doubles as a training session since I usually don’t have time to devote to training in the way that we usually think of it.
If I’m bouldering, I am often trying at my limit. If I’m sport climbing, I’m more effort-focused — if I’m not falling, then I’m not trying hard enough. With the other sports, I try to pack a punch when it comes to my days out. If I’m too tired, then I focus on technique!
3. How did you get into running, climbing and mountain biking?
4. Any tips for people who want to get into trail running?
Make sure you build your miles up slowly, rather than immediately going out for 20-mile run in the backcountry! Most of us are too excited when the snow melts, but it’s important to build up appropriately so that you don’t have an early end to your running season.
5. What are your favorite places to run in the Eastern Sierra?
6. How do you stay motivated to run when it gets cold, or do you switch to other sports?
7. What Ridge gear do you wear for running, climbing, etc.?
