Meet Erika Hoagland, DPT, who is a physical therapist and assistant editor at UltraRunning Magazine. Erika shares how she lives a flexible lifestyle enjoying her PT job, her editorial job, and her passion for running hundreds of miles. Read on to learn how you can live the life you want while staying healthy and fit in the outdoors. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? I’ve been an athlete my whole life, soccer being my main focus until I was 18 and now ultra running. I can’t imagine my world without fitness and sports. Deciding to become a physical therapist was a natural for me because it involves getting people back to their healthiest self so that they are able to live a fit and full life.

Your Job Title: Physical Therapist, Assistant Editor at UltraRunning Magazine

Company you are with now: Affirma Therapy, Impaq Therapy, UltraRunning Magazine

Website: ultrarunning.com

A typical (or not so typical) day in the work-life for you: A typical day for me includes a bit of Physical Therapy and work on the magazine. I work from home on the magazine so some days I just grab my coffee and walk upstairs to the office. I’ll send emails, collect/solicit content, look through hundreds of photos, etc. Then I’ll head out for a few hours at one of the life care facilities where I work as a Physical Therapist (PT). The great thing about my schedule is that it’s flexible and I’m not tied to a 9-5 in the office. And of course there is a run somewhere in there as well.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? Right out of PT school, I worked in an outpatient PT clinic full time and it started to burn me out. The beauty of PT is there are many fields to explore so I decided to try working with the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and really liked it. It allowed me to work on a part-time basis and it has kept things interesting by working in multiple facilities. The job with UltraRunning Magazine came with the territory, meaning by husband (then boyfriend) became the publisher and he needed some help. I thought my help would probably just be temporary but it has grown into a great position for me and I’m happy to be communicating with ultra runners, photographers and race directors every day.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I was born with the ability to be efficient, organized, and a genuine love of helping others. I have learned to not procrastinate, be flexible (which is sometimes very difficult for me), and take everything in stride. You need a thick skin sometimes in the publishing world since everyone has an opinion and not always a nice one.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Success is different to everyone but the advice I would give to others is follow your heart. Do something that makes you feel good about your contribution to society at the end of the day. Of course no job is all roses but there needs to be something that fills your heart while working or you stand a good chance of burning out.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Time. More time always.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.