Mach 2 ready Scott Poteet

November 12, 2013

Scott Poteet recently finished the GoPro Ironman World Championships in a very respectable 9:38, but when he is on his day job with the United States Air Force he can move as fast as Mach 2. Although currently based in Italy he coached F18-24 World Champion and fellow Air Force officer Samantha Morrison with great success.

Slowtwitch: Thanks for your time – and service.

Scott Poteet: Thanks for the opportunity. Serving has been a blessing for me and my family. We are very fortunate to have experienced the life we've lived thus far. Although we still remain a volunteer service, the sacrifices military members and their families make on a daily basis is something we should never forget.

ST: Agreed. As we speak you are actually in Italy, so how is life there?

Scott: Life in Italy is bellissimo! The Dolomites are humbling to say the least. Our home is in Polcenigo in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where the switchbacks are endless… This is actually our second assignment in Italy with the first tour senza bambini. With three knee-biters running the roost, our opportunity to travel is limited. However, with this being a three-year assignment we vow to get out and about to see Europe.

ST: When did you get assigned to be in Italy?

Scott: My original assignment was planned as a non-flying desk job at the Pentagon. By the grace of God there was an administrative error in the personnel system and the only available assignment was flying F-16s in Italy…bummer. We arrived in country back in August 2013.

ST: What part of the culture and food do you think you will miss the most when you return the USA after that stint or is it too early to tell?

Scott: Where do I begin? Would it be considered un-American if I said I prefer the food here over all things fast food? We are pseudo-food snobs and prefer an all organic, mostly vegetarian diet. The food here is simple and unadulterated. The culture is also very laid back. They are not obsessed with instant gratification. Although most of us military folk come here frustrated with the lack of conveniences expecting fast internet, food available 24/7, and a market on every corner. The Italian culture lacks the overwhelming stress that is killing ours.

ST: How long have you been in the Air Force now?

Scott: We are starting our 18th year with two to go. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1996, I spent the first few years in pilot training in Texas. Upon graduation, I began my operational career flying F-16s with assignments in South Korea, Arizona, Italy, and Las Vegas. As we conclude the final chapter in our military career, Kristin and I have been truly blessed with a life filled with fond memories and wonderful friends.

ST: I guess it is safe to assume that you did not travel to Kona in an F-16.

Scott: Unfortunately, sequestration and the government shutdown put a hamper on those plans. Besides, there’s only enough room for a speedo and my helmet in the cockpit. Although I would have preferred the single seat as opposed to airliner. I’m not a good passenger. It’s a control issue.

ST: Just control or also about speed?

Scott: Yes and yes. The F-16 is not something you strap into, it's something you strap on so to speak…the Mach and G's are much more enjoyable when one’s in control of his own destiny.

ST: Talking about control, you did record a very fine time in Kona this year with a 9:38. Did it all go as you had it in mind?

Scott: I am truly grateful to have qualified and toed the line healthy and happy at 40. We all strive for that perfect race. Did I struggle and make some bad decisions, you bet. But that’s what makes you want to come back for more. Several years ago, when I was a lot more focus on my own selfish endeavors, I would have walked/limped away disgruntled and frustrated. Now I’m just happy to be here amongst the greatest athletic community on earth. As a coach, I take so much more satisfaction out of my athletes’ achievements.

ST: Along those lines, when did you first see Samantha Morrison on course?

Scott: Sam is like a daughter to me. We started the swim together at the front and I was worried about her getting beat up. Ha! After she cruised in with a 55' and I struggled with a 1:02, I think I'll hit the pool a little more this off-season. I was convinced I'd see Sam somewhere along the Queen K before the climb to Hawi. When I finally picked her up coming out of Hawi, and I still had four miles to go to the turn around, I was astonished. It was all I could do to stay within myself and ride my race. I didn’t catch her until the marathon. I was worried my pace the first few miles was too fast and she was attempting to stay with me beyond her limit. Ha! Fooled again! Sam took off at mile seven after I ran head first into a brick wall. It wasn’t until I decided to cash it all in the last five miles and make an effort to try and catch her. With literally 800m to go, just before Ali’i, I finally stumbled up next to her and we crossed the line together. I will admit, I did get chicked by one second, but I couldn’t be more proud. I bet a George Washington that Sam will crack the overall women’s top ten next year fo sho!

