Swiss Miss Gone Bad

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 - Memories IV

2011-11-06T23:31:00.011-05:00

8:00 am Start - Part 2

Video by: John Rennison

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 - Memories III

2011-10-27T17:36:00.003-04:00

8:00 am Start - Part 1

Video by John Rennison

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011

2011-09-19T23:53:00.003-04:00

Team Swiss Miss on Swiss TV. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the best Badwater crew on the planet. John, Adam, Bernie and Jeff I could not have done it without you.

http://www.videoportal.sf.tv/video?id=fd133557-77ec-4fcf-9dd0-84ff1bea51d8

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 - Memories II

2011-09-15T11:21:00.006-04:00

This is one of my favourite views during the Badwater Ultramarathon - going up to Panamint Pass. Simply breathtaking!

Photo: John Rennison

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 - Memories

2011-09-14T11:40:00.009-04:00

Manfred Steiner aka "Stone" is explaining the special "cooling system" of his Lederhosen, and Mimi Anderson aka "Marvellous Mimi" at the start of her Badwater Double.

Video by my crew chief John Rennison.

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 - 8:00am Start

2011-09-05T11:58:00.006-04:00

It seems such a long time since Team Swiss Miss was at the starting line of the Badwater Ultramarathon 2011. My favorite race once again is over but the memories will last a lifetime.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdventureCORPS#p/u/4/cZzS0R1gwJg

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011

2011-07-18T12:35:00.004-04:00

Team Swiss Miss rocked at Badwater - sub 30 hours! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart to my crew, John, Jeff, Adam and Bernie. You are the best crew on the planet!

3's a Charm

2011-07-07T22:57:00.005-04:00

Allt the training is done and I'm ready for another great adventure. Thank you all for the good wishes. Badwater here we come!

My lucky Badwater charms. Susanne and Annette thank you so much. It is something very special.

Team Swiss Miss Badwater Songs

2011-07-03T22:08:00.010-04:00

This year Team Swiss Miss will have 2 Badwater songs to cheer up my fellow Badwater Ultramarathon runners!

The first one is already known in Death Valley from last year - Hey Baby! by DJ Otzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNsmiqmaEWo

And the second one will be famous after Badwater - "Stahn uf!" by Baschi, Bligg, Ritschi, Seven and Stress

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgfeqzfQrfs

Translation of chorus: "Get up and do exactly what you want! Don't give up! You're the only one who can help yourself!"

Badwater Training and Races

2011-07-01T17:37:00.015-04:00

It has been a while since my last Blog post. I was a very busy runner for the past few months. My training for Badwater and the races I've done so far went very well.

My first race this year was the Jerseyville Fat Ass 100 Mile on April 23, hosted by the amazing ultrarunner Monica Scholz. Last year my time there was 17:52, which was a new Canadian age group record. Based on my training I knew I had a chance to break my own record. The course is perfect to run a fast 100 mile time - flat 5k out and back. Despite the heavy rainfall in the beginning of the race everything went well. I felt great most of the time and I finished first overall in a time of 17:33 which is a new pending Canadian age group record.

One week later on April 30 I was at the starting line of the Pick Your Poison 50k. It's a very hilly four loop course on ski hills in Horseshoe Valley. The weather was beautiful. Spring was in the air and I had a blast, especially running the downhills in my Hoka Mafate. I finished the race in a time of 6:51 which was good for 28th place out of 52 runners. I can't wait to go back there in the winter and fly down those hills on my snowboard.

The next race after PYP was Sulphur Springs 100 Mile on May 28. The weather leading up to the race and most of the spring was quite bad, cool and lots and lots of rain. On race day the runners had to challenge some very muddy and wet trails. The course is a 20k loop and some sections of the trails were knee deep mud. After every loop the conditions got worse but at the same time it was also a lot of fun. I had a great race, felt very strong and finished in 20:55 which was a new PB on that course even with the slight tougher course change and the very muddy conditions. I finished first female and was 4th overall out of 66 starters.

Two weeks later on June 11, I did the Self-Trandencence 6 Hour run in Kingston, Ontario. I ran 62,554k / 38.869 miles which was good for second place female and 5th overall out of 50 runners.

Going into the Niagara 50k race one week later on June 19 my plan was to finish it in less than 5 hours. The course is a 25k out and back, following the Niagara River Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake past Fort George and on to Niagara Falls and back. Last year I had very bad cramps at the end of the race and had only 29 seconds to pare to break five hours. This year I felt a bit tired on the uphills going out but on the way back I felt great and passed many of my fellow runners. I was flying in my Hoka Bondis, and with a time of 4:24:33 I finished much better than I expected and is a new PB.

All in all I have to say I'm very pleased and happy with my race times so far and the way my training is going. I think I am ready for Badwater and can't wait to put my feet to the starting line. Less than two weeks to go!

Badwater Training and Race Schedule 2011

2011-04-09T19:21:00.005-04:00

My training for the Badwater Ultramarathon 2011 is going very well so far. Even though I much prefer running outside, the long and very cold winter in Toronto made me choose the treadmill a lot more frequently than I normally do during the winter months. Running for hours on the treadmill next to the fireplace was still way more enjoyable than running in the freezing cold on icy roads or trails. All in all I kept increasing my weekly mileage and March was my best month ever – 402 miles!

My training schedule till Badwater looks something like this (except for race weeks):

Monday: 5 – 10 miles easy recovery run
Tuesday: morning 10 – 15 miles; evening 5 – 10 miles
Wednesday: 10 – 15 miles hill repeats, intervals or tempo run
Thursday: morning 5 – 10 miles, evening 10 – 15 miles
Friday: off
Saturday: long run
Sunday: long run

I’m also doing weights 4 – 5 times a week, and will add heat training (sauna sessions) the last two months before the race in July. In addition, I’m planning to do some races before and after the Badwater Ultramarathon.

My tentative race schedule for 2011 is:

April 23: Jerseyville 100
April 30: Pick your Poison 50k
May 28: Sulphur Springs 100
June 11: Laurel Highlands 77 miles or Kingston 6 hour
June 18: Niagara 50k
July 11: Badwater Ultramarathon
Aug 6: Dirty Girls 6 hour or 12 hour
Aug 20: Summer Beast of Burden 100
Sep 10: Haliburton Forest 100
Sep 24: Ottawa 24h
Oct 8: Oil Creek 100

I will be a very busy runner this year and hopefully it will be another great year of running with Badwater as my highlight again!

Ultrarunning Magazin - March 2011

2011-03-09T19:57:00.013-05:00

My PB at the Jerseville 100 in April 2010 made it to the 11th place of the "2010 TOP 100-MILE TIMES -WOMEN in the Ultrarunning Magazine. http://www.ultrarunning.com/ I just missed the top 10 by 4 minutes but I am very happy to see my name behind some of the best American female ultrarunners.

Freezing Rain and Snow or Treadmill?

2011-03-06T18:14:00.003-05:00

Yesterday when I checked the weather outside my house I decided in a split second that there is no way I would run outside in those conditions – wet and cold! The treadmill next to the fireplace looked way more appealing than getting soaking wet and freezing cold. I don’t really like running on the treadmill, but wintertime in Toronto can be quite tough. Right now it looks like this winter will never end. I’m really getting tired of all this exercising with the snow shovel and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Anyway, I ended up running 33 miles yesterday and another 22 miles today – yes on the treadmill! It definitely was the most I ever ran on the treadmill in two days. All in all it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. All you need is an iPod loaded with lots of music. The best tunes for long runs are very long songs like:

Genesis – Abacab
Genesis – Tonight, tonight, tonight
Don McLean – American Pie
Peter Frampton – Do you feel like we do
Pink Floyd – Echoes
Pink Floyd – Shine on you crazy diamond
Iron Butterfly – In-A-Godda-Da-Vida
Doors – L.A. Women
Doors – Light my fire
Doors – Riders on the storm
Doors – The end
Dire Straits – Money for nothing
Dire Straits – Telegraph Road
The Temptations – Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Prince – Purple Rain
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells
Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child
Rolling Stones – You can’t always get what you want

Badwater Heat or Toronto Cold?

2011-02-21T17:49:00.005-05:00

What a tough run on icy and snowy roads this morning! The temperature in Toronto is completely the opposite than what it will be during the Badwater Ultramarathon. It was freezing cold and with the wind chill factor it was -20 degree Celsius. Even imagine how hot it will be in Badwater didn’t make me feel any warmer. I can’t wait for this long and cold winter to be over and run in the heat again. At least my feet were warm. I was wearing the Drymax Cold Weather running socks http://www.drymaxsocks.com/index.php Great socks! And they keep my feet dry and warm.

Drymax Cold Weather Running socks

Badwater Ultramarathon 2011

2011-02-19T13:24:00.005-05:00

Yea!! I got some great news at 4:00 am this morning:

Congratulations! You have been accepted to compete in the 2011 Badwater Ultramarathon, presented by AdventureCORPS, Inc. You are part of a select group who will participate in what is recognized across the globe as “the world’s toughest footrace.”

I am so excited! I can't wait to run in Death Valley again. Congratulations to all the other Badwater Ultramarathon runners. See you in July.

