2026
wildland firefighter
human performance summit
A [FREE] virtual workshop featuring experts in physical fitness, nutrition, exercise science research and development, recovery, and overall health and wellness
Start Your Next Adventure
Welcome to a space designed for ideas that move people. With a focus on quality, clarity, and connection, we're here to help you make an impact that lasts.
-
After 5+ years of being a professional strength and conditioning coach, including 2 seasons of coaching in professional baseball, Austin Womack became a wildland firefighter in 2019. Going from S&C to wildland was an absolute shock for him in terms of the limited resources wildland firefighters had access to related to physical health and training.
In his first season he was able to immediately experience first hand all the ways his training background and experience in strength and conditioning helped him on the fireline. He was able to use that experience to help a ton of guys on his crew with their fitness and injury prevention.
He knew with his education and passion for coaching that he could be a valuable resource for more than just guys on his crew, so he built Rugged Athlete LLC to be the go-to resource to help wildland firefighters all over the country.
Austin has his BS in Kinesiology and his MS in Exercise Science. He holds numerous S&C certifications including CSCS, TSAC-F, CF-L1, and FRC.
-
JJ has had several different paths that have led him to his current career as a nutrition coach. He was an infantryman in the Marine Corps after high school. He then jumped right into wildland by working on an engine on the Tonto NF in Arizona. Then he packed it all up and moved to interior Alaska, where he is now a dog musher training to run the Iditarod in 2028. All of these lifestyles made JJ realize just how crucial proper nutrition is if we want to live the way we do as firefighters.
JJ now consults with crews around the country on wellness and nutrition in an effort to provide our community with quality, applicable information and education.
He holds a BS in Dietetics and is a Certified Nutrition Coach.
Meet the speakers
-
Justin is a public servant and a human performance practitioner. After conducting research to assess predictors of occupational readiness for hotshots, he decided to gain firsthand experience with the Golden Eagles IHC where he currently serves. He also serves as the Director of Operations at Hotshot Wellness, a 501c3 non-profit organization that aims to provide wildland firefighters with preventative support and personal development opportunities.
Justin aim’s to dedicate his life to helping public servants achieve their health and performance goals. Justin is eager to work with the “boots on the ground” and equip them with the tools and strategies to become a more resilient and effective workforce.
Justin holds a BS and MS in Exercise Science. His certifications include CSCS and Patanjali Yoga Foundation (Rishikesh, India).
-
Heidi is a former wildland firefighter turned Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). She helps tactical athletes and backcountry adventurers dial in nutrition for peak performance, recovery, and longevity in demanding environments and occupations.
Heidi has nearly 10 years of experience fighting wildland fire and conducting fireline research on health, performance, hydration, and fueling. She is passionate about cutting through misinformation and filling the gap in resources for the tactical backcountry athlete.
She holds her BS in Food Science and her MS in Dietetics and is an active RDN.
-
Description text goes here
-
Austin is a seasoned ultrarunner and former wildland firefighter. He has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and previously worked as a tax preparer between fire seasons. He served for three years on an engine crew, followed by four years on the Silver State Hotshots and four years with the Boise Smokejumpers.
After a serious motorcycle accident threatened to derail his fire career, Austin discovered his passion for running as a means of recovery and a pathway back to his dream of being a Smokejumper. He started running to improve his fitness for firefighting, embracing the mental and physical challenges of long-distance running. He has competed in numerous ultramarathons, including a 250-mile race.
Austin now leverages his extensive experience as a firefighter and athlete to coach runners at all levels of the sport. Specializing in ultramarathons, he coaches for any race distance or adventure. As a UESCA Certified Ultrarunning and Running Coach with an Advanced EMT background, his deep understanding of human physiology, honed through years of high-intensity work and endurance training, allows him to provide comprehensive and informed guidance to the athletes he works with.
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here