Ultra-runner. Ultra-human being. He’s an athlete with a soul. When every other elite sports figure is chasing fame and money, Scott Jurek is chasing the big answers in life. And he knows a thing or two about pushing boundaries and finding your own path. This lean, mean, vegan running machine became a distance running legend…on a dare. Since then, he has inspired everyone from seasoned runners to couch potatoes to get out and get moving. And to get living.
Scott was featured in the book Born to Run. (A very popular previous show.)
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He’s got it so right. 90% of the population has no idea what they’re capable of. Without sounding like an ad for Nike, just frickin do it. He’s an animal.
Jeepers Jeff, you got me wanting to race out the door and knock off 50 miles. Amen brother. Ha! Seriously though, Scott was an amazing guest. Looking forward to his book and all the other good things to come.
inspiring , especially 4 me 3 days before the race on the Dolomites (you should partecipate once, Scott, much more spectacular than UTMB) http://www.ultratrail.it NAmasté
El Venado [the deer] has soul—and is revered in the deep Copper Canyons for his generous spirit and ways of being.
Run Free!_____Caballo Blanco
Scott inspires me to see what I’m made of. In turn, I inspire others to push themselves. I have met Scott a few times and I follow his blog. What I admire most about him is his ability to connect with people like me, even though he is a legend.
What was the name of the book that inspired Scott to adapt veganism?
Did Scott’s mom take up vegan diet and did it help with her MS??
I didn’t get the impression that Scott’s mom changed her diet, but I’ll shoot him that question. I also have family members with MS and that would be good to know. (I know in the book the China Study, they address the MS and animal protein connection. Here’s a link to the author: http://www.thekathleenshow.com/2010/05/09/t-colin-campbell/
I get to experience my first ultra marathon, Western States this weekend in California as a spectator. Its awesome thinking of Scott winning it so many times. Maybe one day I will get to run it.
Brandon, let us know what it was like to watch Western States. And then…let us know when you run it. (I have a feeling…)
Awesome. Ultra runners are amazing.
I’ll also be experiencing Western States this weekend for the first time; as a pacer for my friend, Jeff Genova. I’m a bit tingly about it too, partly because of stories about Scott and others. I want to fight a mountain lion off of Jeff, or something cool like that. Actually, I’ll settle for just catching a glimpse of a groundhog.
Ryan, if it were me, I would just be hoping I could stay upright. Here’s to seeing a big, fat groundhog. Good luck my friend. Report back please…would love to hear your tales.
Runners are beautiful people!
I know that I will run an ultra someday. I truly believe the aspect of the spiritual side of running and how the brokenness that comes with distance running parallels life.
Scott is truly amazing! Thanks for sharing this!
I was so inspired by the show!!
I have run for years, and put in a lot of marathon miles too.
Unfortunately, I had to stop due to sciatic and back pain over a year ago.
After listening to the show, I decided to give it a try (as I had no pain from my back or sciatic in the last 8 months.
I am elated to report I have been running for 3 weeks pain free!!
Awsome interview Kathleen. Glad I found your website.
I had the opportunity to run an ultra recently with Scott and meet him afterward. He is a great, down to earth guy and I was just in awe of him when I finally met him in person. I have been running ultras for a few years now, and just completed my second 100 mile race a few weeks ago. To say that Scott is inspiring would be an understatement- he is just incredible!
I just ran near Scott’s hometown for Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. I loved the book.
Thanks for the interview Kathleen! I am needing to get up off the couch and back on the path (I just ran my first marathon in March) and this was some helpful motivation.
What’s especially cool about Scott is that he went through a difficult period as chronicled in a “Runner’s World” article. The fact that he is back at the top of his game is terrific.
I am lucky to be part of a 7-week training clinic with fellow ultra-running legend Tim Twietmeyer (5-time Western States winner) and he proves that these guys are some of the coolest people on the planet.
Scott is impressive. The real story is about courage to do hard things.
Scott sounds like an amazing person. I was inspired. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can run more than a mile. It may be nothing compared to his ultra-marathons, but it will be a stretch for me. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.
Dr. Wiles… Veganism… I’m gonna chew on this part for sure.