Hoka One One - Time to Fly!

2011-01-30T16:19:00.008-05:00

And flying I was today. I absolutely love my new Hoka One One! I did a 3 hour trail run at Sulphur Springs today with my friends Adi, Steve and Dave. The Hoka One One surpassed all my expectations. When I first tried the shoe on the treadmill for 10 minutes it felt ok but didn’t give me that “wow factor” so I was very anxious to test it on the trails.

The trail conditions at Sulphur Springs were absolutely perfect today – packed snow. It was quite cold but very beautiful. When Dave first noticed my new Hoka One One he asked if I was wearing moon boots. However after we finished our run he was quite impressed. He likes to try out everything new and I bet he has already ordered a pair online.

The Hoka One One has a very good grip in snowy conditions. The shoe is light as a feather and very comfortable right from the beginning and the cushioning is incredible. It almost feels like running on a cloud. I was never worried I could roll my ankle; rather the Hoka One One has great stability and helped me to keep my balance. Running downhill with the Hoka One One is a blast! I can’t wait to run my next 100 mile race with the Hoka One One (http://www.hokaoneone.com/en/).

Jerseyville 100

2011-01-21T16:05:00.005-05:00

My first race this season will be like last year the Jerseyville 100 on April 23. I ran a 100 mile PB there and I hope it will be a very special race for me again.

Hopefully all the stars will be lined up again for a perfect race...

Badwater Memories

2011-01-19T16:24:00.007-05:00

Last year at our post Badwater Ultramarathon party I got a very special present from my friend Jim Morrison, which means a lot to me and will always remind me how strong I felt running from Darwin to Lone Pine. Jim was on the crew of my fellow ultrarunner Rob Gryfe. Thank you so much Jim! You really know how much I love being part of the Badwater Ultramarathon.

Sand from Keeler http://keelercalifornia.com/

Badwater Music

2011-01-12T16:24:00.008-05:00

One of my favourite Swiss Music group is Zueri West. During last year's Badwater I heard many of their great songs which kept me moving. Thank you very much Zueri West for your support, and huge thanks to my girlfriend Susanne for waiting in line to get the special signed CD for me.

This is one of my favourite Zueri West songs. Kuno and Co you rock!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxdZ_HaLJzQ

Badwater Ultramarathon - FINISHED Business - Part III

2010-12-22T17:48:00.041-05:00

Lone Pine to Portal Road – 131 miles – 2:56 hours [3:34 in 2009]
Arrival Time: 5:59 PM

When Bernie and I turned the corner into Lone Pine I started to feel a little bit tired and I was looking forward to using a real washroom at the Dow Villa Hotel and to take a short break before climbing up the steep uphill section to the finish line. My crew chief John told me that it was only about one mile to the Dow Villa Hotel but that mile felt like a lot longer! After using the washroom I didn’t want to waste any time and started off up to the Mount Whitney Portal road. My crew were taking luggage out of the car to make a little bit more room in the van and put it into the hotel room.

Arriving at the Dow Villa Hotel check point not looking all that bad

When I crossed to road and took the left turn to Mount Whitney portal road I caught up with the nice Australian girl Susannah. We started walking uphill together and it was very pleasant to share some experiences with another runner. Susannah told me that she had a bottle of Champagne at the finish line, “the real thing not one of those cheap ones.” Way to go Susannah! You deserved it!

After about 2 miles my crew caught up with me and John joined me on the walk up to Mount Whitney. We talked about all kinds of different things and he did a great job pushing me uphill.

My crew chief John and I walking up Mount Whitney Portal road

Starting to feel a little bit tired

Keep moving!! One foot in front of the other!

Portal Road to Finish Line – 135 miles – 1:22 hours [14:55 hours in 2009 including lost hours due to forest fire]
Arrival Time: 7:21 PM

At Portal Road (131 miles) we took another longer break. I used the washroom (the ever famous outdoor WC) and changed my clothes again. John wasn’t very happy to see me wasting more time and wanted me to pass Susannah but I decided I wanted to look good for the finisher pictures. Sorry John! At that point I was not competitive anymore and was just looking forward to cross the finish line in real Swiss Miss Style!

Nothing can stop me now...

Annette joined me for a couple of miles and then Jeff took over the pacer duties for the last short section. What a difference to walk this section in daylight. The view is simply amazing. John, Annette and Bernie drove ahead and John parked the car. We all thought that we would be at the finish line before 7:00pm but I slowed down a little too much. Annette and Bernie realized that we had to put on the reflective vest and the night light again as it is mandatory after 7:00pm. They ran down with the vests and the lights for Jeff and me and got a ride back up to the finish area with Susannah’s crew, which was very helpful. Thank you so much guys.

One mile to go! Come on Jeff!

A short distance before the finish line Jeff and I met up with John, Annette and Bernie and we all ran together with the Swiss flag through the wonderful finish line of Badwater. Each runner gets to cross the tape, no matter if you are the winner or not. Every runner at Badwater is a winner and it is such a wonderful feeling to cross that tape with my crew beside me.

Team Swiss Miss running to the finish line - holding hands - exactly the way I've dreamed it...

We did it again! 35:21 - 22nd place overall, 5th women

Badwater Ultramarathon race director Chris Kostman and the Swiss Miss (including finisher medal and belt buckle)

Team Swiss Miss rocked! (from left to right: my friend and crew chief John, my dear friend Bernie, the Swiss Miss, my husband Jeff and my little sister Annette)

The Aftermath

After the finish ceremony with lots of pictures and getting the finisher medal and the devoted Badwater belt buckle from the race director Chris Kostman we drove down to the hotel in Lone Pine where we all had a nice shower and got cleaned up. We met up with Rob Gryfe and his crew at the Pizza place across from the hotel and celebrated with some draft beer. One thing I know for sure, if I get into the race this year I will have a bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Champagne at the finish line (thanks Susannah you got me thinking about how important it is to celebrate in style).

Everyone was tired but very happy with respective times, how things went in the run and that everyone was well. The next day John cleaned out the van and Jeff and Bernie went to the car wash to make sure the rental company has nothing to complain about the van. Soon after that we drove up to Mount Whitney portal and along the way we say Jack Denness who was on schedule for his amazing finish at 75 years of age. We had lunch at the finish line, talked to fellow runners and enjoyed the relaxing setting of the portal which is so beautiful. Later in the afternoon we met up with all the other runners and crew members at the post Badwater pizza party. When Jack Denness walked into the room after his finish he got a standing ovation from everyone.

Once the award ceremony was over we went to Jake’s bar for some wine, beer and chilling out. It was great to see all the Brazilian guys, Jack and his wife Mags and many of my fellow Badwater runners. We had a few drinks, took some pictures with Jack and Badwater Ben and some more with other runners and crew member. Everybody was having a good time. When we left we bumped into the youngest BW runner, Nickademus Hollon and I was dying to see who’s feet were worse – his or mine. Nickademus won! We all walked back to the hotel. Annette and I were still in celebration mood and we sat down on the bench outside of the Dow Villa Hotel to talk about some of the most memorable moments during the Badwater Ultramarathon. Some time after midnight Mags and Jack Denness came back from Jake’s bar and joined us on the bench. We talked and had fun for another hour. Jack is the most incredible 75 year old man I know. After starting the Badwater Ultramarathon on Monday, July 12 at 6:00 am and running for almost 60 hours, finishing on Wednesday, July 14 just after 5:00pm he was out partying till midnight. How amazing is that? I told him I won’t mind turning 75 if I will be in the same shape as he his. The four of us had some great laughs together. We found out that Jack’s sponsor “Seven Seas” was not a cruising company like we thought and Mags told us another Badwater secret that I can not share with you. Like I said before, what happens in Badwater stays in Badwater. A very memorable moment to end our second Badwater Ultramarathon adventure!

The girls are having fun at Jake's (from left to right: the Swiss Miss, Annette and Bernie)

The Swiss Miss and her Badwater heroes - Jack Denness and Badwater Ben

Jack Denness and the girls (from left to right Annette, the Swiss Miss, Jack, Bernie and Tammy (Rob Gryfe's crew)

Whos feet are worse? Nickademus won! (I was wearing Drymax Maximum Protection socks)

Thank you so much to all my sponsors: Attar Metals, my dear friend Donna Attar, Bob MacGillivray from Drymax, and Xy Weiss from Dirty Girl gaiters. Congratulations to Rob Gryfe, a fellow Toronto Ultrarunner and his crew who helped and encouraged me along the challenging course. Further I want to thank my family and friends in Switzerland for all your support. I know you all where there in spirit and I was thinking of you during those long hours out in Death Valley. And thank you from the bottom of my heart to the most amazing Badwater crew I could have: my crew chief John Rennison, my lovely husband Jeff Cooper, my dear friend Bernie Kennedy and my awesome little sister Annette Brogle who came all the way from Switzerland to help my Badwater dream come true. And last but not least a huge thank you to Chris Kostman for putting up such an amazing event. Badwater is simply amazing. I cannot imagine it not being part of my running life. Nothing compares to the bond you have with your crew and the friendships formed there with all the other runners and crews crossing Death Valley for one goal. It is an honour and privilege to get accepted to run the Badwater Ultramarathon, something very special that I don’t take for granted, and I hope to be part of the Badwater Ultramarathon again this year.

