Tales from the Darkside

Are you allowed to post for more than one person? I saw Scott's name when I posted for another friend. I just met Scott last week; we ran a goodly amount of the Museum of Aviation Marathon in Warner-Robins, Georgia together. He never mentioned he was trying for the North Pole Marathon, and we've emailed since returning to our respective homes. That says a lot about him. He was very hospitable and welcoming (we were in his home state), giving me lots of great insight on various races in the south. Running with him was great fun. You do get a sense of a person when you run miles and miles with them; Scott is the real deal, a genuine competitor in every fine meaning of the word. I look forward to running with him again.

If you want to add class. clout and character to your marathon, announce to the running world that your event's participant list includes Scott Ludwig. Who wouldn't want to share the road (ice) with a celebity personality of running lore. Would I? Does a polar bear ---- in the woods? Just the mere mention of Scott's name is worthy of awarding the all-expense paid trip to the race. Stop the contest, you have a winner. Go, Scott, go.

You can close your contest now!! Scott Ludwig is a legend in running and a wonderful person to go along with it. Look out, Santa! You've got competition!
Scott is not only a world-class runner, he's also a world class coach, mentor, running mate and friend. If it wasn't for Scott, I would have never got into ultrarunning! And he can drink the hell out of some beer as well! Go Scott go!

Scott is a race director par excellence. His races are extremely well-organized as well as being very friendly. He really looks after his entrants.

Scott is very deserving of a spot in this event. In addition to the running resume he has submitted, he is always encouraging and helpful to runners who paritcipate in the Darkside events he directs, regardless of ability. He has been an inspiration to me for years. I am looking forward to seeing his write up of this event. It should be a blast!

SCOTT IS THE MAN! HE TOLD YOU THAT HE HAS RUN EVERY DAY, FOR THE LAST 28+ YEARS, YET FAILED TO MENTION THAT HE HAS AVERAGED OVER TEN MILES PER DAY, FOR THOSE OVER-TEN-THOUSAND DAYS! HE WILL BE SUPER AT THE NORTH POLE, AND COULD NOT EVEN BE AFFECTED BY FREAKIN'KRYPTONITE!

Scotty--you da man! And he was NOT dead last at Western States. He was the first finisher over 30 hours, for which he won a special, well dsesrved award. He leap frogged the cutoffs all day and night and day again, no easy task. Especially for a guy who normally detests trails. (I don't want to screw up his chances so I won't discuss his personality...shhh! Don't tell him I said that!).

There are no trails where you are going, buddy! But you might need that third sock!

G

And the winner is.......Scott Ludwig.

If you are seeking an individual that WILL cross the finish line, choose Scott Ludiwg. I have known Scott for a few years and he has a passion for running that stretches for miles. Scott is such a dedicated runner that he has up to 15 miles for breakfast every weekday morning before dawn and a smorgasbord of miles on weekends. Might I add that is through any kind of weather.(he would have been a perfect postman) He has participated in numerous marathons over the past 28 years, with a great record might I add. As his application states, he is the editor of a newsletter for runners Each year he participates in Walk America where he chooses to run instead of walk. One bonus for him is that he loves cold weather and he is a determined man. Whatever he sets his mind to do, he accomplishes. That bitter cold will not stop him....I guarantee. HE WILL COMPLETE THIS RACE!

I KNOW SCOTT CAN DO THIS! HE IS YOUR BEST CANDIDATE

Having known Scott for 20 years, I know that if he is the chosen one he will finish the race and finish well. He has a great resume in the endurance races and would be a great selection to acknowledge his running accomplishments.

Scott is the King of Consistency when it comes to running. Not only does he have a 28 year running streak, but he's put in some very respectable mileage, and posted some even more respectable times in those years. He didn't mention that he came in 6th place at Badwater. Extreme conditions are his strength, because nothing seems to alter his steady pace. I've run a lot of miles with Scott, and I can tell you that a big reason you should choose him to win this contest is that he's just a fun guy to run with, and the other people in the race will be glad you picked him. As someone else already mentioned, I look forward to reading his write-up on this race. His brand of humor is just what the running world needs more of. The Birmingham branch of the Darkside Running Club will be pulling for Scott.

