Whether he’s running Nolensville with NRC, out on the trails, grinding it out solo on the winding roads of Rutherford County, or somewhere in between, our Runner of the Month Scott Vick is up for a challenge.
In his 8 years running with NRC, he’s steadily upped his distance to ultimately crash the Half Marathon barrier and then some – having completed 3 fulls just this past year and ultra distances. He has a strong presence on a run, not just because he’s 6’3”, but also because he brings a focus and determination that can make it through any challenge along the way. You also can’t miss his smile, even in one of Scott’s famous panoramic NRC Wednesday photos!
We recently had the chance to ask him a few questions and are excited to share more about his story with our crew. Read on to learn more about the unique places he’s lived and run, his amazing family, what brought him to NRC and what he’s celebrating in 2022.
NRC: So, Scott, I hear you are one of those rare native Tennesseans that still live in Middle Tennessee. Is that true?
Scott: Yes. I was born in 1968 in Cookeville, TN while my parents were attending Tennessee Tech University (TTU). We moved to Germany and lived there from 1971 to 1975 while my dad served in the Military. From there we lived in Jackson, MS for one year, before settling back in Cookeville in 1976. I lived and spent the rest of my school years there until 1991, when I graduated from Tennessee Tech and accepted a job that moved me to the Antioch, TN area. From there, I’ve lived in Thompson Station, Brentwood, and now, Nolensville, since 2015.
NRC: Cookeville is such a pretty part of the state and TTU is a great university. You said you moved here for your work? What is it that you do?
Scott: My degree is in Civil Engineering and for the past 20 years I have been involved in Construction Management. Currently, I work for Crouch Engineering, which is a small company in Brentwood that only supports the railroad industry. We work with both the large railroads such as CSX as well as very small privately owned railroads. Our engineers design new railroad track and/or bridges, then we complete the construction portion on behalf of the owner. We have some great clients and the level of stress of working at a privately owned company is much, much less than at a publicly traded company.
NRC: Growing up did you have experiences with running or other sports?
Scott: I started running as part of high school baseball. Being a pitcher always required more running than position players. Probably because there was nothing else for us to do, so the coach said go run.
In college, a few other guys on the team enjoyed running, and we would run at night. Running carried over to the military, which was part of daily physical training. Right out of high school I joined the Army Reserves. From 1986 through 2006, I went through ROTC, Airborne School, Air Assualt School, and too many physical fitness tests, all of these required running. I stayed with running off and on through the years.
NRC: Thank you for your service to our country, Scott. So, as you began to run more for exercise on your own, what has been your motivation?
Scott: During high school, running was primarily for sports, but I became more interested in running than my teamates. I had some neighbors that ran everyday – rain or shine, hot or cold – and they became my motiviation to run further, which at that time was 3 or 4 miles.
Then, after starting ROTC, the focus became, how fast can you run 2 miles. It was not about distance, just run 2 miles in less than 13 minutes. As I got older and slower, I began running a little longer distances of 5 to 6 miles.
In 2012, as part of running and an intense diet, I lost 50 pounds. I began running further and faster, and running became more of a stress relieving activity. In 2014, I ran the Nashville Rock and Roll Half Marathon and finished in 1:45. This gave me some extra motivitation to continue training, but never for a marathon. I was a half marathoner at best.
NRC: That’s a great finish time! Sounds like you were doing awesome on your own. So, when did you hear about NRC?
Scott: In 2014 or 2015, I saw something called Ragnar. It looked fun, and I found a team that needed a last minute runner. As luck would have it, one of my van mates, Melissa Moreland, lived in Nolensville and was a member of something called NRC. She invited me to meet her at NRC. Met some great people and continued coming for the running accountability.
NRC: What is one of your favorite memories with NRC?
Scott: The marathon at Carmel, IN. A big group of NRCers were running the half and the full marathons. I was a little dissapointed when I found out Carmel was in IN and not CA, (hah) but I signed up anyway. The weather was horrendous – cold, rainy, and snowy – but, there was a tent set up at the finish line. Hanging out afterwards cheering along all the finishers was a great memory.
NRC: That’s awesome! One memory we have of you, is when you met up with NRCers Jason Bostelman and Ray Sadler for a “homemade” 50K trail race back in 2019 complete with one-of-a-kind medals made by NRCer Terrie. Peterson who also crewed you guys.
