I've been around the block a few times. Over half a
million times, actually. Assuming a block is
approximately 100 yards long and 100 yards wide, running
just over 130,000 lifetime miles equates to a few more
than 500,000 times around the block. So yeah, I've been
around the block a few times. I've had my share of ups
and downs. The Boston Marathon, the Badwater
Ultramarathon and having whatever it takes to run every
single day since November 30, 1978 would fall into the
former; an aging body, injuries, and - well, to be
totally honest falling down while running much too often
these days would fall into the latter. But it's been a
good, long run and I wouldn't have wanted it any other
way. My wife Cindy believes the 2003 Badwater
Ultramarathon signaled the beginning of my declining
health and running ability. I beg to differ: I believe
it was my (last place, and darn proud of it) finish in
the 2006 Western States Endurance Run that catapulted me
into the downside of my running career. However, I have
no regrets. As I said earlier it's been a good, long run
and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Besides, if
it had been any other way I wouldn't have had the many
tales you will find in this book that you, quite
frankly, could not possibly find anywhere else. These
are my stories from . . . my experiences . . . and my
perspectives on running as well as life. They're all
absolutely true. They're all brutally honest. They're
all from the heart. Most of all, they're all mine. Scott
Ludwig, 2013
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