Keeping a Positive Mindset When Things Seem Not So Positive
We’re delighted to have the smart and talented Nikki Peterson join Eliel as an ambassador for 2021! Nikki got into endurance sports at a young age, becoming an avid runner in 5th grade. She earned an athletic scholarship after garnering 11 state titles in cross country and track & field and graduated from University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Human Food and Nutrition. She worked in the Nutrition and Exercise lab for four years and has been published multiple times for research on vitamin D in the athletic population. She also became a Level 2 coach for USATF (United States Track and Field).
After a break from running to co-own two coffee shops for five years, Nikki found the mountain bike. Missing the competitive aspect in her life, in 2016 she jumped into a race and finished mid-pack in the Expert Category. She quickly made her way through Cat 1 (silver medal at USA Cycling National Championships in ‘16) and earned her UCI Professional License in one year. She then co-founded KS Kenda Women’s Elite MTB, which focuses on getting more women and girls on bikes by creating an inclusive and open environment with outreach in communities. At the same time, Nikki took online courses and earned her multiple subject teaching credential and M.A. in Education and Teaching.
Nikki is now the Program Coordinator for SoCal NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association). In this role she is responsible for the GRiT program (Girls Riding Together), Skills Coach Trainer program, marketing and social media, fundraising and sponsorship, among other responsibilities. She is Vice Chair on the Advisory Council for CAMTB (California Mountain Biking Coalition), which focuses on trail advocacy on the government level and collaboration of advocacy groups throughout the state.
Nikki believes that the key to reaching goals on the bike lies in keeping riding fun while pushing limits. She joins us today to share her thoughts on how to keep a positive mindset when the going gets tough.