Scott’s Blog

As I arrived in Greece last week, I was reminded of last year’s arrival prior to Spartathlon. I was reviewing a new book written by D. Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD, RD, “Vegetarian Sports Nutrition”. Being very impressed with this book, I agreed to write the forward. Although a few books have been written about vegetarian sports nutrition, Larson-Meyer goes into great detail when presenting the science and does so in an easy to understand format. At the same time, she provides practical information that the veteran and aspiring vegetarian can each utilize in their daily and exercise specific nutritional planning. Many formulas and tables guide the reader in calculating their individual nutritional requirements both on and off the field or race course.

Carnivores read on! Read the rest of this entry »

I came across a great resource recently. Skin Deep is a safety guide by Environmental Working Group. They are a small nonprofit formed to test and rate the safety of cosmetics and many items we use for personal care. “Because the FDA doesn’t require companies to test their own products for safety”, “Skin Deep pairs ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind.”

On their site, you may look up the safety of a specific ingredient, product, or brand. You can also view by category, such as “skin care” or “baby care.” You will receive ratings of 0-2 for low hazard, 3-6 for moderate hazard, or 7-10 for high hazard. You may also take a further look at why this product is rated as it is. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m happy to officially announce I will be going back to Spartathlon this year. It is coming up quickly and I have been able to get in excellent training upon returning from France. Valmir Nunes of Brazil, a previous Spartathlon winner, is in top shape this year after dropping last year due to injury. Another previous winner, Jens Lucas of Germany, will also be running, but possibly slightly tired after a stellar second place finish at UTMB. Markus Thalmann of Austria is one more past champion helping to stack the field. American 24 Hour record holder Mark Godale is also in great form this year and I expect many more great competitors to be ready to give it their all.

Last year for the first time the race provided a live webcast which I heard was quite good, posting quick updates of top runners. Be sure to check the website on race day, Friday September 28. We have a 7:00 start, middle of Thursday night for those back in the States.

I’m excited to go back and tackle this tough and long road race and enjoy the great culture of the Greek people, the beautiful country and rich history of Greece!

With a fresh new look and a brand new crew, publisher John Medinger, editor Tia Bodington, and manager Lisa Henson put together a fresh new UltraRunning Magazine. Keeping to the core of what it’s brought readers for decades, they’ve updated the look and added some color photography for this September issue. Looks great!

If you’re interested in seeing a what I look like at close to 40 miles and at 14,000 feet, be sure to check out the cover! As you can see, lack of oxygen and the long gruling climb left no time to pose for the photo taken by Luis Escobar. Hardrock story is on page 32.

In my first running of the Ultra Trail-Tour du Mont-Blanc, I did not produce the result I was hoping for. I withdrew just before half way, noticing early on that I didn’t have the pep in my legs that I usually do at my peak. As each early mile was feeling like an ending mile, I decided to spare my body the torture and call it a day, hopefully sparing it for next month’s Spartathlon. I realized that my legs just didn’t have enough time to recover from last months Hardrock performance.

Mentally I was ready to compete and we couldn’t have asked for better weather, course conditions, or line up of outstanding competitors. But this was a good reminder to me that in spite of this year’s large ambitions, it is best for me to pick one or two key events with enough recovery time in between, as I have in years past, if I wish to perform at my best for these key races. Read the rest of this entry »

The French are friendly and generous, Mont Blanc is beautiful, and we’re adjusting to life in Chamonix wonderfully. Leah and I rented a two bedroom apartment which we’re sharing with Karl Meltzer and his wife, thus I have a kitchen to do my own food prep. There is a little bio store (bio is how the Europeans refer to organic) right around the corner from us, with also a few more in town. Great local and vegetarian foods! Eating lots of local organic fresh fruits and veggies, breads, and lots of French lentils. Also plenty of other vegan staples available. I’ve adjusted to the time change and am getting lots of rest. We’ve run the last 25 km of the Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont-Blanc, as well as another 15 km in Italy. I also ran the first 8 km. Although I didn’t come early enough to do more, many people have been helpful in providing tips on the course. I’m feeling ready!

There will be multiple ways to “watch” the UTMB. It is necessary to know my race number is 3612. Definitely the highest number I’ve worn for an ultramarathon! Read the rest of this entry »

Many have been asking about my process in speeding the recovery of my recent ankle sprain prior to Hardrock. I had about three and a half days to do all I could of intense rehab during these initial stages of healing. Following the basic RICE recipe with some added natural remedies, here it is.

**But please note this isn’t intended as a prescription or recommendation. As all injuries and individuals are different, be sure to get a diagnosis and establish a proper treatment plan with an appropriate health care provider. Read the rest of this entry »

The September ‘07 issue of Trail Runner features a piece on the Copper Canyon Ultra, page 12.

More than a race, this is a great cultural exchange celebrating the gift of running which has played an integral part of Raramuri culture. Running and foot travel have remained a part of daily life for these beautiful people. Read the rest of this entry »

Back in April, The Final Sprint posted an interview with me. Still very relevant with lots of good information, we talk in depth about Spartathlon, nutrition including vegan nutrition and eating while racing, training, and tips for new ultrarunners.

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). Read the rest of this entry »