We reached out to Jason and he had these memories to share: “Scott seems quiet when you first meet him, but I’ve had such good converations with him that five hour runs have flown by. Also, he seems to always find another gear at 10 miles in, especially when it’s tough, like summer. And, he is the kind of guy that’s always down for something epic, like a ‘for funsies ultra’, just ask him to join you on one.”
How has NRC has been a motivator for you and are there those who have inspired you to push toward your goals?
Scott: Isn’t it difficult to find a single person?! There are so many great people in NRC that bring something different. Eric Waterman for always being at NRC on Wednesdays – commitment. Wendy Mucci for always finding a way to convince you to run a little farther and a little faster. Ray Sadler for being the best route maker and having great training plans. Jason Loyd for showing that the body can run further than you think. Matt Wilkins for always smiling and laughing even on the long uphills. Scott Alexander for knowing every NRC runner.
NRC: You’re certainly an inspiration to NRC and always seem to amaze us with what you accomplish! Have you done any runs that stand out to you as your most memorable?
Scott: I had run many half marathons and was content with that distance. It is acheivable, training was in my comfort zone, 13 miles is not that far; but then, Wendy Mucci had a birthday and decided to run a long way. 50 miles to be exact! I ran with Wendy and her posse for about 15 miles and learned I could run further than 13. This led to me completing my first marathon in Carmel and experiencing that feeling of immense relief crossing the finish line. Seriously, I needed an NRC hug after that.
This year at age 53, I earned a PR in the full marathon at 3:52. It shows me that training pays.
NRC: How have you dealt with injuries or training setbacks? What has helped you train through challenges?
Scott: If you run, if you train, if you age, you are going to have setbacks and injuries. Some you can continue to run through and some you have to take time off. I have learned to go to your treatment person early. The sooner you get treatment, the faster the recovery. I have found the people at Resilient Health in Maryland Farms are amazing. If you have not tried dry needling, it is like magic for injuries.
NRC: Tell us a bit about your family and share if any of them run as well, or if not, things you enjoy doing together.
Scott: My family thinks I am crazy for running. They put up with it as running is a great energy and mental release. I have been married to Allison for 3 years. She is a chemistry professor at MTSU. She is not a runner, but played basketball in college. Emily, my daughter, moved to Mobile, AL for college and after graduation began working as a trauma nurse there. My son, Andrew, is 13 and attends Christ the King School where he is a straight “A” student, wrestler, and football player. He also participates in performance groups at the School of Rock, where he plays the bass. My stepson, Collin, is 14 and attends Central Magnet. Another straight “A” student who is on the basketball and baseball teams. He is the one with energy that never stops. All 3 kids are different but each with amazing accomplishments at young ages.
NRC: If no limitations, what race would you like to run?
Scott: I was training for the Marine Corps Marathon, but it was cancelled. This is going back on my run wish list.
NRC: What is your current training goal?
Scott: I just finished three marathons during October and November 2021 [7 Bridges Marathon and then back to back marathons – St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville and Flying Monkey!!!]. I took some time off from training, but now I am getting ready for the best afterparty around, the Oak Barrel Half 2022!
NRC: Wow! That is a phenomenal and sounds like a cool way to celebrate all you accomplished in 2021! After 3 marathons, that last hill at Oak Barrell should be no trouble for you. I have no doubt there will be a group of NRCers there to toast with you at the finish line, too! We are so thankful for your involvement with NRC and the quiet, steady determination you bring to your goals is always an inspiration!
SCOTT VICK SPEED ROUND
Favorite mid-run fuel: Honey Stinger Caffeniated Gels and Payday’s
We’d never guess that you…: Lived on a houseboat for 2 years. As soon as you get divorced, go buy a houseboat. You can thank me later.
Most unique place you’ve run: Most unique place was the running in the Green Zone in Baghdad. My favorite place to run is Central Park.
Hobbies: Outside of running, I enjoy hiking and camping. It involves dragging Andrew along and teaching him how Type II fun is the best. The hike to Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the Grand Canyon is an amazing experience.
Favorite thing about winter: Summer Training Sucks!
Interviewed by Amy Owsley