I have known Scott for about 35 years as he is my Brother-in-Law so I have been stuck with him for a long time, but the good news is that he has been a great addition to our family. I have observed his progress as a runner thru the years and especially the difficulty of some the races he has competed in how he did. He is determined to be competitive and finish; even pain and illness cannot deter him, but only makes him more determined to do his absolute best and finish what he is committed to do. He would be a great addition to your race and add some color and humor to this cold rigorous race.

I've been running with Scott for about 7 years and have seen Scott do almost everything as it relates to running; except, of course, running the North Pole. If it's extreme, Scott will find it, run it and maybe even win it. I was his crew chief at Badwater and he followed a demanding and grueling training program for a year to prepare for this 135 mile race across the most difficult terrain and hottest heat anyone can imagine. Never once did I think Scott would not finish. Only if his bones had broken and were protruding would he have thought about stopping. He has the ability to put himself into a "forever pace" and just stick to it. He showed fortitude, determination and strength unmatched by anyone I've ever seen or even read about. He finished 6th in his first Badwater. He doesn't give himself enough credit; actually he never gives himself ANY credit. Scott is humble and will never sing his own praises; it's a rule in our club and he's the President. You will only know Scott's true accomplishments through others who have witnessed them. He is a truly amazing and gifted runner who will ALWAYS finish what he starts. He's probably setting up a walk in cooler to start training in as we speak.
Queen Bee aka Skinny Bitch

SCOTT LUDWIG of Peachtree City, Georgia is without question the toughest endurance runner in the USA. His attitude towards any race is unrelenting forward motion. Scott Ludwig thrives on the challenge of finishing an extreme race..hot, cold, pretty or ugly. Scott and I have known each other for ten years. He's a mentor to many runners including myself. Scott is the editor and publisher for a quarterly Darkside Running club newsletter which is usually 80-100 pages. Unquestionably, Scott is a skilled writer and well-organized. He provides good ultra running information often wrapped in his humor. Scott's running record demonstrates clearly his endurance and hunger for tough challenges. Here are three accomplishments: (1) 28 year running streak of 10-miles or more per day without missing a day. Scott has run every day since November 29, 1978; (2) Scott finished Western States in 2006 in a year that saw only 53% of the starting 399 runners finish. The extreme conditions caused the dropouts. (3) Scott's 6th place finish in the 2003 Badwater 135 is a clear testimony of his ability to run and finish the North Pole Marathon. Unconditionally, I strongly recommend that you select SCOTT LUDWIG as your choice to be the winner of the North Pole Marathon contest. Scott's credentials are proven!!
Submitted by Tom Adair, Atlanta, GA

As you see from his amazing accomplishments finishing the race is a Given for Scott. It has been less than a year since he finished 'Western states'. I have known him for a few years. His dedication or obsession to running is unreal. He will not be affected by the cold as he never turns the heat on anyway. He should win this contest because he has ran sum 700 races over his career all over the world. I think all on his own dime. He deserves one on the house. He's worth it. You get a guaranteed finish. You also get the fun atmosphere Scott creates around him that the other runners will appreciate. Then there is his running expertise from planning a race to finishing it. At the end he will write it up in his humorous yet informative short stories for his news letter. I look forward to reading it.

If you want a professional trail runner and magazine writer, then you should pick Adam Chase. But if you want someone who will not only finish the run without question, but then be able relate his experiences from the "common man" level with a unique perspective, wry sense of humor, and keen insight, then you should pick Scott Ludwig. His running ability, experience, and endurance are legendary and speaks for itself so there is no doubt he'll complete the run. But what he brings to the table is the ability through his writing to put the experience into context and make you feel like "you are there" complete with the agonizing pain, the ironic humor, the utter frustration, the ever-present hope, and the unbelievability of it all.
Many of the applicants, probably most of them will be able to complete the event. But only Scott will be able to relate the experience in a way that will make them all feel like they were there. Simply put, Scott Ludwig is your man.

This guy is driven by perfection and dedicated to running and without a doubt will fare well in this run eventhough he will get frost bite and have icicles hanging on his face. He will finish.