What an inspiring man! I was recently challenge to run 10 miles about 6 months ago. I never imagined running that far, but if HE (the challenger) could do it so could I. Now running 10 miles is a weekly event for me, I am now looking to do my first 1/2 marathon, with thoughts of a full marathon lingering in my mind for the future. Thank you Scott for the inspiration.
I became a vegetarian about 16 yrs ago or so….a runner about 13 yrs ago and have ran a few ultras and road races, plus I’m from “Cattle Country”……so I not only understand a bit of what Scott is about, I admire him so much because of his amazing accomplishments and his personality. I see a few of hard core, ego driven, almost snobby or conceited runners and it’s so refreshing to see someone of his statue keep it “real”….great interview!!
I am just getting back into trail running after raising my family. I haven’t read Born To Run yet, but I am looking forward to reading it soon. I have been re-inspired to run for the sheer pleasure of it and exploring my limits as well, rather than “clocking in” the miles. Thanks for recording such a great interview!
Wow a great interview. I came to know of Scott Jurek by runners world’s FB post and what he was undergoing in his life. Maybe 3 weeks of the the interview and he goes and blasts a new American record for one day run. I am yet to read the Born to run and hoping so. The interview with Kathleen was good. To me he is amazing and I think he loves running so much that he can keep coming back to it. Best of luck to him on all his future goals.
I will be following him
Thanks for the interview, it was great. I had the pleasure of meeting Scott at Badwater three years ago and he is such a simple down to earth guy, how can anyone not like him. I too have gotten into these ultra distance runs and just absolutely love them. Completed Western States, 150 mile run in Pekin IL, this year my first 200 mile run in Vermont. The people at these events are just awesome “can do” type people and just the type of people I love hanging around with.
Now…. to work on my diet
Scott is one of the best runners of all time, and seams to be truly and good and genuine individual. Best wishes in all his challenges and good works.
If it weren’t for Scott and other inspiring runners and all the shoe companies helping most everyone run faster, longer, and happier, most of us would be a lot less fit and healthy.
Thank you Scott, Bill Rodgers, emil Zatopek, Pre, Ritz, Meb, Frank Shorter, Roger Bannister, Bill Bowerman, etc.
and Nike, ASICS, Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Vibram, Salomon, TNF, La Sportiva, HOKA, etc.
Running is the answer, not the shoe Brand. We can run healthy and natural and with good form with shoes too.
Run Well, Be Well!
The excruciating joy of life can be felt in long distance running! After completing an ultra event we sleep contented knowing with every fiber that we truly gave it our all. Charlie Engle once told me “the best way to run an ultra event is to sign up”. Thank you for the interview.
Rejoice and Conquer!
Awesome, totallu inspiring.
Great interview! What an inspiration! I just turned 40 and am turning to the Ultra as a new way to challenge myself. He make it’s sound very do-able. What a great runner and human being, an all around great Dude! Scott Jurek is a true Athlete, Human Being…….
I did my first ultra last year and immediately got hooked. So I signed up for another ultra a day’s drive away; the Voyageur 50. I later listened to Born to Run on audiobook (while on some long runs). I was surprised to learn that Scott Jurek’s first ultra is the same one that I’m going to be running next month!
Outstanding! Good luck next month Dale. Be sure to tell us how you did. (I didn’t know Born to Run was on audio book too…did Christopher McDougall read it?) Here’s my interview with Christopher (we had a ball on air): http://www.thekathleenshow.com/2010/02/25/born-to-run-with-or-without-shoes-an-interview-with-author-christopher-mcdougall/
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job on this interview. Scott has many qualities that I aspire to achieve, and it was great hearing such a candid interview.
Thank you Adam. Your comment means a lot. And I’m with you…Scott inspires me too. He has me checking in on multiple levels (and also lacing up the running shoes much more often).
I’ve been following Scott’s accomplishments in TrailRunner. He is truly awesome! Great timing with this…truly inspirational as I’m running the 50 mile in October in honor of my 50th bday.
Awesome and inspiring interview. I began trail running this year with the goal of running ultras in the near future. A friend recommended “Born to Run” and I loved it. I’ve become a huge fan of Scott and the Tarahumara. I’m so glad to have come across this interview. Love the comments, too. Happy running everyone!