Yes, it is that hot in Death Valley albeit, I have never been there, and yes, people do run a race starting at Badwater and ending up at Whitney Portals -135 miles away.I was reading Kim's blog tonight, and felt bad for not keeping up to date on the Ultra world. I forgot all about Badwater taking place, and I felt bad for not following a fellow runner that I have had the privilege of running with many times: Rita Barnes.
Rita is a great person to run with as she always has a great story to tell.
I remember one night we had a group run planned with other Columbus Road Runner Club members.
Along with Rita, I was the only one that showed up. I thought to myself, okay maybe it won't be so bad. Who cares, I was running.
We started off at a pace that was way too fast. I specifically remember Rita saying "this is a good slow pace, we'll stay here for a while". I remember specifically saying to myself: "WTF"?
Now, I am one of those people that need to start off slow in order to get properly warmed up. If I don't, I am toast.
About 3 miles into our 6 miler, I was wondering where the hell my car was because I needed it just to keep up with her. I think my thoughts made it to my mouth because Rita started laughing at me.
At the time of this run, I was really out of shape because I had taken a lot of time off after running the New York City Marathon.
Anyway, I am sitting here supposed to be working but instead, I am typing up this blog entry.
I will follow Rita's progress throughout the night. Best of luck to her and all the other runner's out there.
Rita is a great person to run with as she always has a great story to tell.
I remember one night we had a group run planned with other Columbus Road Runner Club members.
Along with Rita, I was the only one that showed up. I thought to myself, okay maybe it won't be so bad. Who cares, I was running.
We started off at a pace that was way too fast. I specifically remember Rita saying "this is a good slow pace, we'll stay here for a while". I remember specifically saying to myself: "WTF"?
Now, I am one of those people that need to start off slow in order to get properly warmed up. If I don't, I am toast.
About 3 miles into our 6 miler, I was wondering where the hell my car was because I needed it just to keep up with her. I think my thoughts made it to my mouth because Rita started laughing at me.
At the time of this run, I was really out of shape because I had taken a lot of time off after running the New York City Marathon.
Anyway, I am sitting here supposed to be working but instead, I am typing up this blog entry.
I will follow Rita's progress throughout the night. Best of luck to her and all the other runner's out there.
UPDATE: Rita finished in 42:21:13
Great Job Rita!!!!
Nick,
ReplyDeleteI have been to Death Valley in the summer. Back in my younger days we were going to camp there for one night. We arrived at Furnace Creek....got out of the car.....Got back in the car and got out of there. It was hot!
So to Rita and all those runners, just to be able to stand the intense heat, let alone the distance. Job well done.
If you have a hankering to do Death Valley, I highly recommend the Death Valley Marathon in December. Temperatures are in the 70's. Nice.
Don, That is funny.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about the Death Valley Marathon. This would be a great idea since I want to see this wonderful place one day.
I think Bad Water is my ultimate wish race. Much like Boston is a lot of marathoners' wish race.
One day when I can keep up with you and Rob, I would love to hear about the stories from Death Valley.