Photo credits: Chris Kostman, AdventureCorps (http://www.adventurecorps.com/); Bob MacGillivray, Drymax (http://www.drymaxsports.com/); Ben Jones (http://badwaterbenjones.com/ ), Gareth MacKay, Luis Escobar (http://www.reflectionsphotographystudio.com/ ), Charlie Nickell (http://www.therundown.net/), John Rennison, and Annette Brogle.

Badwater Ultramarathon - FINISHED Business - Part II

2010-12-19T18:13:00.041-05:00

Badwater to Furnace Creek – 17.4 miles – 4.04 hours [3.22 hours in 2009]

Arrival Time: 12:04 PM

The first hour into the race I felt great but then suddenly things changed and I started to feel very dizzy and nauseous. All I could think was if this doesn’t get better soon there is no way I will be able to finish the race. Luckily there was a restroom just before the left turn into Furnace Creek. Markus Wiaderek and his crew had stopped there too and I asked them to let my crew know that I did not feel well. After resting in a chair for about 15 minutes and using the facilities I started to feel better and I got back on my feet and arrived at Furnace Creek after 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Beginning of the race - feeling good!

Starting to feel a bit dizzy and nauseous

My crew (from left to right Annette, Jeff and Bernie) working hard to keep me moving.

Leaving Furnace Creek feeling much better

Furnace Creek to Stovepipe Wells – 41.9 miles – 5.07 hours [5.12 hours in 2009]

Arrival Time: 5.11 PM

After leaving Furnace Creek I started to feel much better and picked up the pace a little bit. The nutrition worked like a charm. I used Perpetuem Orange Vanilla http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem.pp.html I also drank chocolate and strawberry milk, Starbucks Frappucino and V8 with lots of ice cubes tasted great. As for more solid food I had mashed potatoes, bananas, melons, fruit caps and rice pudding. My crew worked very well together and stopped approximately every mile to cool me down, feed me, change my drinks, and change the ice bandana. The Badwater Ultramarathon is a team effort, and I could not have done it without my amazing crew. After a while I passed Jack Denness http://www.deathvalleyjack.freeserve.co.uk/index.html , the oldest Badwater runner with who is 75 years of age and one of my running hero’s since watching the movie “Running on the Sun” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0236702/ . He truly is an inspiration!

Getting cooled down on the way to Stovepipe Wells (from left to right Jeff, John and Bernie)

I put my music on and got into a great running grove and just enjoyed being out there and the beauty of the Death Valley. After a while I noticed that my sister Annette, who is not a runner, seemed to be s to havinge some kind of problems. The crew later told me that she had problems with the heat. They gave her electrolytes and an ice bandana and after a while she was felteling better. Just before I got to Stovepipe Wells the first runners of the 10:00 am started to passed me.

The sand dunes on the way to Stovepipe Wells

Stovepipe Wells to Panamint Springs – 72.3 miles – 8:30 hours [8:15 hours in 2009]

Arrival Time: 1:41 AM

At Stovepipe Wells the crew restocked the car with ice, got some ice creams and reorganized the gear. I changed into some new clothes, put on my music and left Stovepipe Wells feeling really strong for the first major climb (17 miles, 5000 foot climb) up to Towns Pass. Even the strong hot wind coming down from Towns Pass which felt like running with a hair dryer blowing in your face, didn’t bother me much. I had no problems with heat this year at all. While walking at a good pace uphill, my fellow runner Rob Gryfe passed me, looking very strong. I thought I was walking quite fast but man , Rob was moving, and I didn’t have any chance to keep up with him. After a while, I caught up to my facebook Facebook friend Anthony Portera http://www.irunultras.com/ . He said he was having a bit of a rough and some stomach issues. I offered him a coconut ice cream and a rice pudding which he thankfully took. After a little chat and encouraging each other I continued my way up Towns Pass. A lot of tourists along the route honked their horns when they saw the Swiss flag. Four young guys from Switzerland turned around and wanted to take pictures with me. They didn’t know anything about the Badwater Ultramarathon http://www.badwater.com/ and they thought the race was a relay. They were very impressed when my sister Annette gave them more information about the race and didn’t want to stop taking pictures till my crew chief John reminded me to keep moving and not wasting any more time. Good job John! I was having so much fun. Sometimes I actually forgot to look at the time!

Walking up to Townes Pass still smiling and having fun

Walking up Townes Pass with the amazing ultrarunner Michelle Barton and her pacer

"The runner who ate her crew" according to the funniest Badwater report ever: http://www.therundown.net/2010/07/2010-badwater-ultramarathon.html

With the evening setting in, the temperatures got a bit cooler and Jeff joined me. We made some good progress the last stretch to the top of Towns Pass and the 13 mile downhill to Panamint Springs Resort. I love running downhill and Jeff and I passed a few runners along the way and I was looking forward to take a shower at Panamint Springs.

Panamint Springs to Darwin – 90.1 miles – 6:28 hours [6:37 hours in 2009]

Arrival Time: 8:09 AM

After arriving in Panamint Springs I told John, my crew chief. that I wanted to take a shower. He didn’t want to agree and said I would waste too much time, but I insisted and he finally realized there is no way he could change my mind and helped me finding the room that was booked for the Badwater runners to use for showers or having a nap. There were about 10 people sleeping in the room but I was lucky no one was in the shower and I didn’t have to wait. While I took a shower my crew reorganized the van once again. When I got back to the van, John treated my feet for a couple blisters that I got due to my wet shoes and socks. I wasn’t careful enough not to get water into my shoes when I got sprayed with water to cool me off during the day. Huge lesson learned for the next time.

We spent about one hour at Panamint and then I set off with my sister Annette pacing me up the second major climb to Father Crowley’s. This is one of my favourite sections of the race. The night is pitch dark but the stars are so amazingly bright and they seem so close you can almost touch them with your hands. It is one of the few places I’ve seen the Milky Way which makesde Badwater it feel a more like a magical place than it is. Annette and I turned off our lights and enjoyed the beautiful view. When you look back into the Valley, you can see the lights of the other crew cars climbing uphill and you know behind each light there is another runner. It was very special having my sister there to share this incredible experience. We walked all night and talked throughout about family and life and everything else. Bernie later told me that she could hear us talking on the switchbacks. During the night we had another longer break. John needed to look at my feet again. After some special treatment, another change of socks and shoes he pushed me out with some food and Annette and I took off again. Annette really surprised everyone with her ability to walk me through the night as she was the only non-runner in my crew. Way to go little sister!

As the sun rose Annette was off her pacing duty and Bernie joined me. By this time I started to get some minor stomach issues and I decided I wanted to have a sandwich. Unfortunately, the bread had been thrown out and I was disappointed and not very happy. Bernie felt bad and asked a couple crew cars that drove by if the would have some bread. Luckily Nickademus Hollon’s crew had some bread left and were happy to share. A huge thank you to Nick and your crew! After eating a couple sandwiches I felt like a new person and my energy came back. John started to walk with me after Bernie and then the heat got to him. The crew drove a little too far ahead. I said to John I will go ahead and let to crew know to turn around and to get him. This was the beginning of a huge day ahead for me!

In the morning of the second day - my crew still working very hard to keep me cool.

Darwin to Lone Pine – 122.3 miles – 6:54 hours – 7th fastest time of all runners! [10:13 hours in 2009]
Arrival Time: 3:03 PM

Last year I had to walk the entire length of this part of the course and had very bad stomach issues. This year I ran the 7th fastest time of all runners on this section. I felt in incrediblye strong and was moving like it was the beginning of the race. I was so happy to be out there and just run on my own. Music is an amazing thing. I listened to my favourite tunes on my iPod and was in my own groove. The nutrition (Perpetuem, milk, V8 and mashed potatoes) worked like a charm again. At Keeler Bernie joined me again and we ran together all the way to Lone Pine. We passed a number of runners with one being my good friend Keith Straw who was not feeling well. Keith was doing the Grand Slam and was two weeks from doing Western States (Congratulations Keith! You did it! You are amazing!). He is a great runner and after the race he told me one of his secrets – which I can’t share with you! “What happens in Badwater, stays in Badwater”!

Swiss Miss on a mission!

Love V8 juice with lots of ice cubes!

Great picture taken by Luis Escobar on the way to Lone Pine

The Swiss Miss and her pacer Bernie looking very strong at Keeler

Badwater Ultramarathon 2010 - FINISHED Business

2010-09-16T17:55:00.033-04:00

After I got stopped last year with just a little over one mile to go to the finish line, due to the forest fire, I knew I had to come back and run Badwater again so I could finish this incredible race the way I have dreamed of for a very long time.

Team Swiss Miss from left to right: John my crew chief, the Swiss Miss, my lovely husband Jeff, my little sister Annette and my dear friend Bernie.

