Everest Marathon with David Scott - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 13 Eps 19

This week Steven and John welcome David Scott back to the podcast. David opens by sharing his ongoing work with the Fit Like Joggers Couch to 5K program, reflecting on the hundreds of runners he’s helped start their journey. The conversation quickly turns to the main topic, David’s recent adventure of running the Everest Marathon.

David explains his lifelong fascination with Nepal and the Himalayas, describing how the Everest Marathon became the perfect way to mark his milestone birthday. He details the journey: flying into Kathmandu, then to the precarious Lukla airport, followed by an 11-day trek through tea houses to acclimatize for the high-altitude challenge. He highlights the beauty of the trail—no vehicles, just yaks, horses, and footpaths—and the importance of gradual acclimatization, sharing stories of fellow trekkers who battled altitude sickness but persevered.

Arriving at Everest Base Camp, David describes the emotional impact of seeing Everest up close and the privilege of staying at the camp among mountaineers returning from the summit. On marathon day, he joins 200 runners at the start line, facing a course that, despite its net downhill, features over 1,200 meters of climbing, rocky steps, suspension bridges, and dramatic scenery. David recounts the physical challenge of running at altitude, the camaraderie among participants, and the unique experience of running in a kilt. He finds motivation in running alongside a new friend, Adela, and together they cross the finish line in Namche Bazaar.

The episode closes with David reflecting on the sense of achievement and the supportive atmosphere at the finish, where all 200 starters completed the race. He celebrates participants determination in finishing despite struggles and encourages listeners to pursue their own “Everest,” whatever that may be. He shares the Nepalese word “pastari” (slowly, slowly) as a reminder to be patient and present, before choosing a belter of a song choice for the current playlist.