Scott's Ride: 100 Miles

In his 35 years, Scott Carlson has crossed the finish lines of triathlons, surfed off the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, skied the black diamonds of Jackson Hole, played guitar in a three-man band, and immersed himself in a career he loved. Scott Carlson has been a guy who knows how to live. Now he's learning how to die.

In 1997, Scott noticed a twitch in his right shoulder. Soon his thumb became weak, then his whole hand. Holding his head up became an effort. In 1999, Scott was diagnosed with ALS. "A lot of people choose to fight for their past life," said Scott, sipping iced tea through a straw because he can no longer grip a glass. "I'm ready to live the next one. I have new things to find out, new experiences to live. It's not defeatest to say I closed a chapter." Scott is using this new stage in his life to speak to as many groups of young people as he can, for as long as he is physically able.

"In a disease where you lose all communication, it's got to be done now. While I have a voice, I think it's important to let people know what it's like. You should be more conscious of your life, and realize what you have instead of what you don't have." Scott's expression of love of life and support for friends continues.

Before the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, Scott and his wife, Hillary, made a video for his training partner, Karen Smyers. "It was pure emotion," Smyers said of her friend's message, recalling how she and her husband cried while watching the tape before the race. In the video, most of which is lighthearted, Scott apppears last. He is somber. "You got to go have fun," he tells the camera, pausing to compose himself as a tear trickles down his left cheek, "because that's what life's about."