I cannot think of a better person/runner or writer for this event. His writing skills totally match his running and and personality and this run would and should be honored that Scott would participate. His running experiences speak for themselves. His race director organizational skills are also top-notch and without question, Scott is a very entertaining and vibrant writer who will capture not only the essence of the event but will make it jump out at you right off the pages you read!!
My question is how could you ever NOT have Scott at your event??

When you open Webster's dictionary and look up the words dedicated, determined, winner and runner, you will find a picture of Scott Ludwig in all of them. I have known Scott for several years, and through it all, he is THE one that you can count on...for any and everything that he commits himself to doing. He has the attitude, endurance, skills and drive to run any place, anytime and in any conditions, no matter if most of the population would think he was crazy for doing it!

If you are looking for someone to successfully complete this race, Scott Ludwig is the ONE!

I met Scott in 1998 while working on a construction project in the Peachtree City Area. He dragged me along each Sunday for a 20 plus mile run. There is nothing Scott cannot do. And just when you think he has done the craziest of races, along comes another. After he finishes the North Pole Marathon, I expect him to branch out even further. You may wish to begin plans for the first lunar surface marathon.

Any time I want to wimp out on a race or a daily workout, I think of the days, times and conditions that Scott runs in, and the fact that he has done it everyday for 28 years.

I would not be surprised if Scott wins the event outright.

I have known Scott for over 24 years and in that time I have never known him to back down from any type of Running event. He ran Badwater which I feel only a crazy person would run , western states which he hates but ran twice, on the frist try his running partner whom he was just pacing dropped out. He could not let the fact that he had to quit go, he went back the next year and finished in just over 30 hours. I feel that if you are looking for someone to represent you in goood fashion that Scott is your man. I feel he would do you proud and make a good showing in this race. I would like to say again that I have never known him to quit at anyting he will see it thru to the end .

There are few certainties in life these days. Sure, the sun will come up in the east and Tiger Woods will lap the field at the next PGA event, but really not too much else that you can hang your hat on. Oh - I just thought of another one: Scott Ludwig will continue to amaze me each and every time I think of him. From the comments above, you know his story: a 10 miles/day average EACH AND EVERY DAY since November, 1978, his 6th place finish at Badwater in 2003 in arguably the most God forsaken place in the US, his Masters win at the US 24 hour Championships in 2002, and his determined battle through Western States last year. Those things barely scratch the surface in defining what beats in his chest. Quit is not in his vocabulary. Nor is chest-beating or pride or anything else that fills so many athletes these days. He simply laces 'em up and heads out the door and puts one foot in front of the other for as long as is necessary to complete the task. Over the 6 years that I've known him and had the joy of being in his company in venues such as the aforementioned Death Valley, I've been equally impressed with his organizational skills as a race director and as one who has encouraged and developed any number of budding distance runners. He created the Darkside Running Club and now edits and writes for as fine a running publication as you'll find out there.

Folks, this is one of the few gimmes in life. Put Scott Ludwig in your run across the ice and you'll get not only a proven horse of a runner but a post-race perspective that many will treasure. Besides, I want to see the walk-in freezer that Paula will design for him to train in! (You can crew this one all you want, QB. I'm gonna keep my skinny butt in the Deep South!)

Gary Griffin, Tallahassee, FL

I have known Scott for 34 years . . .yes, I'm his wife. His fortitude, stamina, motivation and dedication amazes me every day. He's like the Energizer Bunny, he just keeps going and going and going . . . he's unstoppable. I can attest to the fact that he has run everyday in all kinds of weather for 28 years. The word "quit" is not in his vocabulary, so you can count on him to finish the race. His "ultra" resume is quite impressive and guarantees a finish, but he brings another attribute to the table -- his unique ability to share the experience with others through human interest story writing. His writing and communication skills are top notch, in addition to the numerous articles he has written and had published, he's even written a book (not yet published)titled "Running Through My Mind, A Quarter Century of Thinking on My Feet" (dedicated to anyone who ever asked me 'What do you think about when you run?' Even non-runners find his writing interesting and humerous. Running the North Pole Marathon may be wilder and crazier than running Badwater, but then Scott is a wild and crazy guy when it comes to running and he's always looking toward the next challenge. He's your man!

