Athlete Profile
Fitsok is excited to tell the stories of runners across the country and how they RUN FOR IT every day.
Chris Scotch, 33
Where are you from?
Well….That depends on what you mean. I was born in Oregon, moved to the Iron Range of Minnesota when I was in First Grade. Lived in Duluth for 7th and 8th grade. Attended High School in Appleton, WI. Returned to Minnesota for college at the University of St. Thomas. Moved to Rhode Island immediately after college for 3 years. I have been back in Minneapolis/St. Paul for the past 8 years. So I guess I am from all over!
What got you interested in running?
For most of my entire life I had ranked running on the bottom of my list of things I like or ever wanted to do. It was painful and I didn’t see much point it doing it. In 2009 I moved near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis and figured I should at least give running around the lakes a try. The first time I went out I couldn’t make it all the way around Isles before I gave up and walked. I figure I made it about two miles that day. Running became a personal challenge in the summer of 2009 and I manged to finish the Twin Cities and Sacramento (CIM) marathons. Coming into 2010 I was still a bit unsure if running was for me, but in April I decided to continue to challenge myself and run as a St. Jude Hero on behalf of Katelyn Atwell. I created the Where’s Chris Scotch campaign to spread awareness for my fundraising. The original plan was to run two marathons, but in an effort to raise more awareness for St. Jude, I decided to run an Ultra, the Afton 50K. I instantly fell in love with this type of running and I haven’t looked back since. I have run 7 ultras since July and have 2 more on the schedule for December and January.
Tell us about the charity you run to raise awareness for… Where can we find more info?
I participate in the St. Jude Heroes Program, but I have added my own unique twist; Rather than running only one race I have decided to compete in multiple events and have created an ongoing campaign for St. Jude. You can learn more here.
You’ve run in a lot of fun events lately – What’s been your favorite?
Wow – that is a hard question. 2010 has been full of amazing events – 14 so far – that are all special for unique reasons. The inaugural VoyageurQuest 4-day stage race takes a close second to the Sawtooth 100 – both races were on the Superior Hiking Trail, which is one of the most challenging and beautiful venues for an ultra marathon in the country. Finishing a 100 mile race takes a lot of luck, determination and support from your crew and race volunteers. To see it all come together at Sawtooth 100 is something I will always cherish.
What motivates you? What do you RUN FOR?
All of the events I have run this year have been inspired by Katelyn Atwell and the Where’s Chris Scotch campaign for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. But I have to admit, what started as a difficult personal challenge has turned into something the provides a joy of the purest form, especially the Ultras. I experience so many different levels of happiness when I run, which puts a huge smile on my face, and this is why I run!
Tell us about your experience wearing Fitsok.
Fitsok provides a great range of functional, and just as important, awesome feeling socks. When my feet are happy, I run happy. Espeically when I slide the ISW wool socks on my feet. They are my favorite, not only for running, but for everyday socks. Fitsok has also been a wonderful partner for my fundraising campaign. I am very appreciative to have the support of great people like Fitsok supporting me. Thanks Fitsok!!
