Zach Miller | Hardrock 100 Pre-Race Interview

This is part of Freetrail's coverage of the 2024 Hardrock 100 - the iconic mountain ultramarathon in the San Juan mountains of Colorado.
We sat down with the one and only Zach Miller for a pre-race interview before his first Hardrock 100.
It’s been an incredibly challenging week for Zach. After one of his biggest training blocks, where he is perhaps his most mountain fit ever, Zach landed in the hospital with appendicitis just one week before race day. It’s left him wondering all week if he’ll be able to toe the start line.
In this interview, Dylan chats with Zach about what led to his diagnosis, how he’s been thinking about the race, and they also talk about his training before the illness.
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[@johnherd1002]

Cameron's Cone is an awesome climb! Was gunning for the local legend until Zach started busting out 3 summits a day. Absolute legend

[@lindseyclemens36]

We love you and support you no matter what Zach!!! You are such a beast and your story is far from over!

[@walterbortz355]

I am an MD familiar with your clinical situation of acute appendicitis now caring for more folks non-operatively with uncomplicated cases. and longstanding ultra runner. If you are looking for informed opinion based upon medical precedent…..good luck! You have been preparing a long time and you are in outstanding health.You are in a unique situation and I would advise….Go for it dude!

[@thegallopinghousewife]

Came here as a nurse (Surgical and ER) to say exactly this. Zach, you know your body. Just listen to it like you always do. Looking forward to watching you crush it.

[@edwarddapra7674]

He peaked out at 56,000 feet of vertical in one week of his training block?!? That’s amazing. Such a dedicated and committed runner. His breathing was definitely struggling and so close to a serious surgery. I hope he chooses medical safety even though I’m cheering for him.

[@EliasEsquivelM]

It´s OK Zach!, you don´t have tu run, just take care of yourself as long as you need, and come back for the UTMB!, we love you!

[@jackcooper3193]

Man Zach is a machine and if anyone can run hard rock days after appendictomy, but seriously he looks exhausted and out of breath, like he's had a lot of pain. Don't race, take a week or two and then carry some huge fitness into a fresh block.

[@rodriquez01]

Good luck Zack ! Rooting for you!!

[@VoutchTV]

Zach at Grand Raid Reunion... 🤩

[@cers310]

Dylan going all in with the surgery questions in detail! Oh my! Glad you are ok Zach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JohnGarlandTrialLawyer]

Great ambassador of the sport!

[@trainwellracewell]

The guy has an appendectomy and is still contemplating the most difficult 100 in the US. I’m not sure I would even contemplate a flat local 5k 😂

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Fingers crossed. Zach is my favourite runner and seeing him go head to head this weekend with the great Francois is an exciting prospect

[@nv3831]

Zach's the man! Such an inspiration

[@BariatricUltra]

Just from his breathing, I feel like he's in incredible pain. I hope it all works out

[@jimrhodes6820]

He always talks/breaths like that.

[@rexgorman9561]

@@jimrhodes6820 Silverton is also at 10k feet. Dylan sounds kinda raspy/labored too.

[@jimduyck]

Dr. Quinn! 😂

[@KrabiAdventure]

Bummer. Zach isn't racing. :( Best for him, though I really wanted to see him take this race this year. Next year man!!!!!!

[@ShermanVaultToilet]

Just gonna send it

[@neilpdx78]

I wanna be like Zach. Such a humble cool dude.

[@shannkolsen]

Send it Zach!

[@user-rl3ef4ju9k]

If I was a doctor I would not sign off any of the participants 😂. Isn't it the responsibility of the racer to decide based on the advice he gets.

[@ShermanVaultToilet]

Glad your not a doctor

[@p8ntpunk]

Here is a cool article from Science Direct… Acute Appendicitis: An Armed Forces experience of high altitude

[@dansouth2088]

"Like squeezing my balls". Obviously, not in a good way. 😀 Get well Zach and take care if you do race this weekend!!

[@steveilg6134]

ilg senses that Z’s breath is so clavicular that this is not the Start Line to toe…. head bowed to Warrior Bro…

[@johnholt2193]

Take it easy, Zach. I'm hoping you'll maybe sit this one out.

[@Anichels]

This is going to make my freetrail picks, difficult.

[@goodnewsrunning]

Ahh appendicitis is terrible. All you can eat sushi was my night of emergency room visit for my appendectomy. My family told me I had the flu or just needed to go to the bathroom. I knew differently.

[@a6beats221]

Not gonna lie, be as fit as you want but this is a stupid thing to do after an appendectomy 👎 rest and live to see another fight

[@romeoiipunzalan1079]

As awesome he is, i don't know but he sounded a bit winded talking to DBo..

[@NelsonVanDweller]

He always looks and sounds like he's dying . Just the way he is lol

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Dear God, I pray that Zach’s doctor gives him the green light. He is do for an American win to represent at Hardrock. He almost took Jim down at UTMB.

[@RunGlenn]

Duct tape the incision sites, then move out.

[@stevetrapped2823]

Why is Zach so out of breath during this interview?

[@MNP208]

Could be emotional.

[@MNP208]

Hmmm, as a nurse listening to him describe his severe pain, please get to the ER sooner! You all have a high pain tolerance! Writhing in pain is not normal! Any type of viral or bacterial infection can cause inflammation in the appendix. Training for long distances makes you mildly immunocompromised. Glad you took time off to heal. I know it’s very disappointing. 🫤