my Rockin Crew. We are Badwater ready!

I will be running the Badwater Ultramarathon on July 13-15, 2009. Recognized globally as "the world's toughest foot race," this legendary event pits up to 90 of the world's toughest athletes - runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers - against one another and the elements. Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.

The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in North America at 280' (85m) below sea level. The race finishes at Mt. Whitney Portal at 8360' (2533m). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 13,000' (3962m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 4,700' (1433m) of cumulative descent. Whitney Portal is the trailhead to the Mt. Whitney summit, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

Last fall, my friend Robert called me and said "Leigh, when you run Badwater, I want to be on your crew" and I told him "Robert, I never plan on running Badwater!" It was as simple as that... or so I thought.

And I did think. "Why not, I have met the qualifications." So I filled out my application and I waited for my invitation. Fingers crossed!

The email started like this...

Hello Turbo!

Congratulations! You have been accepted to compete in the
2009 Badwater Ultramarathon

So I would like to thank Robert for getting me into this mess, I mean race. I have a great crew. I would like to introduce to you Turbo's Team. I feel very lucky!

Crew Chief and BFF George Velasco I don't think that I would want to attempt running this race without my good friend George! He has gotten me through 6 of my 8 100 mile races and also MDS. He has been a selfless servant to many ultra runners and we have all been very lucky to be in his very good and capable hands. Thank you George!

Alexa Dickerson, just 21, she is bursting on the ultra scene with a vengeance!
She has already completed multiple 50 mile races and has got some speed to boot.

Robert Baird has been a great friend for many years. We have been through some "friends for life" making times together. Robert... I promise not to DNF before you get a chance to pace me. Wow, did that really happen?

Kira Matukaitis hmmm, I think that some things are meant to be. Can't wait to see you! Kira is a two time MDS competitor and a Badwater veteran. She has got it going on! xoxo

Lynne Hewett came to me by way of George and Lisa. Can't get better recommendations then that! Lynne is a fiery Aussie or so I am told. She is an ER Nurse and is an experienced ultra athlete who has just recently finished MDS "The Messed Up Year!" ha!

Greg Hardesty is always the life of a party. I am counting on Greg to keep me up and happy. Let's rock!

Maynard AKA BA Brad or otherwise best girlfriend, Brad will do some blogging for me while I am following that white line. I haven't really asked him if he would yet.... will you Brad? and by the way, he is single so girls, give it a go.. 367-9626

My hope in running this race is to have a fun time. I would like to bring home some memories. It's really pretty simple for me, I have 60 hours and I can do that. you can follow the race here http://www.badwater.com/index.html

ok, Leaving in the morning. I am excited. Game on!