When I found out that I was one of the lucky runners who had been invited to run the world’s toughest foot race again, nothing could stop my training and preparation. This year I wanted to finish the race in one stretch and I also wanted to run a faster time than last year. Last year, I had some very bad stomach issues on the second day and wanted to make sure this would not happen again. My plan was to try all kind of food during 100 mile races and with my training to find out what would work best besides the Hammer Perpetuem and Carbo Pro that I was planning to use. As it turned out, milk, mashed potatoes, bananas, rice pudding, fruit caps, Starbucks Frappucino, V8 jus, melon, and some Red Bull worked great. I also dropped 10 pounds of weight, incorporated some weight training and decided to get a ‘nice’ tan before the race to make sure I did not get sunburned like last year!

Team Swiss Miss Crew Van

Another change this year was having only four crew members and one van. John Rennison, my fantastic crew chief, Jeff Cooper, my wonderful husband, Bernie, my dear friend and Annette my favourite little sister - you guys were simply amazing and I could not have done the race without you. There aren’t enough words to thank you for keeping me going all the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget what you guys did for me out there in Death Valley.

My crew chief John made sure the rules are clear..

My little sister, the Swiss Miss and crew chief John at the pre race dinner..

The journey begins…

Jeff and I arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday before the race. We picked up the rental van, which took us almost two hours until we found the perfect one – a white Chrysler Town & Country with low mileage (7,000). After settling into our hotel we drove out to the airport to pick up Annette who came in from Switzerland. I had not seen her since last fall and was very excited when she agreed to be on my crew. It meant a lot to me. The next day we drove to the airport again to pick up John and Bernie who arrived with two huge coolers and a lot of race gear. I was a bit worried that we were not going to be able to fit everything into the van but John convinced me that it wasn’t a problem. Even after we bought some missing gear at a Walmart in Las Vegas, we still could fit everyone and everything in the van. I popped in the Team Swiss Miss CD that I had made up into the CD player and off we were to Pahrump. As it turned out, everybody liked the first song – Hey Baby and we made it the Team Swiss Miss Badwater song. During the whole race we must have played it at least a hundred times or more and from what we heard back from other runners it was a great inspiration for many of my fellow runners. After arriving in Pahrump we settled into our hotel, organized our stuff a little bit and went to the pool. The next day, we bought all the food at the Walmart and somehow we were still able to fit everything into the van. Wow! And off we were to Furnace Creek where we arrived around lunch time. It felt so good to be back, to see the incredible beauty of Death Valley, and being part of the Badwater family again. It was also very nice to meet Ben Jones http://www.badwaterbenjones.com/ , a Badwater veteran and legend and some of my friends, Keith, Tony http://www.irunultras.com/ Adrian, and Harvey. I was also looking forward to meet Bob from Drymax http://www.drymaxsports.com/ who has supported me with socks and the signs for our van (last year and again this year). Thank you so much for everything, Bob. After we got our rooms my crew organized the van, put the signs up, boiled some eggs (sorry guys I never ate one) and off we were to the pool. Then we went for dinner where we met our friends from the other Toronto crew, Rob, Tammy, Jimmy and Paul.

Ben Jones, the Swiss Miss and Reza, the first Badwater runner from Iran

Rob Gryfe and his crew and Team Swiss Miss, from left to right: Jeff, the Swiss Miss, John, Paul (Rob's crew), Tammy (Rob's crew), Bernie, my fellow Badwater runner Rob Gryfe, and Annette.

The next day went by very quickly with racer check in and the race meeting. We went for an early dinner. Afterwards my crew did some last rearranging of the gear and I could rest. John didn’t want me anywhere close to the van and I knew I could fully trust him and didn’t have to worry about anything. He knew exactly what needed to be done and Jeff, Bernie and Annette helped him to organize everything. I was completely relaxed and ready for the race.

BIB # 18 is ready

Race Day, Monday, July 12, 2010

Team Swiss Miss before the start at the Badwater Ultramarathon 2010

I was in the 8:00 am start and we left Furnace Creek around 6:45am to drive to the starting line at Badwater. Along the way we cheered on the runners from the 6:00 am start. We were all very excited and couldn’t wait for our start. When we arrived at Badwater we had the music on full blast and after we stopped the van we all were dancing to Hey Baby. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu06deE8apw] It felt great! Too bad we were one of the early teams and not that many people could see our grand entrance. After weighting in, the taking of the 8:00 am runners’ picture at the Badwater sign all runners lined up at the starting line. Now I really couldn’t wait to start. After Casey Dakus finished singing the American national anthem, the countdown began: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and GO! It was such an incredible feeling. My crew cheered me on and off they went into the van to drive about 2 miles ahead and wait for me.

My fellow Badwater runner from Toronto Rob Gryfe and the Swiss Miss

My friend Keith Straw, the Tutu Man

Does my ass look fat?

8:00 am start runners at the Badwater sign

Second wave runners at the starting line just before 8:00 am

Part II

Badwater Ultramarathon 2010

2010-08-15T12:24:00.004-04:00

Team Swiss Miss in Action!
Thanks so much to my crew chief John for the great video.

Burning River 100 - Suck it up Princess!

2010-08-04T20:02:00.033-04:00

It was time to pay back to my incredible Badwater crew member Bernie. She supported and helped me during my training for Badwater and did everything to get me through those 135 miles in Death Valley together with the rest of the greatest crew I could have, John, Jeff and Annette.

Bernie you are an amazing person and a great friend. You always believed in me and you are always there for me. It was my pleasure running Burning River 100 with you, the race you decided will be your race this year. We had a lot of fun out there in the trails and went through many up and downs. I always believed that you are much stronger than you think and you showed me what a strong lady you are. It felt incredible passing all those runners close to the end, finishing in 26:31 and winning the female super master title together. I am very proud of you. You are a princess!

Some of the Canadian runners, from left to right: Kinga, John, Steve, Bernie, myself and Kat.

Following the guy with the blue t-shirt. He was already running with 3 other ladies. Lucky guy!

Swiss Miss on a mission

Bernie looking very strong - the princess is coming!

Gregory made us laugh: "The last time I felt this good I was in the hospital!"

The most inspiring runner, Monica Scholz on her way to her 14. 100 mile finish this year. Congratulations! You are truly amazing!

My favourite aid station - the Covered Bridge. They even had mashed potatoes!

Wooh-ah!! Crossing the finish line felt incredible. 26:31 - Bernie you were awesome!

Congratulations to Monica, Kinga, Sharon, Kat, Steve, and Stephan for finishing the Burning River 100!

And last but not least this is from Bernie, the princess herself:

Thank you so much to Iris for helping me accomplish a kick-ass race in Burning River. We had a wonderful day and night and there was 100 years of running power on the trails and road!

Iris your support and belief in me got me through this run and while it was my legs that got me to the finish line your never ending determination of mind helped carry me through :) from the Princess!

Team Swiss Miss

2010-07-29T13:35:00.011-04:00

Team Swiss Miss rocked at the Badwater Ultramarathon 2010!!

Badwater Ultramarathon 2010

2010-07-28T13:28:00.006-04:00

I'm still working on my Badwater race report. In the meantime, this is the funniest race recap I've seen. Thanks to Charlie Nickell.

http://www.therundown.net/2010/07/2010-badwater-ultramarathon.html

Swiss Miss Badwater 2010 Song

2010-07-22T17:59:00.006-04:00

The Team Swiss Miss Badwater 2010 song was: DJ Otzi - Hey Baby. You have to ask my crew how many times they played the song during the race but I'm sure everyone out there in Death Valley must have heard it at least once. It was the song that kept us going!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu06deE8apw&feature=fvst

And if you'd like to sing-a-long here are the lyrics. Have fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBoI8h4AAjI&feature=related

FINISHED Business - Badwater Ultramarathon 2010

2010-07-19T10:51:00.007-04:00

We did it again - 35.21 with the best crew I could have in Death Valley. John, Jeff, Bernie and Annette thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help and support. I could not have done it without you.

More details about the race, pictures and video will follow soon.

Badwater here we come

2010-07-08T00:29:00.002-04:00

Finally everything is packed and ready to go. We will be off to Death Valley tomorrow. Let the adventure begin. My crew and I are so excited, ready and can't wait! Tomorrow we will meet up in Las Vegas with my sister who will travel all the way from Switzerland to crew for me. My other crew member Bernie and John will meet up with us on Friday and then it's off to Badwater. Team Swiss will rock! Whoo-ha!

Almost Badwater Temperatures in Toronto

2010-07-05T22:51:00.006-04:00

Wow, we finally have summer in Toronto. The thermometer in my car showed 37 C (98 F) and with the added humitity it was 45 C (113 F), and it supposed to be hot all week. Perfect Badwater preparation!

Badwater Charm #2

2010-07-04T23:09:00.003-04:00

This one I got from my wonderful friend and Badwater 2009 crew member Bernie who will be going back to Badwater with me. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful friend and for always believing in me. Love ya

Badwater Running Shoes

2010-07-03T11:39:00.010-04:00

Last year I brought 4 pairs of running shoes to Badwater, one pair even a size larger than my regular size. Surprisingly my feet didn't swell too much, the shoes didn't melt and I ended up running the whole 135 mile race in the same pair of shoes - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9.

