COACH JENNY - EPISODE 38 - SCOTT JUREK: North - Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail with Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek is considered one of the greatest long distance runners of all time. He has claimed victories in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite trail and road events including the historic 153-mile Spartathlon, the Hardrock 100, the Badwater 135-Mile Ultramarathon, and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which he won a record seven times.
He is also the New York Times bestselling author of Eat and Run, has been prominently featured in countless publications, and is a star of the international bestseller, Born to Run.
In 2015, Scott decided to mark the end of a 20-year career as a competitive runner by undertaking what would be his mind and body’s greatest test: establishing a new fastest known time (FKT) for running the entire length of the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail. In order to set the record, he would run each and every day, rain or shine, for 46 days straight—NO days off—
While Scott ran, his wife Jenny who is also an accomplished ultramarathoner, led the support crew, an ever changing motley group of old friends and new acquaintances. In their book NORTH, Scott and Jenny chronicle their amazing journey.
This is a conversation with Scott about his new book, this incredible adventure, retirement, and parenthood. Enjoy.
TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS:
:01 WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE A RUNNER?
3:01 THE COMMUNITY BETWEEN RUNNERS
6:24 RECORDING ‘NORTH’ AS AN AUDIOBOOK
7:25 WRITING THE BOOK ‘NORTH’
9:08 SCOTT’S MOTIVATION TO RUN THE 2,160 MILE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
13:20 TRAINING STRATEGY FOR THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
20:09 PERSEVERANCE IN ADVERSITY
24:00 ANGELS ON THE TRAIL
27:35 CREWING CHALLENGES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
30:04 CRITICS ALONG THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
34:22 HIKING vs RUNNING ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
35:52 SCOTT'S FAVORITE PARTS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
37:05 SOURCES OF STRENGTH AND MOTIVATION TO ENDURE
45:05 WHAT WERE THE FINAL STAGES, HOURS, AND MILES LIKE?
48:04 HOW PARENTHOOD CHANGED SCOTT’S LIFE
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The running community makes running both a solitary and social sport.
Northeast US trail runners face daunting natural challenges.
Hike your own hike. Hike the way that works best for you.
Adventure is a metaphor for life.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Appalachian Trail (Wikipedia)
BOOKS BY SCOTT JUREK:
Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness
NORTH: A Memoir About Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail
BOOK ABOUT SCOTT JUREK:
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: SCOTT JUREK - BORN TO RUN:
Named one of the greatest runners of all time, Scott Jurek has become a living legend. He has claimed victories in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite trail and road events including the historic 153-mile Spartathlon, the Hardrock 100, the Badwater 135-Mile Ultramarathon, and—his signature race—the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which he won a record seven straight times. Scott has also taken the running world by storm with his 2015 Appalachian Trail speed record, averaging nearly 50 miles a day over 46 days—and the United States all-surface record in the 24-Hour Run with 165.7 miles: 6.5 marathons in one day.
Off the trail, Scott is a New York Times-bestselling author for his memoir, Eat & Run, has been prominently featured in countless publications, and is a star of the international bestseller, Born To Run.
More than just a champion, Scott is a true student and ambassador of the sport, known to stay at finish lines cheering until the last runner crosses. When not racing, he donates his time to many non profit organizations and is an avid volunteer in the areas of environmental conservation, fitness and health.
A passionate advocate for vegetarianism, he follows a 100% plant-based diet, which he credits for his endurance, recovery and consistent twenty year racing career. He believes that everyone can run an ultra and everyone can access their body’s innate capacity to heal. Through writing, public speaking, and consulting, Scott takes joy in encouraging people of all fitness levels to take the next step toward vibrant health.
Scott currently resides in Boulder, CO with his wife, Jenny, and newborn daughter, Raven.
Connect With Scott Jurek Online: