About Morgan
Morgan grew up in northeast Nebraska and didn’t have the passion for endurance sports until her high school years. In high school she played golf and tennis, but took up running as a way of getting into shape. Her father passed due to health complications and this was a major turning point for Morgan. She was considered overweight and obese and her nickname was Chimney Chaffin because of her smoking habit. She kicked her bad habits and found exercise was a great way to cope with the loss of her father.
Morgan completed her Associates of Applied Science and as Physical Therapist Assistant and Masters in Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She was a graduate research assistant and published two research studies related to cycling pacing and female endurance athletes and delayed onset muscle soreness. After completing her education she began to focus solely on triathlons, and endurance coaching. She raced as a professional triathlete from 2010-2020. Morgan shifted her professional goals to gravel cycling in 2021. In 2021 she won the Robidoux Quick and Dirt, was the 2nd overall female in the Gravel Worlds 75 mile, and 3rd overall at The Rad 100 mile.
Despite being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2022 she had some great finishes in gravel events. She was 5th AG at Unbound 200 mile, first overall at the La Grind Stage Race, first overall in the Snaggy Ridge 105, and 2nd at the Little Sugar while losing a cleat at mile 22.
Currently Morgan coaches’ triathletes ranging from ages 35-75 and heads the masters swim program at Lifetime Fitness. She has coached five athletes to Ironman Worlds in Kona and has several athletes qualify for 70.3 Worlds. Morgan has great passion for endurance sports, helping, and inspiring others to pursue and chase their dreams. She is grateful to continue her journey fueling with Vitargo!