I still love the Adrenaline but run some of my training runs in Nike Free's and the new Brooks Ravenna. Most likely I will take 4 pairs of shoes with me again this year but no larger size. If my feet will get very bad there is always the option to cut off the front of the shoe and create the "Badwater shoe." And as for the socks, I will be wearing the Drymax Maximum Protection socks http://www.drymaxsports.com/extremerunning.php . The best socks on the planet!

Drymax Maximum protection running socks

The "Badwater shoe" with toe socks (which I will NOT wear).

Badwater Charm

2010-07-01T00:07:00.003-04:00

The dragon on the right was my Badwater charm last year. The meaning of the symbol is endurance, strength and a long life. For my birthday in late April I got the second one (left) - the sword of the Amazon to fight all the obstacles during this year's Badwater Ultramarathon. Susanne, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this special gift and always believing in me.
Muentschi noch Bern. I had di gaern.

Badwater Pre-Barbecue

2010-06-29T21:25:00.011-04:00

Thanks to Bernie and Paul for hosting the Badwater pre-barbecue for Rob #64 and I #18. It was a lot of fun! See you in Death Valley.

From left to right: the most amazing runner I know - Monica Scholz http://www.monumentaleffort.com/monica%E2%80%99s-3000-mile-odyssey 8-time Badwater finisher, myself, Tammy (crew member of Rob) and Phil.

Bernie, my crew member in 2009 and crew member again this year

My crew chief John (Badwater finisher 2007)

Rob's crew member Jim and Paul and my husband and crew member Jeff

and the Badwater 2010 runners Rob #64 and I #18

More Badwater Training

2010-06-25T21:04:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I had some very good training sessions. In the morning I did my 20 minutes weights, and in the evening I had a great workout on the treadmill. I started with a 3 mile warm-up and continued with 5 minutes intervals switching between running at incline 1 and walking on an incline of 5 up to 12. Since I'm planning to walk all the uphills at Badwater, I thought I'd better get my legs used to walking at a reasonably fast pace. After that I relaxed in the sauna for 30 minutes.

Badwater Sandwich

2010-06-23T08:54:00.007-04:00

This morning I did a "Badwater sandwich" which is part of my training for the last 8 weeks before the race. Adrian Belitu (#99) who ran Badwater last year and will be there again this year recommended it to me. Thank you Adrian. The "Badwater sandwich" is run - sauna - run. I believe it's very helpful in my preparation for Badwater. I'm also doing 20 minutes weights almost every day and work on my tan. Besides the physical training there is still lots to do with administration and gear preparation. Let's keep moving!

Three More Weeks Till Badwater

2010-06-22T16:09:00.001-04:00

Time is flying. Only three weeks left until the start of the Badwater Ultramarathon. The training has gone well so far. Last Saturday I ran my last race before Badwater – the Niagara Ultra 50k www.ouser.org . Almost 800 runners signed up for all the different distances and nearly 200 were in the 50k. The weather conditions were perfect – hot and humid. The course is an out and back course starting in Niagara-on-the-lake and the turnaround is right next to the Niagara Falls. On the way out I felt quite good and I enjoyed the scenery and the conversation with other ultrarunners. However, on the way back I got some very bad cramps in both of my legs and had to slow down tremendously which was too bad because I still felt strong. I was definitely expecting to run a better time, though at the end I was glad I still finished in less than 5 hours (4:59:38). I’m almost sure the cause for the problem was not taking enough electrolytes – another lesson learned the hard way.

Badwater Nutrition Training

2010-06-08T22:40:00.004-04:00

After the big stomach problems I experienced during the Sulphur Springs 100 miler http://www.ouser.org/ I wasn’t sure anymore about my nutrition plan for Badwater. During Massanutten 100 I had some problems for the first 10 hours and figured it most likely was due to the Ensure. However, as I didn’t have any Ensure during Sulphur I wasn’t sure what could have caused the problem and my Badwater nutrition plan was in jeopardy.

So I had to find a solution as soon as possible and decided to give it another try during my long training run last Saturday. I parked my car in one of the parking lots at Sunnybrook Park and set up my private aid station with a big cooler and the different kind of food I wanted to try. I ran back and forward to the “aid station” in 30 minutes intervals to refuel. All together I ran for about 4.5 hours. The temperature wasn’t quite like Badwater but - big surprise - I didn’t have any stomach issues at all. Whoo-ah! During the 5 hours I had Perpetuem, Carbo Pro, Nuun, mashed potatoes, milk in different flavours, V8 jus, hard boiled eggs but no yolk and fruit caps. No gels! Everything worked out great, and I keep my fingers crossed it will work for Badwater too.

Three 100 milers in 5 weeks

2010-06-04T21:54:00.005-04:00

This is by far the most running I've done - three 100 milers in 5 weeks:

April 24: Jerseyville Fat Ass 100, the flattest and fastest one (17:52)

May 15: Massanutten Mountain Trail 100, the rockiest and hilliest one (30:14)

May 29: Sulphur Springs 100, the hottest and most challenging one (22:14)

Now it's time to rest up for Badwater with a little heat training thrown in.

Massanutten 100 and Sulphur 100

2010-05-28T10:33:00.005-04:00

A couple weeks ago I ran the MMT 100 in Virginia - a tough but beautiful race. Tomorrow I will be at the starting line of the Sulphur Springs 100. I've never done two 100 milers this close together and hope everything will work out. If the weather forecast is right it will be very hot and humid - perfect Badwater training conditions. Race reports will be online next week.

Good luck to all my friends and fellow runners! Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

Heat Training

2010-05-06T22:26:00.008-04:00

Two days ago I officially started my heat training which is sitting in the sauna as long as I can while drinking a lot of fluids. I lasted 20 minutes - not too bad for the first time. Last year my sauna sitting PB was 1 hour and 15 minutes. Hopefully I can beat that this year.

When I've emailed Ferg Hawke, the famous Canadian Badwater Runner, last year regarding heat training. He recommended doing heat training for about 2 months before Badwater. Anyone who is interested about Ferg Hawke's Badwater experience, I recommend watching the DVD "The Distance of Truth" http://www.thedistanceoftruth.com/ , a great documentary, especially the blister section... Since I don't have a chance to put my treadmill into a sauna, I figured sitting or walking on the spot in a sauna is still better than no heat training at all.

I've also added two more training components to my Badwater training this year. The first is weigth training - 20 minutes about 4 - 5 times a week, especially upper body like abs, arms and core strength. The second one is getting a sun tan. Who in a million years would have thought of that? If I would have to guess which part of my body would suffer the most during the Badwater Ultramarathon last year, there would be no doubts I would say my feet. But you know what - I was completely wrong. The most painful part of my body after the race was the lower part of my face. I got a very bad sun burn which was so painful, I had to take strong pain killers for a few days and couldn't leave the hotel room in Las Vegas until our flight back to Toronto.

I've decided this won't be happening this year and I have to get a good tan before the race. I will be a frequent guest at the tanning studio in my neigbourhood, and I'm also thinking about running with a Buff this year.. http://www.buff.es/

Jerseyville 100 - April 24, 2010

2010-05-02T22:17:00.003-04:00

I’ve tried the whole week to figure out what it was that made me run the best 100 mile race ever with a PB of 17.52. Not in my wildest dream I’ve ever thought I could run that time. Here is the course description from Vince’s blog “Monumental Effort” http://www.monumentaleffort.com/ (thanks Vince):

The Jerseyville 100 is a “Fat Ass” event. These runs usually have no entry fee, no prizes and no aid. However, since this run was hosted by Monica Scholz and Phil McColl, the ever-helpful Dieter Scholz had his tent set up and all entrants contributed some vittles to stock the legendary “Scholzy’s Deli” along with a second aid-station (Hawaiian themed, complete with grass skirts, leis and hula hoops at the 5Km turnaround which was captained by Ontario Ultra Series faithful Sharon Zelinski.

The course follows the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail 5Km out, and 5Km back.. repeated sixteen times for the 100-milers. The Rail Trail is an abandoned roadbed of the old Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway (TH&B) which has since been converted into a hiking/biking trail between Hamilton and Brantford. Our 5Km section was in the small town of Jerseyville, Ontario. The cambered, stone-dust covered path between Field Road and Hwy 52 had runners pass by a buffalo ranch, a few cattle farms, a golf course and some marshy ponds.

During the training weeks leading up to the race I set three goals:

1. Finish in less than 20 hours
2. Finish in less than 19 hours and break the Canadian female age group record
3. Finish a 100 miler on my birthday

I haven’t done any races since Haliburton 100 last September and was physically and mentally prepared. The loop course was a great opportunity to check out what kind of nutrition may work for Badwater. My plan was to use liquids only as long as possible, try mashed potatoes and use bananas if needed.

