Arriving at the start at 5:30, I found a quiet place to settle and wait for the opening announcements and photos. I saw Luis Escobar in photographic gear instead of running gear. He does both very well, so I suggested he join me for a pace later in the day. There was a tremendous amount of enthusiasm on the boardwalk in front of the salt flats of Badwater, especially by the French crew of Grizzard, donning blue uniforms, Don Henley afros and a stuffed chicken, which I suppose is the French National Mascot.
After a few group photos, all of the early runners lined up , honored 'ol Glory with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Inside myself, I gave thanks for this moment and for all of our combined blessing. Moments later, this first wave made a dash for Furnace Creek, 17 miles ahead.
This first leg of the race was for settling in, making some new friends, and trying to take in the enormity of the arena surrounding us. I fell in with Reiner Shubert and Dan Jensen for most of the first section, chewing gum and thinking how tight my shoes felt after only a few miles.
Being cautious, I elected to size up a full size and found the comfort I needed. From then on I had a perfect fit. Eating and drinking small amounts every 20 minutes became habit, switching between water, Coke and v8 or CapriSun juice. I ate small amounts of Chex mix, white cheese, and gold fish and chewed gum between.
After passing Furnace Creek, bleekness invaded for the next several hours, toward Stove Pipe Wells at mile 41. The tempeture climbed upward, although much of the course was still at or near "sea level". I changed into the long sleeve,long panted Sunsuit trying to prevent much of the sun's burning effects. Also, I found Muscle Rub analgesic to be very welcomed here, refreshing my legs and giving me a cooler perspective. Must be careful where it ends up though....
The closer I got to Stove Pipe the slower I moved forward. Chris was soaking cold towels, and placing these on my back with baggies of ice inside my hat. Taylor was providing ice cold sponges every mile also to keep my core temp down. It was nearing 115 degrees as I finally made the pass thru the center of "town" and met the crew for a brief rest just outside of "city center". ( haha )
This is when the frontrunners from the 10 am wave started to pass me. Lisa Smith, then Jorge Pacheco, then Dean Karnazes all ran with speed and grace. Somehow I missed seeing Akos go past, but I know he did nonetheless. Also I saw Carilyn Johnson pacing, and had a brief reunion since meeting this champion at Ultracentric in November. Seeing her was an encouraging moment but I sensed that a low spot was headed my way soon.
The climb from Stove Pipe to Townes pass is 17 miles, most of which I walked, watched the race between Jamie Donaldson and Pam Reed, and ate, and held in wonder the rarity of a brief rainstorm and full rainbow. The temps dropped 30 degrees to 86 in an instant, but the climb continued. Darkness overtook me on the pass, and nausea also settled in for the next several hours. Although there is a downside to Townes Pass, I made a very slow going of it until finally putting on the breaks 3 miles short of Panamint Springs for an extended break of 90 minutes. Uncomfortably as I lay across the seat of the van, I could not shake the fears of not completeing the race, and again "shook to" in a panic. Quickly, I gather myself and gear and Chris and I set out marching for the time station ahead,....the half way point nearby.
As the sun came on my second day, Nancy restocked the supply of Coca Cola, and even brought a tall cold glass of milk for me. I sipped it thru a straw and thought of all of the "got milk" commercials I've seen. I'm pretty sure I would have been disqualified from making a commercial based on my smell and appearance, but it is Best glass of milk I ever drank ! Slowly climbing toward Father Crowley's Ridge, Luis appeared again and offered some snacks. I spotted 3 twizzlers and he happily passed them over. what a JOY ! 3 twizzlers !!
The next section of 10 miles passed slowly as the temps rose quickly. Mostly fast walking, watching my crew ahead in the distance playing frisbee and collecting "cool lookin" rocks that lay on the desert floor. Suddenly, a Fighter Jet streaked above, coursing the length of the road ahead of me, blasting his jets and returning for an addtional pass in the opposite direction. Do I need to describe how cool this was ?? I don't think so either, but as the pilot flew past, he dipped his wings in a salute and punched the thrusters hard to escape the Valley floor.
Nearing the 90 mile time station, I could feel myself nearing another low point, but I looked overhead to see clouds forming. Although I really wanted to "break for 30 min" I commited to make hay while the sun shines, errr, uhh,....run while the clouds cover the course and provide shade. So, at 90 miles, I picked up the pace and took on a full gallop. The road gradually turns downhill also for the next 10 miles. Then the clouds gave way to moderate showers for the next 5 miles. I felt such a closeness of HIS prescence during this section. I could not have designed a better set of circumstances, and my crew was delighted to see me in refreshed, running fashion.
Quickly, I made 100 miles then 110, then I really came back to life ! I felt like I was running a 10 k race, passing other crews and runners in astonishment. As I made the final turn leading into Lone Pine, Nancy and Taylor stood and cheered, screaming like we were at the rodeo! I can't explain it but I felt so good that nothing at all hurt ! No foot pains, no soreness in my legs, nothing of the drudgery that I dealt with only 60 miles earlier. How long could this last ?? At least to the base of The Portal Road.
This is the final stretch. 13 miles of steep 2 lane road, in darkness, and thankfully with the crew ahead and Chris alongside for a nice long chat. My goal was simple. I wanted to climb upward in 4:30. We made it in 4:26. There isn't much to describe of this section except that it was dark and weary and steep. So a welcomed moment finally to hear the sound of generators in the near distance and the glow of the Finish Line lights. I can't imagine Paris shines any brighter than the finish at Badwater.
I buckled at Badwater with a time of 43:21:26 in HIS grip and with the help of a fantastic rookie crew that learned as quickly as necessary and inspired me to let it all hang out. I finished the race set out before me ,on that day. Encouraged for the continuing race that unfolds each day, knowing within that we are made for this. I'm excited about my plans for the future, that include returning to Badwater, first as a pacer, then later....perhaps as a racer again.
My gratitude goes out to my family for their encouragement and support, my many hometown friends and heros that called, emailed, wrote cards and PRAYED for me. So few words cannot express the appreciation I have for y'all. Julee prayed and sent her love, Susie made me a sport jersey, Barbie sent me tatoos, Lori sent a movie clip from Chariots of Fire, my dad lent me his sun-cap from his 1995 race. Sarah built me a sunsuit. Wanda Vincent provided thermal protection, Nancy spoon fed me, Taylor gave me "sponge" bathes, Chris led the way up Whitney, and I got a bazillion words of support and encouragement from so many more.
Congratulations to Jamie and Jorge for finishing before the rest of us, and to each champion that made the long difficult journey to Whitney.
I better close now, before I get "ver klempth", but ...stay tuned,
Chisholm