ST: How long have you worked with her, and how did you find each other in the first place?

Scott: We were stationed in Colorado Springs when Sam was a Cadet. I volunteered as an assistant coach for the triathlon club. The AF Academy has a program where families sponsor cadets to give them outside support. She became close with our family during our tour at the Academy up until 2011. Sam then asked for some training advice after her Kona debut in 2012. Third place with a 10:35 wasn’t good enough. She wanted the AG win.

ST: Your fastest Ironman time though was a 9:18 in Arizona in 2012. Was that one the golden ticket to Kona?

Scott: …and that was not an easy ticket to punch. Six weeks prior to the race I was the victim of a self-induced bicycle accident. Although I wish I could conjure up some sexy story about dodging an 18-wheeler, I cannot tell a lie. Complete buffoonery on my part. Pre-sunrise Vegas ride in preparation for IMAZ and I end up hitting a rock going 30mph. Shattered my clavicle in four places. The injury was bearable, however, the subsequent demolition of my bike by a pickup going 70mph that didn’t stop, completely crushed my will to live. The police delivered my trusty steed to me in the ER in a garbage bag. With surgery the following week, I spent the majority of my time getting ready for AZ on a recumbent stationary bike on loan from my good friend Dr. Keith. The irony of the whole story is the swim volunteer at IMAZ dislocated my other good shoulder pulling me out of the water. Good thing you don’t need arms for the bike/run…

ST: You seemed to have done well with out them or at least with limited use. What got you actually rolling with triathlon?

Scott: I ran cross-country and track all four years at the University of New Hampshire under the tutelage of Coach Jim Boulanger. I also spent my summers life guarding for the Cape Cod National Seashore. After joining the military I sold my motorcycle for a bicycle and the rest is minor history. I absolutely love this sport and plan to spend my next career helping athletes achieve their goals.

ST: There is a gap in your results from 2005 until 2010, is that a glitch or did you take some time off?

Scott: In 2004 I raced four Ironmans. I was a bit burned out to say the least. I needed a break. I was also pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a member of the USAF Thunderbirds. In 2006 I was selected to fly the #4 jet and spent all of 2007-08 traveling around the world representing the USAF, which was a truly humbling experience. I would frequently bring by bike on trips; however, training was sporadic and it became more a pain than it was worth. I spent the majority of those two years running. My mileage got up to 120 miles per week.

ST: I guess we all want to come back stronger and faster, and you actually did so. What changed?

Scott: I grew up and I'd like to think I grew less selfish as well. My wife and I have been raising our three children for the last eight years. Faith and family are our top priorities. Everything else comes after. I'm passionate about our sport and I obsess about training philosophies and workout schedules and the latest gear; however, if my kids need some daddy time or if mom is tapped out because it's witching hour, then that’s my top priority and the trainer will have to wait. This approach has been a blessing in disguise. I'm a lot smarter and more efficient with my training despite all the wonderful distractions. Will I ever win an AG at Kona, heck no. Does it really matter? Not in the least bit as long as I'm there for my family.

ST: What is next?

Scott: That's a loaded question. We had every intention of retiring from the USAF in two years and joining the airlines. However, after much deliberation, Kristin and I have decided to completely retire and live within our means in the great state of New Hampshire. I want to take my kids to school. With two girls you bet your ass I'm going to be that annoying father who volunteers at the school dances and chaperones all the field trips. Although my teenage experience is a distant memory, it's still a memory and I know all too well what's on their mind. I'm also going to follow my dream of coaching. I'm currently an associate coach with IMJ Coaching; an organization run by one of my good friends, and a true patriarch of the sport, Scott Jones.

ST: Is there anything else we should know?

Scott: I just want to take a moment and thank you for what you do for our sport and the community as a whole. Your hard work and dedication has allowed us mere mortals to experience the lives of the elite through your articles and interviews. We truly appreciate your efforts and look forward to reading many future stories!