Coach Scott Struck

RRCA Certified Coach, Phd. Psychologist

Scott’s Coaching Philosophy

Hello fellow runners! I am a licensed psychologist and have been working in the mental health field for more than 35 years. I have worked with people experiencing a variety of emotional concerns, roadblocks, trauma, addiction, motivational difficulties, and/or all of the above. I have been running steadily for the last 19 years or so and have served as a pacer for 18 races in the past. I love both trail and road running, as well as mountain biking, paddling, and hiking. I have run in well over 200 events, ranging from 5k’s on up to ultra marathons. I have completed 23 ultramarathons, including seven 100 milers (three of which were at the Hennepin Hundred—which has a very special place in my heart). As a practicing psychologist, I am a true believer in the positive mental health benefits and healing power that comes from running.

In terms of my personality and style as a coach, I believe running can, and should be, a fun and rewarding experience. I don’t take things too seriously and am pretty laid back. I really value the social aspects of training and competing with like minded individuals. I enjoy motivating people to test their limits and achieve their dreams. I have learned a few things over the years and would love to share them with you! I have tried most of the major training methods out there and strive to keep up on the latest in gear, nutrition, and running research. As a coach, I hope I can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Start Training

**Cool Facts about Coach Scott**

I have always been a steady middle-of-the-pack kind of runner guy, but I have had so much fun and good fortune through running and training for endurance sports. Here are just a few fun facts about me:
In 2019 I ran rim to rim to rim of the Grand Canyon in 14 ½ hours, with 21,000+ feet of elevation change! Whew, that was so epic that I did it again in 2021.
I set a world record with a group of super cool people for running in the most number of United States National Parks in one 24 hour period (7 parks!) Check out the video my buddy Adam made of this amazing feat: https://youtu.be/1yfKO59WUHc
I have summitted eight 14,000+ foot peaks in Colorado.
I cross train on an ElliptiGO and love it.
I ski, and covered 187,000 feet of vert in one week this past January in Colorado. I also snowshoe, paddleboard, jet ski, and hike.
About 97% of my Facebook friends are runners.
I received the “Ultra Runner of the Year” award in 2019, and then the “Social Runner of the Year” award in 2020 from the Kalamazoo Area Runners. Wow! Such an honor!
I have a goal to run the year in miles each year (i.e. at least 2021 miles in 2021).
I have a reputation for talking people into doing things that they initially think are just nuts, but that they then afterward love and think were amazing.
I only wear Altra running shoes.
I have DNF-ed, DNS-ed, and DFL-ed exactly once each and learned a ton from these experiences.
I love the challenge of running 100 milers, but my favorite distance is 100k, and my favorite race format is the 24 hour looped course.
I flat out won the 2020 Applegate Trails 1ook (but I was the only 100k competitor that showed up!)
I have paced 18 half or full marathons, and always feel that it is an amazing privilege to help a first timer cross the finish line.
I have run on the Tahoe Rim Trail, the Western States Trail, the North Country Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Start Training

AthleteTestimonials

“I enjoyed working with Scott his plan was perfect for me! He listened to my concerns and worked with me for a very individual plan. He told me about his own racing experiences and what I might expect. He made the 100 mile distance not so scary. It was always great to meet with him in our Zoom meetings. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders, whether it was a marathon or an ultra. When people ask me about the Hennepin 100, it always starts with my Coach Scott gave me the perfect plan. One last thing about Scott, we met in person for the first time Friday night before Hennepin. He wanted to make sure I didn’t have any last minute questions or concerns. We ran together for a few miles at the start, but the best part was when I finished there was Scott with a chair for me and my tired legs and a huge smile.”

David-Ultra Runner
"I am an experienced ultra runner, but had DNFd the same 100 mile race twice, so I knew I needed to do something different this year, if I wanted that buckle. I hired coach Scott in winter - about 6 months out from my goal race and also the hardest time of year for me to run. During the 6 months leading up to my race, Scott built me a comprehensive plan and regularly checked in with me. I ended up PRing in both the marathon and 50k distance, with his help. He’s very patient and adjusts to the needs of the runner. Before my big goal race, we decided on the mantra of “run with joy” and I kept that attitude and repeated those words many times during my big day. I accomplished my goal of finally completing the Badger 100, due to my training guided by coach Scott. Thank you!"

Alycia-Ultra Runner
"We checked in weekly and adjusted the plan as needed. He made sure that I was enjoying training and that I was happy with the plan week by week. Training with Coach Scott made me more confident in my abilities and definitely made me a stronger runner. Training never felt like a chore, and we added in some fun events leading up to the big day. My end goal was the Hennepin 100 but during training I was able to PR other distances! My goal race went better than I could have imagined. I felt very strong during the race and felt more prepared than I ever have for a race. This training season was life changing for me. I feel so much stronger physically as well as mentally. He helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a coach. Hes the best of the best. I can’t thank him enough for helping me succeed!"

Marisa-Ultra Runner