JIM SKAGGS
Age: 48
Family demographics: Married 27 years to my lovely wife Karen, 2 grown kids, 1 daughter (25), 1 son (19), 1 grandson
Occupation: Process Engineer with ATK Clearfield
Hometown: I don't really have one. I've moved around quite a bit all my life. I guess my hometown is the town my current home is in. Right now, West Haven, UT.
Years running: about 20. Ran my first marathon in 1987 on 8 weeks of training and a long run of 8 miles (pretty dumb and I paid for it, but I finished). Got serious about my running in 2002 prepping for my first 100 mile race.
Weekly mileage: varies thru the year, but right now tapering down from around 75. Probably averages around 40 over the course of a year. I try to take 2-4 weeks off a year just to rest and renew, but it's tough to do.
Favorite race distance or race: Anything longer than a marathon, 50K, 50 mile, 100K, 100 mile, 24 hour. I'm too slow for shorter races, plus they hurt more.
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: 5K - 21:03, 10K - 46:??, ½ marathon - 1:36:10, marathon - 3:23, 50K - 5:05, 50 mile - 9:15, 100K - 11:45, 100 mile - 22:18, 24 hour - 103.77 miles. My proudest running accomplishment was the summer of 2003, I trained hard to qualify for Boston. Managed a marathon PR at 44 years old (and qualified), two weeks later ran a 100K race and came in 4th out of 75, then two weeks after that, ran a 100 mile race, coming in 14th out of 100. I felt fantastic at every race. That was a magical summer of running for me. One that I will remember.
Favorite training run: Just about anything on trails, but I really enjoy running from the 22nd St. trailhead to Beus Canyon and back. I enjoy the long climb to the bench, the twisty turning single track around the rocks, just lots of fun and a great workout. I always have a grin on my face after a good run there. I also enjoy the trails out on Antelope Island, especially in the fall, winter, and spring before the bugs come out.
Why run - (motivation, inspiration): I initially started running to get back into shape. Once I discovered trail running and then ultras, it became way too much fun. I like the fact that just an average athlete such as myself can run something like a 100 mile race and do reasonably well. I firmly believe that any physically normal (you have to be somewhat mental!) person can train and run those kind of distances and I love to encourage people go for it.
Goals: Run a minimum of 110 miles in 24 hours at the Across The Years 24 hour race in December. I'm hoping my PR days aren't over yet, but at 48 years old, they may be. Then my goal becomes maintaining what little speed I have for as long as possible. The other main goal is to just keep my running fun and enjoyable.
Favorite music to run to: The sounds of nature. I love to hear the birds and other critters in the woods as I run, the wind through the trees. If I was listening to music, I wouldn't hear the rattlesnakes I almost step on occasionally.
Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.): Right now, Mizuno road and trail shoes I buy at Striders, some Patagonia shirts I got for free, and some cheap Nike shorts I love.
Best advice you've been given as a runner: I can't think of any advice anyone has specifically given me. My wife usually tells me to push the pace, that I don't push hard enough, that I can do better. As usual, she's right.
Best motivational quote: Here's a few ultrarunning quotes I like. I don't know how motivational they are.
"That what doesn't kill you only makes you hungry"
"It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse."
- Ann Trason
Below is probably the most motivational quote I've heard in quite awhile.
"I didn't drive all the way to Ohio for you to quit at 75 miles, get moving" I really wanted to drop and my wife said this to me at 2AM at the 2006 Mohican Trail 100 mile race.
Your role model:
"I have met my hero, and he is me."
- George Sheehan
Favorite food: Depends, after an ultra, I really crave spicy, salty food, Mexican usually, and lots of it. Just about anything my wife cooks.
Hobbies or interests other than running: I have a private pilot's license. Woodworking or metalworking in my garage. Working or playing with anything mechanical. Playing with my grandson when he visits (not often enough, he lives in Illinois).
Anything else the world might want to know about you: I am the race director for the Antelope Island Buffalo Run. A 25K, 50K, and 50 mile trail race. This race is a great introduction to trail races and ultras for those who have done neither. I love directing this race. I really enjoy meeting everyone, watching them have fun on some of my favorite trails, hearing of their encounters with the wildlife, and just hanging out talking to other runners. I certainly couldn't do this race without the huge amounts of help and support I get from John and Kristin. I also direct the Frary Peak Hill Climb 10K. This is a new race this year. Sign up before it fills up. I'm also a volunteer with the Antelope Island Trail Patrol.
