Passion Profile – Scott Samuel

Name:

Scott Samuel

Activities/Passions:

Motorcycles, ATVs, Running, Kayaking, mountain bikes, triathlons, Duathlons, Adventure races, Snow shoeing, XC skiing, Yoga, and Metal work

Age:

Occupation:

Corporate Accountant

Scott’s Achievements:

2019:

Overall winner XTERRA New Jersey & Rough Patch triathlons (x2)

Overall winner Pat’s Peak 12 hr Mountain bike race

Podium finisher XTERRA New England, MRA & J Billings triathlons (x3)

Podium finisher Greenway Challenge adventure race – Ironman division

Podium finisher Run Of The Charles kayak race

2017-2018:

Overall winner XTERRA New England, New Jersey & Michigan triathlons (x4)

Overall winner Greenway Challenge adventure race CO-ED division (2018)

Overall winner Run Of The Charles kayak race

Overall winner Pat’s Peak 12 hr Mountain bike race (x2)

Overall winner Ironman Lake George, Rockbuster & MRA triathlons (x6)

Overall winner Mystic River run & kayak race

Overall winner Race The State adventure race – Ironman division

2015-2016:

Overall winner XTERRA New England triathlon

Overall winner Walt Woods Slalom mountain bike race (x2)

Overall winner MRA, Red Rock, King Pine and Rockbuster triathlons (x5)

HIGHLIGHTS – MOTORSPORTS:

2015-2016:

New England Woods-O-Cross ATV Pro Champion (x2)

2014:

New England ATV Cross Country (NEATV-XC) Pro Champion

2012:

AMA Pro ATV Overall National Champion

2007-2011:

New England Cross Country (NECC) ATV Pro Champion (x5)

2006:

Atlantic Grand Prix (AGP) Series Dirt bike Champion

USA & Canada Endurance ATV Pro – Iron Man National Champion (x2)

2001-2002:

New England ATV Motocross (NEATV-MX) Pro Champion (x3)

2000-2001:

New England Expert Dual Slalom mountain bike Champion (x2)

1992:

AMA Expert ATV Overall National Champion

1990:

New England Motocross Amateur ATV Champion

Scott’s Bio:

46 year old poly-athlete that has been racing and living life to the fullest since the escape from the womb! I always dreamed of racing motocross when I was a child but growing up in a low income family made that very difficult.

I started washing dishes at age 11 and after several years, along with loving parents that helped me save a little extra, we were able to build a decent racing ATV. By the age of 14 in 1988, I was on the starting line at the Southwick MX338 motocross track and I instantly felt that deep, burning passion awake in me! Yeah, I crashed in that first race, lol but whatever…I knew where I belonged.

When ATV racing had a popularity decline in the early 90’s, that was the time of the mountain bike boom and I bought a purple & orange Scott hardtail MTB and loved it. From there I went in heavy with the cycling industry as a racer and a shop employee. Semi-factory rides with Mongoose, Cannondale and Specialized during the downhill emergence of the mid-to-late 90’s.

I came out of ATV retirement in 2000 when that industry boomed again and did that until early 2016 when I made the choice to concentrate fully on multi-sport, kayak and adventure races and am currently heavy with that.

1/7:

What makes you 1 of 7 billion?

SS:

30+ years of racing, 19 championships, 1 world record, 300+ race wins & podiums across 24 different sports. 30+ broken bones, 2 broken backs, 2 shoulder separations, numerous sprains, tears and concussions.

1/7:

Where does your passion/motivation come from?

SS:

The love of doing fun things while pushing my body to levels I never dreamed of. I see others doing amazing things and since they can do it…why can’t I, with enough practice and discipline?

1/7:

What barriers have you identified in life that have kept you from following your passions?

SS:

It’s always a balance of time, funds, mental & physical energy. One may have the time but nothing else. One may have the funds but not the time or desire to make time. One may have an injury so to the couch they go. One may be dealing with mental issues so remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes but after you are done stressing/grieving/healing/recovering…get back to it and stay in the light!

1/7:

What methods have you learned to use to overcome those barriers?

SS:

Moderation and balance…when possible. If you have an event coming up then do what you need to do but after, let your mind and body decompress. Racing is like a sling shot. The training is the pull back tension and the event is the release so don’t be so quick to pull back after that big event. Try not to rush back after an injury.

We hear this time and time again but it it so true. A lot of people see others on social media doing huge training days/weeks/months & doing major events/races. They see the ripped and fit people looking incredible. They see the “likes” and comments add up and it gives off that shot of dopamine…but remember…that’s their program, their method, their nutrition, their event and people only post what they want the world to see try not to be jealous. Social media is just a snapshot of someone’s life so try to remember the big picture aspect.

Don’t finance racing costs unless you have a solid, guaranteed plan for financial recovery. Try not to be too selfish too often but don’t hold yourself back to compensate for other’s insecurities, needs, fears, limitations or irrelevant judgments. I’ve learned those people will judge you no matter what you do so who the hell cares – do your thing.

1/7:

Can you share your favorite inspirational quote to help motivate others?

