The book Born to Run can be credited for the rise in the barefoot running trend and for sky-rocketing ultra runners such as Scott Jurek to fame. I had heard of Scott prior to reading the book, but knew very little about him.
Scott is one of the most accomplished Ultra Marathon runners in the U.S. He holds the American record for the number of miles ran in a twenty-four hour time period (165.7 miles) and won The Western States 100-mile Endurance Run six years in a row.
To celebrate his recently released book, Eat and Run, Jack Rabbit Sports hosted a book release party and discussion earlier this month. Christopher MacDougall author of Born to Run, actor Peter Sarsgaard, and writer Steve Freedman along with Scott discussed the book and gave a little insight into the ultra running community.
Each member of the panel offered a unique perspective on Scott’s running, personality and vegan eating style.
Personally, I have no desire to ever run further than 26.2 miles, but I am intrigued by people who thrive off of performing super human feats. Below are a few highlights from the Q&A with Scott.
Q: Why did you become vegan?
Scott Jurek: For health reasons. After seeing chronic disease in my family I knew I had to do something. I believe that we are connected to our food and should eat in a way that is sustainable to the earth.
Q: If you were stuck on a desert island and could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what food would you eat?
SJ: Avocado because it’s high in healthy fats and calories.
Q: What’s something you have in common with Cabalo Blanco?
SJ: I’m just trying to find my way in this life just like Cabalo, a deep thinker looking for the right path that’s the most beneficial to the largest number of people.
Q: How do you avoid injury?
SJ: Look at your technique and work with your body to constantly improve. Also through core strengthening exercises.
What’s the longest distance you can see yourself ever running? I don’t ever want to run further than 26.2 miles, that’s more than enough mileage for me!
cool event. I think about running longer than a marathon often, but also feel 26.2 is enough, maybe an even 30, but that’s probably it!
I’m with you girl! I don’t plan to run more than 26.2! He is phenomenal though!
I’ve thought about a 50K. What is 4.8 more miles right? I’g love to be able to say I am an ultra runner. What w big step on my journey to healthy that would be. However, I probably should finish my 2nd marathon first. HA.
As slow as I am a 50 miler would be a full day event and they’d have to clear out a full weekend and bring in some sleeping bags and a crud ton of food if there was any way of me ever doing a 100 miles – No thank you!
I’d love to be an ultra runner, but realistically I don’t see myself going more than a half-marathon distance. I just don’t have the time for all that running.
I read the free sample of the Jurek book on Kindle and wasn’t as impressed with it as I was hoping I’d be. I’d like to find some of the recipes though.
LOVE his book! I’m actually reading it now and it’s so inspiring for me, even as a “newer” runner. My longest distance is a 10k (once lol) and I couldn’t be more excited to log longer runs! I started a half training plan and by next month I’ll be past a 10 distance. From there on out it’ll be PDR’s!
I’m mildly obsessed with the idea of doing an ultra someday. Though, the most miles I’ve ever run is 20 (my college days when my mileage was much higher than it is these days). I like the idea of running in the woods with quiet and nice views rather than on a crowded street in a city. Since I live in the city, though, there will be limited training opportunities to undertake something like this…..for now I’ll just read, read, read and plan it as a long-term goal 🙂
I would love to run Ultras, but realistically, I have a nagging IT band problem thanks to having flat feet, so I’m not sure my body could even tolerate the training.