Despite an MS diagnosis in 2016, Justine is a dedicated runner, and not just a runner – an Ultra runner thanks to an effective immunosuppressive drug, dedication and determination.
After earning her PhD, she returned home to Portland from the East Coast to be closer to family and works for a charitable nonprofit, where she oversees research quality and addresses a wide range of policy issues globally.
Justine, a vegan, yogi, climber and cyclist, in addition to Ultra runner, aims to inspire others with MS to believe in possibilities and thrive, not merely survive.
Name: Justine Calcagno
Pronouns: she/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2024
Present-day outdoor activities: I’m happiest in the mountains and nature. I’m primarily a trail and ultrarunner. I enjoy long endurance adventures and trail races, preferably on mountains. I also enjoy rock climbing, road and gravel biking, and alpine and Nordic skiing. Really, give me an endurance adventure in the mountains and I’m a happy camper.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I loved Outdoor School so much! Growing up in Oregon we were lucky enough to get to go to a summer camp setting for about a week, during the school year, to learn about the outdoors and environment and explore nature. I loved it!
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? One of my best friends is a badass mountaineer babe, and she does a lot with the Mazamas. She encouraged me to take the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP). I have had very piecemeal learning around outdoor skills, climbing, mountaineering, etc. and I wanted a holistic course that could bring everything together. My friend thought BCEP would be perfect for that. And she was right!
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Be brave and be kind. Seek out the adventures that call to you. You are capable of so much more than you know. Be brave and pursue your outdoor recreation goals. And also remember that you share this Earth. Be kind to other people, plants, and animals. Pick up after yourself, leave no trace, and treat other people recreating with respect and kindness.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Lately I’ve been very inspired by the amazing women runners, mountaineers, and adventurers we have in Portland. Women are doing some incredible endurance events and adventures. It’s a really special community that I’m grateful to be part of.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. Recently I’ve been watching a lot of Sally McRae’s YouTube channel and follow her on Instagram (@Yellowrunner). She’s an incredible ultrarunner with strong will and determination and an inspiring spirit. I just started reading her book.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I would love to run or fastpack Wonderland trail on Mt. Rainier and see how quickly I can cover all 93 miles and 21,810’ of gain/loss!
I turn 80 in June, but enjoyed about 30 years of Mazama activities starting when I was 40! They gave me skills & loads of friends of all ages. It was such a pleasure to enjoy “groups (men & women)” as I did living in Europe, not just “dates (men)” as I did here in the U.S.