Nineteen hardy souls had signed up for the event and promptly at 6AM on Saturday morning, the official starter (Monica) shouted “GO” and we were off. I felt great from the very beginning and was running at an easy pace, chatting with Vince about his Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim adventure http://www.monumentaleffort.com, talking with Monica about some Badwater logistics, catching up with Steph and meeting Kat, who was running her first 50 miler. As the race continued Steph and I took turns in the lead, encouraging each other. We both set a PB at the 50 mile point. Congratulations Steph! I was running with some of my favourite Swiss tunes and running felt so easy and effortlessly. It was incredible. After 100km, my wonderful husband Jeff joined me for 20km which was a nice change. When he left I only had 40km to go and I promised him that I will be finished in less than 19 hours, as I still felt strong. To my surprise I didn’t slow down much and when I got ready for my last 10km Mark Tamminga who took over at the aid station for Dieter told me I had 1 hour and 6 minutes left to break 18 hours and it wouldn’t be a problem if I could keep the same pace. Wow, that really got me (thank you Mark). I started to look at the numbers and I have to admit that 17 and changes looked a lot better than 18 and changes and I decided to go for it. On the way out the headwind felt stronger than before, my iPod shuffle died and I took a few walking breaks. At the turnaround aid station I had some water and half a banana again, thanked Sharon and John for their excellent support, had a last glance at the disco ball hanging inside the tent and went off for the last 5km. The tailwind felt really good and running in the dark was almost mystical. As I didn’t have any music anymore I was repeating one of my running mantras over and over again: ‘Run Forest Run”. I crossed the finish line minutes before my birthday in a time of 17:52 – a very nice birthday present.

Congratulations to all runners and thanks to everyone who made the Jerseyville 100 event possible. A special thanks to those who helped me to run my best race ever:
Monica, Phil, Dieter, Jennifer-Ann, Sharon, Scott, John Turner, Steph, Adi, Steve, Kinga, Stephan, Vince, Dave, John Rennison (thanks for crewing at the beginning), Mark, Joany, Pierre (thanks for the pictures), Lee Anne, Charlotte, Kat, Wendy, Therese and last but not least my husband Jeff who got me into running and is always supporting me.

I also want to thank Bob from Drymax http://www.drymaxsocks.com/ for providing me with the best socks... no blisters! Finally thanks to Xy Weiss http://www.dirtygirlgaiters.com/ for the most eye-catching gaiters around.

My “secret” nutrition during the race was: Hammer Perpetuem, Hammer Endurolytes, Carbo Pro, Nuun, Milk 2 Go in different flavours, Glucerna, mashed potatoes and bananas.

Note: I ended up not using the pop up gazebo because there wasn't enough space. It will come into action at the Sulphur Spring Trail race http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/

Ready for the first 100 miler of the year

2010-04-23T21:10:00.000-04:00

After a day of running around and getting everything ready for my first 100 miler of the year I can’t wait to start. This will be the first “food testing” to find out what kind of nutrition I will be using this year at Badwater. My plan is to go as long as possible on liquids only (Perpetuem http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem.pp.html and Nuun http://www.nuun.com/ mixed with Carbo Pro http://www.carbopro.ca/ ). During the night I may add avocados, mashed potatoes, chocolate milk, Ensure and Red Bull. Hopefully it will work out. Race report to follow.

By the way it took 6 minutes to set up the easy up gazebo. I love it!

Getting ready for the big weekend

2010-04-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

It looks like the weather gods won’t be on our side this weekend. I was checking out the weather channel at least twice a day and I’m still hoping for a nice, warm and sunny weekend. However, since one never knows what one will get, I decided to be on the safe side and buy one of those easy set up gazebos to keep all my gear and food dry during the race. Apparently the gazebo should be set up in minutes, at least according to the description. As I never really trust any directions I will do a practise set up of the gazebo tomorrow in the backyard with a stop watch.

Tapering

2010-04-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

This week was all about tapering for my first race of the season. I have to admit that it’s the least likable part of my training for Badwater. If one really loves to run, not being able to run for as long as one feels is a little bit of a challenge. Because less running means less eating and I really love to eat. Although, less time running means spending more time with all the other adventurous and interesting things in life like my husband, my friends, my cats, cooking Swiss gourmet meals and making more detailed plans about this year’s Badwater race. While I was running on the treadmill this morning I realized that I didn’t use any music during all those long hours running the Badwater Ultramarathon last year. Music and senses are very important in my life. So I decided I need to burn some very special Badwater Music CD’s. As a proud Swiss citizen I need at least a couple of CD’s with famous Swiss Music. In addition to the Swiss music I will have an emergency CD called “Songs for the Almost Dead” which will include the most inspiring songs I know to push me all the way to the finish line. I will start picking the songs tomorrow. If you have any suggestions please post them to the comments. Mille grazie!

Another weekend of running

2010-04-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

Wow, I was wrong. Somebody turned the switch back to winter. Summer has not yet arrived in Toronto. Last Friday, I was very glad Angie didn't mind to start running at 7:00 am instead of 6:00 am. We headed out to Sulphur for 3 loops (37.5 miles). It was cold and during the third loop it even started to snow. However, despite the cold weather my feet stayed warm and blister free. I was wearing my new Drymax Trail Running socks (thanks Drymax) http://www.drymaxsports.com/lite_trail_running.php . Angie and I were glad once the run was over as it got very chilly at the end. I couldn’t wait to get home to warm up with a hot bad and a glass of wine.

Angie after the run trying to keep warm.

Evidence of a very muddy trail...

Yesterday the new Running Free store http://www.runningfree.com/ in Ajax had its big opening which started on a beautiful sunny morning with a great group run through some beautiful trails. Congrats to Steve, Garth and Veronique and thank you for making me part of an amazing team.

Today, most of the Ultimate Warrior runners must have slept in. The few who made it out did a short 7 mile tempo run in preparation for next Saturday’s Seaton Trail races

http://seatonmudpuppies.ca/race_details/index.html

My first race, the Jerseyville 100, will come up in a couple of weeks and I decided to join Veronique and Glen for the easy trail run (13 miles). The weather was beautiful and spring is finally in the air.

Weekend Training

2010-04-03T21:04:00.000-04:00

Wow, somebody turned the season switch from winter straight to summer. Yesterday the temperature was a hot 28 degree Celsius, almost perfect Badwater training conditions. Bernie, Dave and I started at 6:00 am for our 37.5 miles run at Sulphur Springs. It was still dark at the beginning but what a difference after Dave turned on his new flashlight. Man, it was the brightest flashlight I’ve ever seen. He lit up the whole forest. It is a Coast LED Lenser P7 from Zombie Runners http://www.zombierunner.com/store/product1989.html
Though, at a cost of $99.95 it’s quite price but you really get what you pay for. I highly recommend it.

And another recommendation is my new trail running show, which I bought for the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 on May 15, 2010. It is the La Sportiva Wildcat. When I tried it on in the store it felt very comfortable from the beginning. After running for 7 and a half hour straight it still felt comfortable and I just love this shoe and love the name!

I was wearing the Drymax Maximum Protection running socks http://www.drymaxsports.com/extremerunning.php and I didn’t have any problems with blisters or hotspots. MMT I’m ready to rock n’roll!

Some information about the Wildcat from the La Sportiva website:

La Sportiva Mountain Running® category. Wildcat is ideal for training sessions and free time activities thanks to its lightweight, comfort and breathability features. The upper is made from an exceptionally breathable perforated net fabric, the boot has a wide fit for maximum comfort. The built in gaiter protects against stones and mud. The boot features a TPU Stabilizing heel and a Frixion® sole with Impact brake system for enhanced grip and shock absorption on difficult terrain. This model is available with or without the Gore-Tex® lining and in 4 colours.

Monthly Mileage Record

2010-04-03T20:59:00.000-04:00

Whoo-ah! I finally broke my monthly running mileage record - March 2010 total = 308.5 miles. Let's celebrate!

Weekend and days after recap

2010-03-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

I am a lazy blogger and I know I should update my blog more often. Thanks, Diane for reminding me.

My Badwater training is going very well. Last Saturday I ran a couple of loops at Sulphur again with my friends Adi and Steve. Everybody else was tapering for the first race of the season, the Around the Bay 30 k. Congratulations to all the finishers. Well done!

We started out for the first loop at 7:00 with a beautiful sunrise. It was a bit chilly for my taste. However due to the temperature drop the night before the trails were frozen and were easy to run. Sharon met up with us for the second loop and with the raising temperature it got a bit muddy. Nevertheless it was a lot of fun and we talked about a lot of very interesting subjects. I’m always amazed about all the different issues and events runners can talk. Very interesting!

Sunday I decided to be a wimp and I ran 20 miles on the treadmill. Not sure what was wrong but I just didn’t feel great despite watching “Old Dogs” which was quite funny, at least some parts of it. However I was happy to finish the 20 miles I planned to run.

Most of the days besides running I do a 20 minutes weight workout to strengthen my upper body, arms and abs. I haven’t done any weights last year in my BW training and it hopefully will make a difference this year.

Monday is my rest day and all I’m doing is 20 – 40 minutes weights. That’s probably the reason I felt so well rested today that I decided to run 12 miles in the morning on the treadmill and a 9 mile tempo run in the evening through the Beltline in my Nike Free’s. I love those shoes for tempo runs. Both runs were great and I hope my further BW training will feel the same. So far I have been very fortunate and very lucky to stay injury free. Keep my fingers crossed.

