There are two things you may be surprised to learn about Amanda Scott. First, she didn’t start her athletic career as a runner. The Virginia Beach native and now Boulder resident grew up running around the soccer field. Her love for running didn’t come until her sophomore year of high school when she tried out for the cross country team. You could say the rest is history, as by her senior year, she knew where her heart would lead her. Scott joined the track and cross country teams at Vanderbilt University the following fall: “running, training and competition has continued to be part of my life ever since,” Scott says.
Oh, and that other thing you may be surprised to know? Scott was also a cheerleader for five years in middle school and high school, but claims she’s not at all the cheerleader type. Read on to find out why Amanda loves Colorado, and how she continually finishes on the podium in races around the world.
Quick Stats
Name: Amanda Scott
Age: 26
Hometown & Current: grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and now live in Boulder, CO
Professional & Educational background: I received a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University then a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering at University of Cambridge as a Gates-Cambridge Scholar. Currently I am a Product Development Manager for Crocs Footwear at the headquarters in Niwot, CO.
Sports participated in: I started playing soccer when I was 5. That was my first love and it took up a good portion of my childhood (thanks for driving me around mom and dad). I played travel soccer and Varsity soccer through the end of high school. After finally giving in to the cross-country coach, I started running my sophomore year in high school. I never did track in high school though because I always played school soccer in the spring. After the state meet my senior year in high school, I realized I really liked running and decided to join the cross-country and track teams at Vanderbilt the next fall. Running, training and competition, has continued to be part of my life ever since.
Years in current sport: 10 years! Wow that’s a long time.
Racing Team: Newton Running Elite
Sponsors/Affiliations: Newton/Steve Jones training group (aka Boulder Harriers)
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
I have yet to reach my biggest accomplishment. The best is yet to come, right? Some highlights include qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials, running my half marathon PR this November in 1:17:30, and a half marathon I won in France where the prize was 14 bottles of wine! I’m still figuring out training and racing, so I’m hoping one of these days it will all come together.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I have a lot of time goals from the mile to the marathon. In addition, I want to be competitive in running each of the five major marathons. Someday I’d like to win a marathon too. Each year I have different personal, professional, and athletic goals that I keep in a drafted email to myself. It’s a great way to keep tabs on myself and push myself to be the best I can be.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
I absolutely love Colorado! I didn’t know places like this existed. Colorado, to me, is like heaven on earth. The summer after my sophomore year in college, I came out to Boulder for a research internship at the University of Colorado. I loved it so much I made a vow to myself that someday I would be back, and three years later I moved here. Boulder has so much to offer from the trails, views, world-class athletes, active lifestyles, innovative thinkers, a great university, microbreweries, fantastic happy hours, and so much more! Because of the people and the environment here, I am always be challenged to be the best I can be athletically, professionally, and personally.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I love mornings so I usually get up around 5:30 or so, have some coffee and a little breakfast, take the dog for a walk, and then I head out the door to meet my training group for a workout. We meet at various spots around town depending on what the session entails. From there, it’s a rush to get into work, shower, eat, and get the day started. After work, I might have a second run or meet up with friends for happy hour. I’m usually in bed by 9 or 10.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I work hard every day, every workout. Each run has a specific purpose and I think it’s really important to listen to how your body feels on a day-to-day basis. Your 100% on Tuesday might be different from your 100% on Saturday. Consistency, dedication and hard work to me are the keys to success.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
I enjoy healthy food, but don’t follow any specific plan. I think too many people, especially runners, can get caught up in what they eat. In the past, I’ve been too strict and gotten myself injured or sick because of poor nutrition. I like gluten, dairy, and meat, and I am lucky to have no allergies. As long as you eat real food in moderation, you won’t need excessive supplements, and you will be fueled to run your best.
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
My biggest resources are my coach and my teammates. They bring experience and knowledge that are better than any website or seminar you could find.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My biggest challenges are staying injury free and staying mentally tough at the end of a race. I’m still working on mastering those. I think the first requires listening to my body, my coach, and the training plan, not just what I want to do that given day. The second, I hope to learn more from the wisdom and experiences of my teammates and coach, as well as grow from my own racing experiences.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Bolder Boulder is by far the best race in Colorado and my absolutely favorite weekend all year. I love how the entire community comes together with the race, the festival, and the start of summer. The Denver Rock n Roll is another great event. It’s a great race to a tune up for a big marathon and provides a good judge of fitness.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
My favorite spot is the Peaks Trail from Frisco to Breckenridge. The scenery and terrain are unbelievable! I also really love running Kenosha Pass and Georgia Pass.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Newton Energy for recovery days, Boco for snowy/icy/trail days, and MV3 or Distance Elite if I want to go fast!
Favorite post-run/race beverage: I love having a bowl of cereal with yogurt or almond milk after a run. It quenches my thirst, provides a great mix of nutrients, and tastes delicious!
Favorite post-run/race meal: Doesn’t really matter but sometimes after a race, I’ll crave a big burger and a big beer.
Role models: I am daily inspired by my training partners, my Newton running elite teammates, and my coach Steve Jones. They are world-class athletes with topnotch character as well. I also look up to the people who got me into running in the first place, my high school cross-country coaches who now run the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. They made running and fitness their hobby, their job, and their lifestyle. They exemplify how we should all live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.
Day job: I work as a Product Developer for Crocs footwear. It’s great to be part of a local brand that has a global presence and we make some pretty awesome shoes!
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? I like having a balance of all 3. I need days to zone out alone, days to catch up with a friend, and days to workout with a group.
Favorite Restaurant: That’s so hard there are so many great places in Boulder! Reubens, Southern Sun, Salt, Riffs, and the Med are my top 5 today, but I might have a different top 5 tomorrow. Plus nothing beats Walnut Café for breakfast after a long run.
Favorite Bar: Avery
Favorite Running Store: Final Kick Sports back in Virginia Beach, Boulder Running Company and Fleet Feet in Boulder
Favorite non-running activity: Hiking with my dog, road biking, mountain biking, watching football (Go Ravens!) and checking out new breweries with friends
Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother and New Girl
Favorite movie: Robin Hood Men in Tights
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
I think my biggest breakthrough was qualifying for the Trials just 3 months after starting to train under Steve Jones. He was the spark that made me believe I could attempt running at an elite level.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Don’t think, just run.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
Don’t sweat the small stuff and live life to its fullest. Life is short and we should spend each waking moment doing what we love with the people we love. I cherish my family and friends, and running puts a huge smile on my face every day. When I was in school, I worried too much about homework, the next test, or the upcoming assignment, but now I value balance and always find a positive spin on each situation.
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my Newton Running Elite Team, my training partners, my coach, my family and friends, and my inner drive to prove that the underdog always has a chance.