I had the privileged of pacing Scott at the Western States Endurance run. In the 12 hours Scott and I spent together, I learned more about mental strength than I could have ever imagined possible. Scott not only showed physical strength but his mental strength was unbelievable. After watching him cross that finish line, I am convinced that Scott Ludwig can conquer any challenge set before him. Not only is Scott an amazing runner, he has proved to be a very good teacher and friend to me in the 4 years I have known him. Through Scott's dedication, I have learned you can accomplish anything (not only ultra's) in life with good training and focus.
You will not find a better person to do this race. He is an inspiration to us all!

You could never find a better candidate for this race than Scott. His running resume says a lot, but he's much more impressive in person. He's funny, kind, entertaining, and an exceptional running partner. He can distinguish between times when you need encouragement, silence or a kick in the rear. He's an excellent writer and would be a great spokesperson for your race. Finally, he will finish.

AND, after Badwater, he needs a cold weather race to balance things out, don't you think?

The North Pole is a truly unique place to hold a marathon. Scott Ludwig is a unique individual, as well as a gutsy runner. His entry and completion of the North Pole Marathon will only add to such a special event.

Being Scott's sister-in-law for 34 years,I have witnessed Scott's entire running career. I put a ditto to all the comments made above as there is not a false statement among them. As to Scott's ability to run in all kinds of weather; once when we were on a family ski vacation, it snowed over night and we were snowed in, couldn't get to the slopes; but did that stop Scott from running? No, of course not. Off he went in knee deep snow to complete his daily run.

Best of all, Scott has a gift for writing first-hand accounts of all the runs he completes, even his daily ones, that captivate his readers. He relates his experiences in such a way that you feel YOU were actually there doing the race/run with him. I guarantee that Scott will finish the North Pole Marathon and write an account of the race like no other. You couldn't make a better choice than Scott Ludwig as a candidate for the race. By Mary Lane Johnson

To the webmaster:

I've had some of my friends tell me they posted a comment and it's not being reflected on my entry/page. You may have a problem that needs to be addressed.

Thank you.

First of all, allow me to thank everyone who took the time to support me in my effort to run the North Pole Marathon. Whether you've known me for 25 years or 25 months, I appreciate your encouraging words! I wouldn't be the person...or the runner...that I am had I not had the good fortune of getting to know each and every one of you. All of you are champions, and I know in my heart that many of you are just as capable as me of completing this event.

I want to let you all know that I entered this contest 'by accident.' My wife placed a newspaper article about this contest on my car keys one morning, and I happened to take it to work with me to read. I thought her intent was for me to enter--which I did that very day. In reality, she just wanted me to READ the article. However, one of you sent me an electronic version of the article the same day encouraging me to enter. With two hints like that, and my propensity to give in to the power of suggestion (and my inability to just say 'no'), entering the contest was inevitable.

After I entered, two of those who posted offered me their opinion on what I had written on my application. One, my wife Cindy, said that I came across as too arrogant. The other, my Badwater crew chief and running pal Paula May, said that I came across as too humble. You know the cartoon where someone has an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other? Exactly! Anyway, for those who think I came across as too arrogant, all I mean to say that I don't quit. Cold, snow and ice don't hold a candle to some of the conditions I've run in (when you've run every day for over 28 years, every weather condition imaginable comes your way), and there is no doubt in my mind that I will finish the race. For those who think I came across as too humble, let me add a few things: (1) I'm the race director of the Darkside 8 Hour Run (establish 2003), the Peachtree City 50K (established 2002), and the Darkside Marathon (established 2004). The 50K served as the Georgia 50K state championship in its second year, and the National 50K road championship in its third year. (2) I've run in 670 races, including 28 straight Peachtree 10K's, 24 Atlanta Marathons and 11 Boston marathons. (3) I've run over 4,500 miles in each of the past 13 years. (4) My consecutive-days running streak ranks me 36th in the country. (5) My marathon PR of 2:48 was set in 1987 (and matched in 1994) in 38 degree weather with a steady rain. My Georgia state age group record of 3:56 for 50K in 2006 was done in 30'ish weather with a steady rain. I LOVE cold, damp weather! (6) I'm the President (and co-founder) of the Darkside Running Club, and I truly believe--and there are many bootleg copies out there to prove me right--that it is the finest running publication in the country ('absolutely true...Tales from the Darkside').

