No more Badwater
July 9th, 2007 by ScottAfter saying “never” in reference to the Badwater Ultramarathon, then letting my competitive drive get the best of me, I ran in 2005. Just 16 days after my 7th straight Western States victory, I set a new course record on the Badwater course. And said “never again.” My first “never” was with thought of the extreme conditions. My “never again” was mainly due to conditions and the complicated logistics of the event.
But I knew I’d run far from my best on this course and was drawn to give it another attempt. So I was back to defend my title in 2006. This was a frustrating, odd race to compete in (I’d like to share details another time), but nevertheless I defended my title. “Never, never, again!”
But when it came time to register for the 2007 event, I couldn’t help myself. I know I can run better on this course. But as the race is nearing, and race politics already soaring, I have decided to walk away. There are so many other great races out there where I would prefer to focus my energies.
It’s challenging for me to walk away from something I’ve bitten into and have yet to accomplish what I feel I can. It took me six times running Western States before I finally accomplished what I set to there. I wanted a sub-24 hour finish at Badwater. Maybe a solo effort will be in the future. But for now, as challenging as it is as a competitor, I feel good about letting it rest.
July 10th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Whatever it is you do Scott, people will follow. You are amazingly inspirational.. good luck!
July 10th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Scott, while I am very disappointed your quest for Badwater sub-24 had to stop this year, I’ve heard enough about organizing personal to understand. I was very much looking forward to your race (and still am to many of my friends’ too), as well as to the idea of the most difficult (and such polar in nature of races) double you planned…Now I hope you can give even more focus into Hardrock (if it’s possible) and overcome minor issues preventing you from giving your best.
July 10th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Hi Scott,
You sure will be missed this year. Go after it at Hardrock, we will all be pulling for you and a great race.
Lisa and Jay
July 11th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Its dissapointing when things like that make you decide not to persue something you want. That others’ politics, emotions, opinions, etc cause folks to not want to compete. It’s one thing to make some middle of the pack person like myself not want to compete(in general terms.. I’m not ready for Badwater) , its completely different to be so bad that a high contender like yourself is turned off. Hopefully this makes a statement and things work out for next year. Best of luck at Hardrock!!
July 12th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Hey Scott,
I admire your willingness to go outside your comfort zone to explore your limits in different environments. The trail is a great teacher.
While I’ll miss rooting for you at Badwater, you’re gonna kill it tomorrow at Hardrock. Good luck.
Brad
July 13th, 2007 at 9:49 am
I don’t know anything about the politics of Badwater. Maybe it’s better that way?
July 14th, 2007 at 7:01 am
We’ll miss you out in the heat this year Scott! I would have loved to see you bring that 24 hour barrier down. Best of luck at HR, (which you are running right now)
July 16th, 2007 at 12:17 am
Remember: Gawd is in the desert…
BFT
PS. I am shooting for the Solo Badwater next year…self-supported…had my pony cart out in the mountains today experimenting.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Why don’t you consider running an ultra solo for your Badwater? That’s what I’m doing. Your fans and friends would see it the same, if not better.
It’s just you, the most important thing.