135 Miles Badwater Ultramarathon

Maybe I should stop complaining about the extreme heat weather in Toronto. This is unreal:


From: http://www.weather.com/news/badwater-ultramarathon-20120712

The 35th annual Badwater Ultramarathon begins on July 16, 2012. Runners will race 135 miles through one of the harshest weather environments on the planet: Death Valley. They will race round-the-clock for approximately three days. Their own mental fortitude is their strongest weapon as they push themselves to the limits of human endurance, while battling the very worst weather has to offer.

• Daytime temperatures in 120's
• Nighttime temperatures in 80's and 90's
• Run over 3 mountain ranges for a total of 13,000' ascent
• UV index a '10' every day (highest level)
• Occasional dust devils

These competitors are, without a doubt, some of the toughest athletes alive. This collection of photos shows the grueling race conditions from the past several years.

Yesterday: 5 K in the morning. Fortunately, I was able to run on sidewalks with shade. Hot and getting humid as the week goes on... radio just called this weather "gorgeous" (!) My secretary said Scotland is cool in the summer - maybe Bud and I should relocate?

Just read Nazar's blog that he competed in the 148 K Sinister 7 race in Alberta http://nazzersayshello.blogspot.ca/2012/07/another-race-dnf.html?showComment=1342112299544. Incredible to run in the summer - with hot and humid weather. http://www.sinister7.com/ I'll keep my luck with the Niagara Ultra 50 K (and eventually work my way for the 100 K) - but running in the afternoon in hot and humid weather - hmmm...

My order for 3 pairs of running shoes at $60 each have arrived in the mail. Received an e-mail this morning the photo I ordered from the Niagara Ultra has been snail-mailed.

3K Early Morning Run

Had to go to work this morning for a meeting. Got in 3K before work - nice "cool" weather before it gets hot. YTD = 763 K

25 K

Left the house at 9 AM this morning for the weekend run. Since the indy car race was at the CNE, I opted to run on the Martin Goodman Trail east of Parliament - into Cherry Beach, Ashbridges Bay. Weather report said no humidity but high 29C (but better than yesterday). Been a hot and humid summer - I don't like... Did get in 25 K which I am very pleased. With 5 K left, had to stop at the Shopper's Drug Mart to get more fluid. Weather wasn't that bad. YTD = 760 K

Got in 2.5 K (approximately) before work today. During this extreme heat wave, the weather is fine in the early morning. For the 2nd time in a week, my Garmin was "low battery" at the start. It died within a couple of minutes. Not sure why this happened as I am sure I turned off the Garmin in the last run. Watch is recharging as I write so there is no repeat during the weekend. I timed the run for 20 minutes. YTD = 735 K

5 K run this morning before work. This week need to be to "wrap up" the school year. Hope to have another run on Thursday. YTD = 732.5 K

Weekend run delayed by 45 minutes since my Garmin battery was low - not sure how this happened - forgot to turn Garmin off from weekday run? Not as hot and humid as yesterday but 28C today. My 21.1 K run was through Cherry Beach on the Martin Goodman trail and then into Kew Beach (this part was particularly nice as the air was cool due to being so close to Lake Ontario). Lots of people in the beach soaking the sun. Stopped off at McDonald's for $1 large drink + free refill.

YTD = 727.5 K