Even if triathlon is a family affair, you practiced other sports when you're younger. Can you tell us about it?
I've been fairly active my whole life and did a bit of everything when I was younger-soccer for many years, basketball, swimming in the summer and even football. As I got into middle & high school I began running more on the track and cross country team and was also cross country skiing. I skied for the Nordic team at Montana State my first 2 years of college before transferring to CU. I really didn't get into triathlons until my last few years of high school and it wasn't until 2011 that I really decided to focus on triathlon.
When did you decide to become a professional triathlete? Who's your coach?
I began racing professionally at the end of 2012 and starting training/racing full time in 2014 after I had finished up with my degree at the University of Colorado. It wasn't until after the 2012 season that I decided I was really ready to make the jump. I knew I had to be winning most of my races as an amateur to even be competitive in professional races so I'm glad I waited until I did.
My dad has been coaching me now for the last few years. It has its challenges at times, but has worked well for me and he has played a huge role in my progression over the last couple years.
Your program includes non-drafting Olympic distance and 70.3. Have you ever been interested by the ITU circuit?
When I first got into triathlon during high school, I jumped in a few draft-legal Junior Elite races but was always hampered by my sub-par swim. As I continued to race more, I naturally gravitated towards non-drafting races, as my strength has always been the bike. To be honest, I'm just more inspired to race the longer distances and that is what gets me going in the morning. I also am realistic with my racing ambitions and acknowledge that I may not quite have what it takes to win a gold medal in the Olympics, but I do think I can win races in the 70.3 & Ironman distance.
Your father is a triathlon legend with 6 victories in Kona. Do you see this as an advantage for your career? Do you feel you are already being compared to him?
I think my Dad's experience and knowledge that he gained while competing in triathlon is something that I can always utilize and I lean on him for advice quite a bit. I think some people will always try to compare my own career to his, but it really doesn't bother me and I'm just taking it year by year. It still makes me laugh a bit when any triathlon related article begins with my name and "son of Dave Scott 6x Ironman Champion". I won't know if I've truly "made it" in triathlon until I can ditch that! J
You studied at the University of Colorado, and now live in Boulder, like so many triathletes. Tell us why you chose to train there. Is there another spot you would like to go train?
I've grown up in Boulder and lived here nearly my entire life so it was an easy decision for me to return to Boulder and attend the University of Colorado after my motivation in skiing began to wane a bit at Montana State University. I think I take Boulder a bit for granted at times but I do realize how great of a place it is for training when I travel to other areas of the US. It is a tough spot to beat. I have never been to Europe though, so would love to spend time over there at some point in Spain or Italy. I watch those big stages in the cycling races and would love to do some of those epic climbs.
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses? Is there an area where you're going to concentrate your efforts this year?
The bike has always been my strength since I started in triathlon. My swim has made some good improvements over the last few years, but my run is definitely my weakest leg at the moment. It's been challenging to improve my run over the last 2 years due to a lack of consistency with injuries. I think if I'm able to get in 6-7 months of consistent injury-free running I can be in the shape of my life. I'm really focusing my efforts on building up my run slowly so I can be more competitive in races. It's no secret that the run is where you win the big races, so I know that I have the most to gain there and it is the most important piece for me at the moment.
You had an excellent second half of the season last year with victories at New Orleans 5150 and Silverman 70.3. Do you think you've turned the page with your injuries?
I hope so! It was a perfect start last year in New Orleans before finding out I had a stress fracture immediately following that race. It took quite a few months to heal up and then get back into decent enough shape to race. It was great to win Silverman 70.3 after the up and down year I had and it certainly gave me some confidence for the future. It's easier said than done staying healthy, but I've learned quite a bit about my body over the last 2 years dealing with injury and hopefully it helps me to stay injury free in the future.
What are you main goals for the future - 2015 and beyond? Worlds 70.3? Kona?
The number one thing for me in 2015 is to stay healthy. I haven't been able to put together more than 3-4 months of consistent running over the last few years so I think I have some big gains to be make if I can stay injury-free. I'm looking at racing an Ironman later in the year. I do hope to return to Kona as a professional within the next few years, but want to make sure I'm ready to roll before going there. I will do a quite a few 70.3 races this year looking to become more consistent and targeting either 70.3 worlds or a late season Ironman.
Can you tell us of a swim set you've done recently and that you don't want to do again?
I did one earlier this week that just about killed me!
300 Warm Up
Straight into main set:
3×400 (2 swim/1 pull) at sub threshold (LT)
1×300 swim sub LT,
1×200 pull sub LT
100 easy
2×200 swim at LT
4×150 swim LT
2×125 pull LT
2×125 swim LT
300 easy cool down
Can you tell us who are your sponsors for 2015?
I'm fortunate enough to have the support of Boardman Bikes, HOKA ONE ONE, Shimano, PowerBar, SaltStick, Blueseventy, and Stages Cycling.
What Kiwami can wish you for 2015?
Stay injury free and win some races!