SS:

I have three favorites: “Get busy living…or get busy dying” – The Shawshank Redemption; “Shut up and do the work” – me: “If it’s not a fuck yes, then it’s a fuck no.” – The Griddler

1/7:

A few years ago you found out you had some major food allergies. How did you overcome the changes you had to make to your diet and continue to competing at the same level?

SS:

Ugh…this has been a tough area for me and probably my biggest obstacle involving my entire life. I received a bad flu shot and have irreparable vaccine damage. I became hyper allergic to formaldehyde and that is used in most clothing dyes so my skin will break open from the inside and bleed if I wear something I shouldn’t. I also have a dozen food allergies and I have learned to embrace it. I have no choice at this point. Most of the foods I am allergic to are not healthy anyway so as long as I live & eat clean & organic, I usually don’t have too many flare ups. Once in a while though, and usually for no damn reason I can pinpoint, I get a flare up and struggle. It’s happened in a couple races and I go into partial anaphylactic shock and it just knocks me on my ass.

1/7:

You have raced mountain bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, and now you do off-road multi-sport events with running, cycling and paddling. How do you cultivate and maintain your motivation to keep pushing and reinventing yourself?

SS:

After destroying my body for 25+ years of professional motorsports racing, there was a vacuum of said time, funds, mental & physical energy that I had. Since I just love to be active, I diverted those resources to other areas in my life.

I always jogged a bit and rode bicycles for cross training so I just started doing more of that stuff. I always wanted to try kayaking so I bought a cheap yak and did it. Instantly hooked and after a couple seasons of learning & upgrading, I now have 2 beautiful carbon fiber surfski kayaks.

Couple years back I learned that there are so many multi-sport (ie: triathlon) events that offer events or categories for non-swimmers. That info to me was a “Fuck yes” since I only swim when I capsize my yaks, lol. Oh and another big motivator to me is that the faster you are, the faster you finish the event and therefore…the sooner you can eat and celebrate!

1/7:

What Passion(s) are you following in 2019?

SS:

More of the same as I love my life! I have never been more healthy than I am right now – mentally or physically. I do want to do more metal art so I will add that into the mix for some relaxing shop time soon.

1/7:

Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank for helping you find/reach/maintain your passion(s)?

SS:

Of course! I could never have lived my life and accomplished the things I have without help from others. My late father restored show quality British motorcycles and taught me how to fix anything. Not just replace…but actual repair when needed.

Mom instilled in me a talent for organization and analyzing. True friends and partners that have supported me are so dear to me.

The MRA Multisport triathlon team and the Tri Valley Front Runners running club have been so welcoming and instrumental in my multi-sport activities and without them, I would still be noodling around like I was.

My current sponsors for racing are Leumas Enterprises, Stradalli Cycles, Stellar Kayaks, Kenda tires, Honey Stinger supplements, BiSaddle adjustable bike seats, Fly Racing gear, Powermadd hand shields, Cantabrigian Mechanics, Race Face components, ESI grips (pending), Topo shoes (pending), FAH-Q Racing and Baby Rhino Multi-sport.

My Thoughts on Scott

I first met Scott at the ATV races. He constantly would come over to our pit and asked for tools. I’d like to think my dad and I can take credit for his current discipline for keeping his gear in tip top shape and showing up prepared.

What has always impressed me is Scott’s ability to do so much with so little. He works hard to get what he has and makes do less. This has lead him to very high places in multiple sports. His ability to set goals and reach them is also impressive.

You also don’t get any BS with Scott. He doesn’t waste his time with things he doesn’t like and tells it as it is.

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More about Scott here.

About the Passion Profiles

Throughout my adventures I’ve meet people who I think truly embrace what it means to be passionate. The subject of their passion isn’t always the same or one I might share but that is what makes them standout. I believe our passions are a big part of what makes us unique.

Each month I will choose an individual who embodies what it means to be passionate or One of Seven Billion. The goal of the Passion Profiles is not to simply highlight these individuals but to share their story and passion(s), in hopes it will motivate others to embrace and follow their own passions.

The Passion Profiles embrace the One of Seven Project’s Core Values and attempt to make a difference in others’s lives by helping to breakdown barriers, while encouraging them to be unique, or One of Seven Billion.

Core Values

Encourage others to truly know themselves and their passions.

Assist others in celebrating their uniqueness by following those passions that make them unique.

Humanize adventure.

Help others be the best version of themselves.

If you know someone who would be a good candidate, please use our Contact form and let us know who they are and how we can reach them. You can also watch my introduction video for the Passion Profiles below. Thanks!

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Passion Profile – Scott Samuel

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Activities/Passions:

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Scott’s Achievements:

Scott’s Bio:

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My Thoughts on Scott

More about Scott here.

About the Passion Profiles

Core Values

Encourage others to truly know themselves and their passions.

Assist others in celebrating their uniqueness by following those passions that make them unique.

Humanize adventure.

Help others be the best version of themselves.

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

Support the Project

Our Thoughts on Getting Outside

Leave No Trace Principles

Recreate Responsibly