Coach Weber
World-Class Ultramarathon Coaching since 1988
"Prepare to Better Your Best"
For the past 24 years, I have prepared runners for success at ultramarathon events around the world. I specialize in assisting motivated, disciplined runners to "better their best" whether that means completing one's first ultramarathon or winning a national championship.
I have coached runners to finishes at the Angeles Crest 100, the Hardrock 100, the Leadville 100, the Western States 100, the Wasatch Front 100, the Vermont 100, the Old Dominion 100, the Umstead 100, the Bighorn 100, the Bear 100, the Heartland 100, the Plain 100, the Mile High 100, the Rocky Raccoon 100, the Lean Horse 100, the Mother Road 100, the Kettle Moraine 100, the Badwater 135 and Solo 146, the Grand Slam and stage races to include the Marathon des Sables and the Himalayan 100.
I have coached champions at the Leadville 100, Old Dominion 100, Rocky Raccoon 100, Mile High 100, Plain 100, USA National 50 Mile Championship, USA National 100 KM Championship, USA National 24 Hour Championship, Marathon des Sables Stage Race, and the Himalayan 100 Stage Race.
What that means to you - should we decide to work together as coach and athlete - is that you will receive comprehensive and individualized advice, training recommendations, race preparation, race support, and post-race analysis that is based on decades of my runners crossing those 100 mile finish lines. You'll also benefit from my own 40 years as a runner and the knowledge I gained since my first marathon in 1969 through my 13th - and final - official finish of the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon in 2009.
My highest priority with my athletes is their enjoyment of the sport in good health. In doing so, intelligent choices are made and true and lasting success is gained. Put another way, if reaching a finish line means a trashed body and spirit, strained relationships, and "never wanting to do another ultra" (or your spouse telling you "you're never going to do another ultra" after watching the sufferfest) ... well, what was that buckle really worth? How do you avoid all that? Easy. Train and race intelligently.
To find out more about my background as an ultramarathoner and ultramarathon coach, please visit my Bio page.
To find out more about my coaching services, please visit my Q & A page.
Coach Weber
The Coach at the summit marker atop Mount Whitney completing the classic Badwater 146 mile course.
So .... Are YOU ready to go Ultra?
The Leadville 100 Finish Line
One of my awesome students finishing his first ultra ... the Leadville Trail 100 ... and sub-25 to boot!
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. I got on it, ran my first 50 in 1986, finished my first 100 miler in 1987 ... and kept running 100s - and longer - for the next 22 years ending with my 13th official finish at Badwater 135 mile in 2009.
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?
It is neither to early to begin your quest for 2013, nor too late for 2012.
I offer a free consultation to anyone who has run a marathon and wants to run their first ultramarathon.
Want to become an ultramarathoner?
Where do you begin?
Leadville 100 Coaching and Consultations
You can't buy these ... you earn 'em
If you are thinking Leadville 2012, congratulations! You have picked one of the most challenging and rewarding ultramarathons in the world to train for and race in. August 2012 might seem like a long ways off, but if you are still building up to your first 50 - or are struggling with either the 50 mile distance or even the 'easier' 100s - then, NOW is none too early to get serious. In fact, let me underline that thought: the BIGGEST mistake new Leadville runners make is delaying their commitment - and serious training - to after January. In my opinion, a successful run at Leadville in August 2012 begins with a commitment to run the race in August 2011 ... and the beginnings of training - and eventually racing - focused on one thing: finishing Leadville. My recommendation is to be 'Rocky Raccoon 100 mile fit' in February 2012 and then take it to the next level from March through August.
So, how did 2011 - my 23rd year of coaching Leadville Trail 100 runners - go for my students? Three of my runners started the Leadville Trail 100 in 2011. 2 were running their first Leadville ever ... 1 was running his first 100 ever. All 3 finished and earned their Leadville Trail 100 Buckle. As I have been for the past 23 seasons of coaching Leadville runners, I was impressed by these runners' training and racing over the preceding months, as well as inspired by their race day grit and focus on reaching the finish line.
You don't get to the Leadville Trail 100 finish line by good intentions ... you get there by intelligent training, gaining the race day skills for running 100 miles, and progressively testing yourself at longer and longer distances in training and tougher and tougher courses in racing. If there was a short cut or trick I'd be happy to tell you ... but, there aren't any. Leadville requires the physical and mental toughness, skills and confidence gained ONLY by many months - and sometimes, years - of training ... that's what makes earning that Leadville Trail 100 buckle so special.
If YOUR goal is crossing that Leadville Trail 100 finish line in 2012, send me an email, tell me about yourself, then let's talk.
Want that Leadville Buckle? Start by e-mailing the Coach
Here's what 2011 LT100 Finisher Scott Loughney had to say:
Scott Loughney at the Start Line of the Leadville Trail 100
September 7, 2011
In late June 2010, I interviewed several top ultra running coaches following a 9 month break after qualifying and competing at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. After being away from my running shoes for nine months, I selected Coach Scott Weber because of his passion for ultra running and great mix between experience as a coach and ultra runner.
It took Scott no time to understand who I was and how to prepare me to become an ultra runner. Without a running base in the first six months, Scott crafted a plan that led to a top 10 finish in my first 50 miler and a top 25 finish at the Rocky Raccoon 100. During the next 6 months, Scott’s very personalized approach built on my strengths and we worked on areas for improvement which resulted in my first 50 mile win, top 20 finish at the Bighorn 100 and a Leadville Trail 100 finish.
At the Leadville Trail 100, Scott worked tirelessly as my coach, crew member and paced me over the “power line” in the late and challenging stages of the race. My favorite part of our time together over the power line was when Scott hand crafted walking sticks from the trees to keep me moving forward. Damn that was funny! Now, that is a coach that goes the extra mile for his athletes.
Scott helped me with everything from tailoring training and selecting races to nutrition and racing gear. The most effective component of Scott’s coaching was building a training and race schedule to fine tune skills and create a balance with the rest of my life.
Scott is the best running coach I have ever had and best money I have ever spent on my endurance sports hands down.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight in making my 1st year as an ultrarunner a fun and amazing experience. Looking forward to a great 2nd year!
Cheers,
Scott Loughney
2011 Leadville Trail 100 Finisher
Scott Loughney crossing the Leadville Trail 100 Finish Line
The Badwater Solo and Beyond
"Make Your Own Adventure"
Coaching, Crewing and Consultations
