Scott’s Blog

While congratulating my toughest competitor, Karl Meltzer, within minutes after he finished Hardrock, I tell him there will definitely be a rematch. I’m thinking next year back here, although I know we’ll be head to head again before then. He replies, “Six weeks, Mont-Blanc!” It’s as if he’s ready to go immediately.

I’m excited to line up with Karl, Hal Koerner, who won Western States this year, and some strong Euros including all past winners of the Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). (more…)

It’s 5:45 AM on Friday the 13th. July 13th, that is. I’m in the Silverton High School gymnasium. I’m fumbling with an ankle brace and duct tape. “What did I get myself into?” Things weren’t falling into alignment quite as I’d like.

Five days ago I was feeling healthy and strong, like I finally got my body back from the virus that had it for most of the previous week. I was excited about checking out the last few bits of the Hardrock Hundred course I hadn’t yet seen, and planned to spend the majority of the week resting up, eating well, and getting my body and mind ready to tackle this race. Having come down a month early, I’ve spent time away from home and family, training my body to deal with little oxygen and the uphills and downhills that make most of us beg for mercy. That part had gone very well. (more…)

Endurance Planet posted an interview with me on their Monday July 30 edition. I am interviewed on my training, racing, nutrition, and media coverage on the sport of ultramarathoning.

Congrats to my Brazilian friend Valmir Nunes on his record setting win at Badwater. We met in the 2006 Spartathlon and I saw him the day before this year’s Badwater and we exchanged jerseys and autographs. And challenges. I told him, with much respect, that if he breaks my record, I’ll go to Brazil and break his. I think we’ll be competing head to head again soon (Spartathlon 2007???). Looking forward to the challenge of again racing with this great man.

Nunes is also a Brooks runner and his Brooks Racer STs were his shoe of choice for this race, also the shoe I wore at Spartathlon and for my two Badwater victories.

Congrats again, Nunes! Also to female winner, Lisa Bliss!

My hometown paper, The Duluth News Tribune, wrote a piece on my race at Hardrock in their Sunday July 22 Sports section.

**Note it is stated I eat fish, which I do not. I believe this may have been misinterpreted from “fresh.”

Before I write my race report, I have many people I want to publicly thank for their generosity and support. It took the help of many friends, old and new, to get me to that Hardrock Hundred starting line, and ultimately the finish line in 26:08. This race provided plenty of challenges, before and during, but with the great energy of friends and support of so many I was able to perform as I had planned. (more…)

The Durango Herald wrote a piece with some great photos on the 2007 Hardrock Hundred in their Sunday July 15th sports section.

The Denver Post also has a piece on the race, including finish line video and post race interview video, in the Tuesday July 17th sports section.

Just saw him at mile 42. No complaints (we’re not asking). Looks great. Super psyched. Usual hooting. Doesn’t seem to be favoring the ankle.

Top three look great too. Didn’t see anyone else. Pretty exciting race they’re giving us being an hour ahead of course record!

–posted by Leah

My peak training for Hardrock Hundred went as well as I could have asked for. Covered the majority of the course. Feeling acclimated. Healthy. Totally prepared and psyched!

My taper was completely another story. (more…)

After 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.” (more…)