May Update

The month of May is nearly over, and my anxiety and excitement builds as the countdown is now in the less than 50 day range for the Badwater start on July 14th. In discussing this race with people , many are surprised that race organizers would schedule the event in the hottest place in the USA, during the hottest months. The most difficult conditions possible? Well, why not start on MONDAY morning also ? Yes, the race does start on MONDAY.





I'm just glad I don't have to tie one hand behind my back!





I just finished reading Jon Vonhoff's book Fixing Your Feet, and I recommend this to all interested in preparing the feet for long distance events. I made Jon's aquaintence after the 2003 Western States 100. My feet were in a real mess, with large blisters on the heels and balls of both feet. Jon quickly went to work with tape, bandages, and scissors which allowed me to walk as a normal person homeward thru the airports and to bed. I'm ever grateful for his time and skill.


I can't accurately account for my miles last month, but I enjoyed 2 runs over 40 miles, during the days' heat, and a 33 mile run from Edmond to El Reno. One conclusion I'll post here is that the further away from a large town/city I run, the more considerate and friendly the drivers are to me. On highways that have the widest shoulder, drivers still pull way over to give me plenty of room, whereas in Norman, OKLA City, the motorists are more concerned with cell phone conversations and "beating" a light. ....just stating the facts....

The United Way Campaign for 2008 is LIVE UNITED. Last week I was invited , along with a couple of co workers on the commitee to participate in a photo shoot for the Media Campaign. This was a lot of fun, but very nerve racking ! It required me to STAND STILL which left me totally uncomfortable, but laughing at myself nonetheless.


Brooks Running deserves my applause for their contribution of a "sun suit" for my daytime protection. Sarah Solseng and her team of Product Developers came up with a very light weight and very functional running suit that I 'll wear to prevent sun burn. It is a perfect fit and I'm very proud to wear it. I have been training and racing in Brooks Trance shoes for the last three years. The shoes provide incredible comfort and fit and 1 pair will last me a long time. I still have my first pair from 2006.



During Sat's training, I also ran the Andy Payne Marathon in OKC. I had a great day despite the recorded time of 4:48. I'm so glad that this event continues through the 31st year. The field of runners has been sparse some years, but JR Cook and U.N.I.T.Y. continue to put on a great event with lots of aide stations and great volunteers, as well as Don Garrett's Race Productions. Saturdays' race was won by Dave Emerson, a friend and ultrarunner from TX. Congrats to all the runners, including the 10k and 5k events.



Music I've really enjoyed this month on my IPOD :

Raising Sand, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss,
On an Island, David Gilmour ,
also NPR podcasts of Fresh Air and Car Talk found on itunes.



All for now, stay tuned...

Deadwater

My friend Diana has been calling this race Deadwater for the last few days. Her sons Blake and Dillon will continue to correct her, but it kinda spooked me when I heard her say it !



Monday, I made a new friend,....well actually I was attacked by a dog that lurched upward and took a bite out of my sleeve. Not to worry, because the dog didn't get a hold of my arm and only minimal tear in the jacket. Her owner was genuinely upset and ready to buy a replacement for me although I really don't think it's necessary.

After giving the whole thing some deep thought I've concluded the following:

• I'm glad I was wearing the jacket, which probably prevented a flesh bite.



• The experience will likely prevent the dog from ever acting out that way again, after the owner disciplined his dog.



• I'm glad it happened to me and not some small kid.

I love dogs and have only had a few instances that concerned me for my safety when a dog barked or chased me, so this situation didn't "scare" me.

Tuesday, I put some serious thought into ideas to increase endurance and increase heat tolerance. I made a stop at Brigadoon's Army surplus store where Tom fitted me for a flak-jacket. It's slightly bulky, snuggly fitting, and weighs about 10 pounds. It is also camoflage incase I ever want to go deer hunting. ( not likely )

I ran 6 miles through the paved hills of the Lake Arcadia dam with it on...under a hoodie, because I was slightly embarrassed to be seen with it on. I didn't want to be mistaken for a paint-ball warrior in full flight.

I'm undecided how well this may help, but hey...if it's good enough for Bo Jackson, it might work for me too.

anyway, all for now but stay tuned....

up til now...

....it seems that time is running out ! According to the countdown timer, less than 62 days remain until the race starts, and it feels like I am only beginning to prepare for this race. I see the event in 3 facets that require attention and hard work.


The first is the physical preparation. Up til now, and beginning training in earnest around the end of Feb. , I've recorded 2 - 50 mile runs, 1 - 33 mile run and a couple in the 20's, besides weekly mileage of 50 or so. I'm the worst at tracking my runs using a running log, so I rely on the planning of the runs ahead rather than what's behind. I'm preparing to run the Andy Payne Marathon on May 24th, with a prerace warmup and cooldown that will net about 55 miles for the day and I'll have at least 2 good weekend runs in June, that will combine for another 150 miles. In between I shoot for 8-12 miles per run, now with the added discomfort of an insulated jacket and running pants that hold my tempture at a much higher than comfortable range. I receive lots of strange looks from motorists that see a thin man, bundled up like a sleeping bag, shufflin down the roads.

This is sorta how I look when I'm running down Hefner road in my winter gear

Thankfully, no one cares to stop, and the outside temps are finally nearing 80 degrees with some regularity. Far cry from 130 that will be possible in Death Valley!!


I've added 4 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to my normal daily diet which is comprised of breads, meat and too much coffee. Also,stretching my legs after my runs. I hope all of this discipline to details is not too late !!

The second part of the preparation for the race is in the travel, lodging and rentals. This portion of the preparation is nearly complete, although I'm still shopping for good flights thru Las Vegas that seem reasonable. I know that everyone is affected by rising fuel prices and airfare, but the trip to Vegas seems higher than normal. As has become the "tag-line" of the last few seasons in business,...." it is what it is ".

The hotels filled up fast along the route, but my crew will have beds to sleep in, and warm water to bathe in if they want it. Interesting , the water from the cold lines feels hotter than in the hot lines in Panamint Valley which is 71 miles into the race. I know my crew will experience many other oddities of desert life that only an event like this can present.

The third facet of my preparation is the fundraising part. It is the part that I have the least experience in but feel the need for equal efforts to present a winning outcome. I've designated the United Way of Central Oklahoma as the charity that I wanted to raise money for. In doing so, I've already had the pleasure of meeting and now working with Natalie and Erin of the United Way . With their help, I now have this blog, and other tools that can help in heightening awareness of the services and concerns that the United Way provides.

Erin B and me,... without my ipod

I hope this blog will serve to inform my friends and keep them up to date on the preparaton process and encourage anyone who reads this to follow the links to The United Way web site for complete information. Because of the United way , over 350,000 people from this area are provided help and services.

May Day is past...

Greetings to all bound for Badwater and beyond,


As the title suggests May 1st is past and The Badwater Ultramarathon has posted the Start times and Racer bib numbers for the 2008 Race on July 14.



I will be wearing # 94 , which is also the year that I first crewed for my Dad during the Badwater ultramarathon. I think it is fitting also, that I ran my first ultramarathon in the same year, 1994, inspired to return to Death Valley.

...more to follow, so please stay tuned...