Coach Weber
World-Class Ultramarathon Coaching since 1988.
"Prepare to Better Your Best"
Have you finished a 100 Miler in 2007 or 2008?
New for 2009: If you finished a 100 miler in 2007 or 2008, and are ready to better your best in 2009, then Coach Weber is offering a rate of $100 per month to you, the experienced and successful 100 mile runner whether you finished your 100 in sub-20 or sub-30. Offering this special rate recognizes your achievement, commitment and experience at the 100 mile distance ... and also the reduced time it will take to prepare you for further accomplishments. This rate is only advertised here, so pass it along if you know someone who might benefit.
Have the qualifications? Interested in making 2009 even better? Email the coach:
July 27, 1994. Age 41. Moments before I began my first running of Badwater. (Yes that is the entire 1994 Badwater field ... a bit smaller back then). That's me at the 9 o'clock position with the blue sunglasses between the two bearded fellows. I finished the 135 miles that year in 52 hours and 30 minutes. In the forefront of the picture ... with 'Jack' on his shirt ... is Jack Denness.
I did not know then that Badwater would take hold of me and become such an important part of my life and become a place I would return to time and time again ... not so much for the athletic challenge, but for the rejuvenation of spirit it gives and the daily direction the preparation requires.
Photo by Badwater RD Chris Kostman, AdventureCORPS
14 years later. Age 55. July 16, 2008 ... moments after I completed my 12th official finish of the Badwater Ultramarathon and 17th career crossing. I finished the 135 miles in 51 hours and 56 minutes - my 3rd fastest crossing of the twelve ... was it the new buzz haircut? And, there's Badwater Hall of Fame Member Jack Denness, who retired (for now at least) in 2005 at age 70 with 11 official finishes. Jack confided with me that he just might return to race in 2010 to celebrate his 75th birthday.
Badwater 2009 ... 2010 ... How about you?
Badwater is not for everyone. But, is it for you? I am happy to give you an honest appraisal based on my 14 years of Badwater experience. If it's Badwater, be it crewing, soloing the course or participating in the race, I can help. First step ... write to me and tell me about yourself and your goal.
I coached 3 athletes for Badwater in 2008: Scott Snyder of Colorado; Mike Whalen of California; and Jesse Doggett of Arizona (soloed). All 3 finished. All 3 PR'ed. All 3 went disco dancing in Vegas the next night ... well, maybe not that.
I've been coaching Badwater finishers for a decade to include a race walker who buckled with a 44 hour performance, busy professionals with crazy schedules, and the youngest person and first insulin dependant runner to complete the 146 mile Badwater to Mt. Whitney Summit Solo. If you want it, are in good health, will follow my training program and learn my hydration and fueling system, and will work for it, hard, I'll get you there too. Quit thinking about it and step up to the plate.
Want Badwater? Where do you start?
Are you ready to move up from the marathon?
Every ultramarathoner, no matter how famous, accomplished, fast or slow, had a moment when they first encountered the ultramarathon and wondered, "Could I do that?". For me, at a coffee shop in Boulder, Colorado, in 1986, it was seeing a magazine picture of a long line of runners heading up the initial climb at the Western States 100. Just seeing that picture changed my life. I knew that was for me ... I could see myself in that picture ... someday.
Are you at the same point in your life? Have you seen yourself, if only in your mind, perhaps after reading a book, seeing a video, or being at a ultra event ... finishing an ultra ... yourself? What next? How do you make that 'picture in your head' become real ... as soon as possible ... as safely as possible?
I offer a free 30 minute consultation where we can talk about your ultramarathon dream and how to make it happen. Send me a quick email and tell me about yourself and your goal. I will then send over an athlete's questionnaire that will allow me to better understand your current level of fitness and ultramarathon goals. Then, I will offer you my ideas gained from 40 years as a runner and 20 years as a coach.
It is neither to late to make your move for 2009; nor, is it too early to begin your quest for 2010 or even 2011. Today is the day.
Want to become an Ultramarathoner?
Want to become a Better Ultramarathoner?
Where do you begin?
DNF'ed Leadville?
(or any other 50 or 100 mile for that matter ...)
You trained hard, you showed up on race day, you ran your heart out ... but you DNF'ed. A whole lot of people are blaming the weather ... I've got bad news ... Leadville 2009 might have the same weather or worse. Ready for some tough love? It wasn't the weather. It was being unprepared for the weather. But was that all there was to the DNF? So many Leadville runners fail to take a look at the total picture after a DNF; and, in doing so, set themselves up for another ass-whooping one year later. How about if we take a careful look at all the elements that go into a successful Leadville 100 finish ... now. Let's figure out where you went wrong. If it was simply bad luck, I'll tell you ... but luck is at the bottom of the list of reasons why runners are sent to the sidelines at Leadville. You finish 100s, especially the difficult 100s like Leadville, by knowing 'what's what' up front and then training and racing for a full year to gain the experience, skills and fitness required to get to the Leadville finish line. Is it worth it? You bet it is ... ask anyone who has ever crossed that Leadville finish line.
I'll use my 20 years of Leadville 100 experience to help identify what happened to you at Leadville 2008. I charge $100 for a comprehensive Leadville analysis; I'll spend up to 2 hours talking with you to learn about your training, fueling, pace, and support/crewing for Leadville and offering my analysis of 'what went wrong ... and what needs to be fixed' as well as identify what went right and should not be changed. You might even decide you want me to be your coach for Leadville 2009. If we decide to work together as coach and athlete I'll credit 100% of the fee to your first month's coaching.
My goal is to get you on the right track for Leadville 2009. Finishing that race is so awesome ... make it happen in 2009.
Want to know what really went wrong?
Want to know the fix?
Got Ultra?
Every town could use an ultramarathon to inspire and challenge. If yours does not have one, how about we change that? It is not that difficult to put on a basic ultramarathon race that is insured, has the appropriate permits, offers racers a nice t-shirt, medal and aid and is highly appreciated. I have put on over 50 of these events and will be happy to share that experience with you.
If you'd like to become an Ultramarathon Race Director in your town, e-mail the coach. We can make it happen. I offer a free consultation to get things rolling.
Want to put on an Ultra?
Leadville Trail 100 Info, Charts and Links
USA 2009 Ultrarunning Calendar
The Coach's 2009 Badwater Training Log
Badwater July 14, 2008 Webcast
I encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content of the Coach Weber website.
Scott Weber
This site was last updated 01/02/2009 01:30:15 -0000
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