Decided not to be a wimp

2010-03-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday the weather was miserable, cool and very wet but I decided not to be a wimp and run at least 2 loops (25 miles) at Sulphur. Though it took a little bit of motivation to convince my friends to run with me, especially due to the 6:00am start. Once we were out there on the muddy trails (see picture above) we had a lot of fun. This is was my friend Bernie said after the run:

"Iris - thank you very much for the ride to Sulphur it was a lot of fun and the conditions were better than I was expecting. Glad I did not "wimp" out! With that one word you got everyone out and I am pretty sure they were all glad for it!"

Running at Sulphur

2010-03-15T18:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday it didn't feel like spring anymore. I went out for a run at Sulphur with Sharon, Scott, John T and John R. The trails looked more like streams. Though, it was fun for most of the run anyway.

Thanks for the pictures John.

Training is going well

2010-03-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

Had a great 8 mile tempo run on the treadmill with Simpy Red. Mick you rock!

Got my running mojo back!

2010-03-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! Spring is here. What a beautiful day - sunny and 10 degree Celsius! Everybody in Toronto was outside having fun. I had an out of this world run (31 miles) and could have gone forever. Wish every run would feel like this.

Team Swiss Miss Crew Member Confirmed

2010-03-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

Great News! My little sister will be crewing for me at Badwater this year. I am very excited to have her on board. Now the official crew languages are English and Swiss German.
Super dass chunsch, Annette. Freu mi mega! Chasch anfang em Bligg sini Rosalie uswendig laerna. Da Lied muesch mer daenn z'Nacht vorsinge.

Weekend Running

2010-02-28T17:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had a great hill workout with the Ultimate Warriors running group despite the snow and rain. We all got soaking wet and freezing cold at the end but were happy to finish the 17 miles. Switzerland can be quite cold in the winter but that's nothing compared to the winter in Toronto.
Today, I decided to be a wimp and run on the new treadmill with the fireplace turned on in shorts and a tank top while watching one of my favourite Swiss movies "Titus". It felt a lot more like "Badwater" training.

View from my Office Window

2010-02-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

The weather in Toronto is not quite like Badwater yet. The hill workout tomorrow will be a big challenge. Can't wait for spring to arrive..

Badwater Ultramarathon 2010

2010-02-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

I got some great news the other day, I'm accepted into Badwater 2010 and I'm so excited. This is such a privileg to be a part of this special group of people and it means a lot to me, especially after last years experience with the forest fire. I am very happy to have two of my last years crew member back (thank you so much Bernie and Jeff) and I'm also looking forward to have my friend John and my sister Annette on the team this year. Team Swiss Miss will rock again!

Talk at Running Room about my Badwater 2009 Experience

2010-02-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Good evening everyone,

My name is Iris and I’m from Switzerland. Since some of you may have a little difficulty to understand my heavy accent, I brought my husband Jeff who will be my translator.

I’ve moved to Canada 11 years ago after I met my husband Jeff at a Club Med in Mexico. My running career actually started right there when he asked me if I wanted to join him for a run. Thank you, Jeff!

I was always pretty athletic but more into the fun sports like windsurfing, snowboarding, sailing, mountain biking and Aerobic. I also used to smoke and finally quit after moving to Canada.

My first marathon I ran in 1999 in Burlington Vermont, followed by the Niagara Marathon (where I qualified for Boston) and New York in the same year. In 2000 I ran the Boston Marathon and my first ultra trail race, the OUS 50 km in Owen Sound. That’s when I got really hooked to running. The following years I still ran some marathons like the Soctiabank, Big Sur, the Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland but I definitely preferred the ultra trail races. After running a few more 50 km trail races I told myself if I can run 50 km I can also run further. Why not?

Jeff and I also like to combine running with vacation. It’s a great way to see the world. We ran the Himalaya 100 mile stage race in Darjeeling, India a five day stage race with incredible scenery of some of the tallest mountain in the world; the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world (1921), and the Corsica Stage Race, a 180 km stage race along the beautiful west coast of Corsica.

Then one day I watched the movie “Running on the Sun” about a race called Badwater and I knew right then: I WANT TO RUN THIS RACE. In order to qualify I needed to run at least one 100 mile race (in the meantime the minimum qualification are two 100 miler). After running a couple 100 km races, 6 hour races and 50 mile races I ran my first 100 miler in September 2007, the Haliburton 100 mile trail race. It was such an incredible experience. I loved every single mile of it. Then I tried to get into Badwater in 2008 but had no luck. I was very disappointed but I also knew that I had to run more 100 milers to get a better chance to get into Badwater. I ended up running three 100 mile races that year and finally got into Badwater last year. A dream became true!!

Training for Badwater

As soon as I found out I was accepted to run Badwater I started my training. My monthly mileage was:

January = 190,
February = 200,
March = 265,
April = 223,
May = 310,
June = 260,
July until Badwater = 40 miles which included the following races:

April 18: Seaton 78 km Trail race which took me almost 11 and a half hour after I fell 10 km before the finish line, broke a bone in my left hand and had to walk all the way back to the finish line. I was very lucky it was only my hand and I was off my training for 4 days only.

May 23: Sulphur Springs 100 miles which I finished in 23:15 with very bad stomach problems but also helped me to figure out I can not eat too many gels.

June 6, Kingston 6 hours. I ran almost 60 km and I had a chance to try out all kinds of different food due to the 1 km loop course.

June 20: Niagara 50 km road race (4:56) which was not as hot as usually.

Beginning of May I also started my heat training which was sitting in the sauna several times a week for as long as I could while drinking as much as I could to get my stomach used to absorb a lot of liquids in the heat. Some days I ran to the gym, took a sauna and ran back home which is a great training for Badwater. All in all I was pretty confident I did all the training I could to get ready for Badwater. I also had a great crew ready to join me on this amazing adventure. The Badwater Ultramarathon is a team effort and is not possible without a dedicated crew as the runner has to provide everything he or she needs for the whole race. The numbers of crew members is a minimum of three and a maximum of six. It is also very important that the crew is trained and prepared for the heat. According to race officials they treat more crew members for heat exhaustion than runners. I had a great crew of six and even though none of them has ever crewed at Badwater before they did everything they could to get me to the finish line.

Badwater Ultramarathon 2009

We all arrived in Las Vegas Friday around noon before the race. Our plan was to get the two rental cars, a minivan and a smaller car and buy everything we need for the race in Las Vegas. Then drive to Pahrump which is about half way between Las Vegas and Badwater and has a Wal-Mart in case we forgot anything. It was quite challenging to figure out what we needed for the race like amount of water and food for me and also for the crew. Even though I trained with different kind of food I didn’t really know what would work in the heat. My plan going into the race was to stay on liquid fuel for as long as I can because it is easier to digest in the heat than solid food. I knew it will be hot. I read about temperatures reaching 130 degree and it feels like sticking ones head into a hot oven but how hot it really was I realized after we arrived in Furnace Creek on Saturday afternoon before the race. Oh man, it was hotter than I ever would had imagined. It felt like somebody is holding a hot blow dryer into your face! That’s the only time I was a bit nervous about the race but only for a few minutes. I had to remind myself why I’m here and that I can do it and that everything will be fine.

After settling into the hotel at Furnace Creek Ranch we drove to Badwater, which is the lowest point in North America (282 feet below see level) and the official start of the Badwater Ultramarathon. It felt great to finally be there at the sign that I’ve seen so many time on the web, taking pictures with my crew and the Swiss flag as I was to be the first Swiss women ever to run Badwater.

The next day, Sunday, was the official runner check-in and registration and the pre-race meeting. When I picked up my Bib 18 it sort of felt the first time like it’s really going to happen and I’m not dreaming. And it completely sank in when I was on the stage with all the other 86 runners that were to run the Badwater Ultramarathon 2009. It felt really very special and I was very happy to have Jeff and my friends there and I knew they would do everything they can to support me all the way to the finish line.

I didn’t sleep much the night before the race. The best part was I didn’t have to worry about anything. My crew organized the crew van, got ice and water and everything we needed for the race. Then they went for breakfast. I didn’t want to eat anything before the start and just took my time to get ready for the race and get mentally prepared. I still remember how calm and at the same time excited I felt. I felt great and couldn’t wait to start. As we drove to the starting line we cheered on all the runners from the first start at 6:00 am and we all were so excited. At the starting line I got my weight checked and after the official pictures, the American National anthem the gun finally went off at 8:00. I felt amazing. It was such an incredible feeling to be part of this special race. The first 17, 4 miles went by in no time. I did exactly what I wanted to do – walk all the uphill and run everything else. I also set three goals for myself: the first was to finish the race in less than 60 hours, the second was to get that belt buckle and finishing in less than 48 hours and the third was to finish in less than 40 hours. I was in Furnace Creek (17.4 miles in 3:22 (11:22 am) which was one hour faster than my plan. My crew was working amazingly. They stopped the van after every mile, sprayed me down with cold water, filled up my water bottles and changed my ice bandana. Besides drinking water I was alternating Perpetuem and Noon with Carbo Pro, which worked great.

