Ellen Coleman literally wrote the textbook for the National Association of Sports Nutrition.

She's well-versed in staying hydrated, and her advice helps the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Lakers stay healthy.

Those same lessons helped the famed nutritionist survive two nights in extremely frigid temperatures atop Mount San Jacinto before rescuers found her Monday.

"If anybody in the world could have made it, it was her," said Jim Clover of The Sport Clinic in Riverside.

He has known the 53-year-old Riverside woman for more than 20 years.

"She's very intelligent. She's very strong. If she got herself into trouble, I'm sure she was prepared as much as she could be. She can withstand a lot."

Coleman, who declined to talk with the media, was reported missing Sunday.

Officials said she rode up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday, planning to hike five miles and reach the 10,834-foot summit.

Somewhere along the way, authorities say she injured her leg and sought protection from five feet of snow and blustery wind inside a single-room rock cabin that has sheltered hikers for seven decades.

That's where rescuers found her Monday.

Coleman was treated at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs on Monday for a broken ankle and frostbite to her hands and face.

"Except for that, she's in good condition and very good spirits," hospital spokesman Don Brady said.

Friends say Coleman practices what she preaches.

They describe her as a frequent hiker who always starts the day by putting in an hour on the step machine.

Online biographies say she's completed marathons and the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii.

And in an industry where registered dietitians and sports nutritionists don't always agree on methods, she's respected by both, said Jeff Kotterman, director of National Association of Sports Nutrition.

"Her words are pretty much gospel," Kotterman said.

Coleman also is an author - notably "Eating for Endurance" - and frequently lectures on the nutritional needs for athletes and those who lead active lifestyles.

In addition, she consults with places such as The Sport Clinic and teams including the Lakers and Angels.

Team officials could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

Coleman was one of six hikers from three different groups who got lost or slid off trails when the winter weather tore through the mountain this weekend.

Rescuers looking for her Sunday were forced to end the search about 4 p.m. because of fierce winds.

Other hikers have been lost in the treacherous terrain for longer and survived. In September 2006, Wesley Heilhecker was found after five days in the wilderness.

But most didn't face the frigid conditions Coleman battled.

Despite that, she was doing so well that doctors considered letting her return home late Monday, Brady said