As for media experience, my wife mentioned I'm writing a book. At well over 300 pages, it's close to publication (a little more proofreading, photo selection and fine-tuning remains) and the title is a bit different than what Cindy stated. As I added three more years of history to the book, it's now titled 'Running Through My Mind: Confessions of an Every Day Runner.' Additionally, I've given two extended interviews for local television stations: (1) In 2003, I ran the Boston Marathon course from the finish to the start, and then ran the actual marathon as a tuneup for Badwater (actually 54 total miles, as I got lost running the course backwards). Additionally, it was my 100th lifetime marathon, and I was interviewed in Hopkinton--along with a couple getting married on Heartbreak Hill--before the gun started the race at noon. (2) In 2006, after being the last official finisher to cross the finish line at Western States, I was interviewed as some sort of 'celebrity.' As far as I can tell, I gave a fairly coherent interview. I think. Also, I've been interviewed by many newspapers, for things such as running 28 miles to work on National Run to Work Day, being the first finisher at the March of Dimes WalkAmerica for virtually the past 26 years in Clayton County, Georgia, having the longest running streak in Georgia, and hitting the 100,000 lifetime mile mark when I crossed the finish line of the Atlanta Marathon in 2005 (my race number was 100K).

I also have a terrific job that (unfortunately) occupies about 55 hours of my time each week. So after you factor in my 95 miles a week, my family and community obligations, housework, Florida Gator football and basketball games (depending on the season), and my favorite TV shows, that leaves little time for much else. Not to mention that publishing Tales from the Darkside takes about 200 hours a year (it's published quarterly) and putting on three races a year is no walk in the park (but I love doing it!). I'm not able to run a marathon each weekend all over the country, nor do I have the luxury of being supported by a running outfit (magazine, company, etc.). I do everything on my own time, and with my own money. As Tim Piper said, it would be nice to have one 'on the house.'

In August of 2003, the company I worked for since 1979 closed down. At the time, I offered to run a marathon...or more...every day for the entirety of 2004 as a marketing ploy for one of four major running shoe companies. Two said they had already allocated all their marketing money for the year, and two didn't reply (I won't mention names--I JUST can't DO IT). So, running a marathon every day for 50 days...or a marathon every weekend...like I said earlier, many of the people who posted a comment for me are more than capable of doing it! Don't let the publicity monster lead you to believe that there aren't many of us out there, because there most certainly IS!

Fortunately, I landed the greatest job in the world in December of 2003. I no longer have the time to make the 'daily marathon or more' offer, but I certainly have the time to run a few miles on the North Pole.

By the way, two other websites I would recommend:
(1) runeveryday.com - this is the website of the United States Running Streak Association. I have a few records of note listed (remember, my ranking is 36th).
(2) badwater.com - this is the website for the Badwater Ultramarathon. The article I wrote chronicling my participation there in 2003 can be found there (it was also published in the October 2003 issue of Ultrarunning, and by the way, that was me on the cover--#20--standing behind eventual winner Pam Reed).

Thanks again to everyone who posted for me. If I'm selected, I won't let you down. If I’m not, don’t be disappointed: your comments mean much more to me than winning this contest.

There is very little I can add to all the other wonderful comments. If there was one word I would use to describe Scott it would be ferocious. Not on the outside - on the inside. On the outside he is as nice and friendly as one could possibly imagine. But on the inside is the heart of a tiger. Twenty eight years without missing a day - can you imagine the injuries he has run through. Sixth at Badwater in his first try. I may be wrong about this, but I think even though he did not meet the official required time at Western States, the organizers presented him with a buckle anyway because of his doggedness in unbearable consitions. Scott will finish. Come hell or high water, he will finish. And on top of that he will then eloquently write about it. If anybody deserves to be in the North Pole marathon it is Scott Ludwig.

I have known Scott and his family since I was a little girl and my grandmother babysat their 2 boys. I remember Scott running to our house before the sun even came up, they had to live at least 25 miles away. I always wondered why he ran so much. Now that I am an adult I understand it is his passion and its in his blood. I hope that he is choosen for the North Pole marathon. If anyone deserves it, its Scott. Good luck Scott!
:)