Death Valley Camp, more fun then a grown up should be allowed to have

a stop at the kilns after Telescope Peak

Having been to Death Valley on occasion, I did not find it to be particularly beautiful or interesting. I guess that I have not been with the right people. I can tell you now that Lisa and Marshall are the right people and they have the right stuff! I was not bored for a second and surprisingly enough, the activities were endless. As far as training goes, what I have learned by attending the Death Valley Training Camp will be of great value to me in my up coming race and in the future. Not only did I learn about technique but we were also brought into a class room environment and were able to go over everything that we had been practicing. Plus we enjoyed presentations of Lisa's Badwater Double and Marshall's 7 Summits including Mt. Everest which I found both to be inspiring and entertaining. We also watched a video of the Marathon Des Sables which is on “my to” do list for 08.

Points of highlights:

The 80 degree night run which was a blistering and balmy 50 degrees with a 30 mile an hour wind. But it was under the full moon and gave us much to laugh about!

Running through the canyon on day two was magical. Death Valley is much different once you get off the highway. We ran through gorgeous marble canyons that were vibrant with color. Here were able to practice and fine tune our up hill and down hill running along with our power walking. You may think that you are power walking but you really aren't until you have been shown by the masters. Both Lisa and Marshall can motor more than 5 mph. Not as easy as it seems.

Jay, blazin the canyon

can YOU walk the walk?

We also had a fun filled morning frolicking in the sand dunes. I am sure that I am not the only one who felt like a kid again in a giant sand box. It was awesome! On Saturday morning half the campers left at dawn to go up Telescope Peak. This was mentally and physically the most demanding on me but never once was I made to feel like I didn't belong.

blasting the dunes

bagging the peak

The camaraderie among the campers was extraordinary. You would think that getting 15 people (almost all strangers to me) together might create some anxiety. But different as we all were, there was such a feeling of kindness and a sense of cheering one another on. I think the main reason for this was the professionalism that Lisa and Marshall bring to their camps. All of our abilities ranged from those who have not yet completed a race all the way to the most accomplished runner and tri-athlete. . It made no difference here at this camp; we were all viewed and treated as special in our own individual ways. I have met friends in whom I will have an interest in for many years to come. from Ed who will be running his first marathon in Alaska this June, to Bill who will be going after a silver buckle at Western States this year and Bob who picked the Grand Teton 50 miler for his first race over a 5K. Also Lara and Elizabeth who will be traveling to Morocco for their first race, 150 miles across the desert. You go girls!

Tom T. and Brad Pitt getting friendly with Jay

I will look forward to seeing many of you in the future as we hook up at races. Death Valley Camp was more fun than a grown up should be allowed to have. Thanks to each one of you for making my experience so memorable. And to Lisa and Jay, Marshall and Heather, your camp is a class act. I loved every moment.... well maybe the frog hops not so much.

Thanks Marshall!

Thanks Lisa!

Ciao, Leigh full report to come so check back