After a short break I head off full of energy to the next time check at Stovepipe Wells. The temperatures still raised and my crew had to work very hard to cool me off. I still felt amazing and ran everything besides the uphill. We worked the crew that always 4 people were on the course with me in the van and two people were off with the smaller car. The scenery in Death Valley was incredible and the sand dunes before Stovepipe Wells were just beautiful. I love the desert and this was even more stunning that I had ever imagined. Just before arriving in Stovepipe Wells I sat down into a chair for the first time and got a leg massage and an ice bag on my head to cool me down. After that I felt much better again and in no time I was in Stovepipe Wells (41.9 miles arriving at 4.34 pm, 8 hours 34 min). My crew was already waiting for me as were some tourists from Switzerland who wanted to see that crazy Swiss woman who would do a race like this and to wish me good luck and take some pictures. It was quite special.

After refuelling and cooling down I was off again to the next time check at Panamint Springs, which was also the first major climb of the race – 19 miles uphill to Townes Pass! As the uphill wasn’t tough enough there was also a very strong and very hot head wind. It took a lot of energy out of me to climb up to Townes Pass and I was glad I had a pacer. Pacers are allowed after Furnace Creek. After a while I noticed some friction in my shoes and I had to sit down and take my shoes off to have a look at it. I put some Hydropel crème on my feet, changed my socks and was off again. Everything seems to work perfect until my stomach got sick of the liquid fuel and I decided to eat a tuna sandwich, which turned out to be a big mistake for the rest of the race. Right after the sandwich I got some stomach problems and needed to take some Ginger Gravol, which helped a bit for a while. After the day turned into night Death Valley showed me its real beauty. The starry sky was incredible and I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky this close. We even could see the Milky Way. It got a little cooler at night and I ran all the downhill section from Townes Pass to Panamint Springs (72.3 miles at 00:50 am, 16 hours 50 minutes) where I changed my clothes, ate something and had a Ginger Ale and off I went to the next time check at Darwin Turnoff which is the next major climb in the race - a long winding road uphill where we had great views of all the crew vehicles and runners behind us. During the climb I started to feel some blisters and had to stop to take a look at it. When I took my shoes and my socks of I noticed 3 blisters on each foot. I didn’t want any of my crew members having to deal with this and took care of it myself. I drained the blister, disinfected them and put some blister band aids on and changed the socks again and off I went. The first few minutes were quite painful and I decided to take a pain killer. After a while I didn’t feel any pain in my feet anymore and I arrived at Darwin Turnoff (90.1 miles) at 7.27 am in 23 hours and 27 minutes. Up to this point everything went much better than I expected.

But then as the temperatures slowly rose above 120 degree on the second day things changed. My stomach felt really bad and it was very difficult to eat something. I slowed down a lot but could manage to run at least the downhill parts of the course. My crew worked very hard to cool me down. A few times my body got so overheated I almost past out. I had to sit down and my crew covered my body with cold towels to cool me down. After a few minutes I started to feel a bit better. However, my stomach got very upset and I could hardly put any calories into my body and my Electrolytes were out of balance. I didn’t have any energy left to run anymore and as it turned out I walked the last 25 miles. That long stretch into Lone Pine took forever and Mount Whitney didn’t seem to come any closer but I knew all I had to do is put one foot in front of the other. Finally I arrived in Lone Pine (122.3 miles at 5:40 pm, running time 33 hours 40 minutes).

Jeff suggested I should take a break and cool off in the hotel swimming pool but just thinking of taking my shoes off didn’t appeal to me and I told myself that I only had 13 miles left. In retrospect I have to admit that I should have taken a break. Those last 13 miles were the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my life. The road up to Mount Whitney portal is very steep and the incline almost 12%. It took forever to get to the last check point at Portal Road (131 miles at 9:14 pm, 131 miles). It was dark again and it also got a lot cooler due to the altitude. Only 4 miles left but it got tougher and tougher. Jeff paced me and it took him a lot to make me going. A few times I told him I just wanted to lay on the road and not move anymore or a truck can roll over me and I would never do this race again in my whole life. At the same time I also knew that I would never ever quit no matter what. As we got closer to the finish line I started to feel a bit better. Then one of a sudden we heard sirens and got passed by three police car speeding uphill and we smelled burned wood. I thought, wow great they have a barbecue at the finish line and already pictured the biggest burger I would eat. At mile 133.5 (38.19 hours) we saw all the cars coming down from the finish line, people, chaos and nobody knew what happened. We got told we had to leave immediately because of a forest fire. That was the worst moment of the race. I could not believe it but then we saw the big flames and the smoke. My first thought was I had DNF’d because of a forest fire and not because I couldn’t do it and I felt so disappointed. All I could do was stake out and turn back. We drove down to the hotel and I felt like in a bad dream. Still did not believe what happened. I could not lie down and go to sleep so we decided to empty both cars. Hours later I was still in my running clothes. My crew finally could convince me to have a glass of wine to celebrate but it just didn’t seem right to me. Finally I went to sleep with the biggest disappointment of my life still in my head.

The next morning, my crew found out that the race is still on and that they had reopened the finishing line and we could drive up to where I staked out and finish the race. It felt great to cross that finish line with my crew even though it was not the way I had dreamed it would be. As it turned out, I was the first runner that couldn’t cross the finish line anymore the night before due to the fire. And we didn’t know that they moved the finish line down to the last check point shortly after we had left the previous night. However, since the time never stopped my official finishing time was 52:09. I had lost 13 hours and 25 minutes due to the fire. My actual time was 38.44. I still got the buckle and I was very happy of what I did and am very thankful to my crew who did everything to get me to that finish line and to my husband Jeff who helped me to fulfill my dream.

Badwater was the toughest race I’ve ever done and one incredible experience. I had to dig very deep to finish it and I’ve learned a lot about myself and about life. It was amazing to see how hard a body can be pushed to achieve a goal.

And despite I said I will never do this race again, I put in my application for this year and hopefully will be accepted. I have another dream: I want to finish this race in one stretch without a forest fire, the way I have pictured it a million times.

The Badwater Experience by Jeff Cooper (Crew Chief Team Swiss Miss)

2010-02-08T17:58:00.001-05:00

THE BADWATER EXPERIENCE - 2009

The Race:
The Badwater Ultramarathon 135 miles … “the toughest race on the planet.” National Geographic
Yes, we were unanimous on that one, for sure!!!

The Course:
Long rolling hills, longer flat stretches even longer steep uphill climbs …Just can’t imagine anything longer!
From Badwater (-282 ft below sea level) to Furnace Creek (appropriate name … 17.4 miles/-165 ft) to Stovepipe Wells (41.9 miles/0 ft) to Panamint Springs (72.3 miles/1970 ft) to Darwin (90.1 miles/5050 ft) to Lone Pine (122.2 miles/3600 ft) to Mt Whitney Trailhead (135 miles/8360 ft) and the FINISH LINE!!!
Whew … it was tiring just thinking about and writing that!!!

The Weather:
Hot, Hotter, Hottest … ranging from 90 to 130 … but hey, very little humidity … so what, it was just stinkin’ hot, is what it was!!!!! It really was like being trapped in an oven … with all your clothes on!!

The Competitors:
86 runners from 13 countries. A truly unique (crazy?insane?) mix of men and women ranging in age from 19 to 67. The list included some of the world’s top endurance athletes (Dean Karnazes, Charlie Engle, Jorge Pacheco, Pam Reed, Jamie Donaldson) along with 38 first-timers like Iris. Also, competing for Canada were Monica Scholz, Robert Lebrun and Geoff Linton (who we’re very glad to say survived a trip to the hospital and while he didn’t get to finish, is doing well.

Yes, there really is true meaning to becoming part of the Badwater family.

The Crew:
A totally inexperienced (for Badwater) group of 6 consisting of Angie, Bernie, Paul, Diane, Henri and I who had the pleasure and honour of crewing for Iris. With 6 pretty different personalities, it was so important to remember that we were there as part of the Swiss Miss team and that all personal issues had to be put aside. While not without a few “differences of opinion”, I think we were a quick study, a group who learnt our roles on the fly and did a fantastic job helping Iris get to the finish line under such extreme conditions. One lesson learned (among the many):

“The crew is everything … without the crew, there is no runner.”

The Runner:
Iris made us all SO proud to be part of her Swiss Miss team. She showed us just how tough and durable she really is, as this extreme endurance event took every ounce of her strength and resolve to get to the finish line. Despite sunburn, dizziness, stomach distress and the need for a few cold, wet towel soaks due to over-heating, Iris continued to persevere all the way to the end.

Race Note: Due to the forest fire that broke out on Mt Whitney Portal, the course was evacuated at that point. This was an unfortunate circumstance, to say the least, especially since Iris was only about a mile from the finish. The good news was that nobody was injured in the fire.

More good news … the runners who had staked their place before leaving the course were allowed to return the next day to the exact spot and finish the race!

From there, Iris’s finishing time was actually 38:44 (lost 13:25 to the fire so that her official time reads 52:09).
It was great that we could get back to the top (the drive was definitely easier than the walk the night before) so that Iris could cross the finish line, get her Badwater Finisher shirt, her medal and belt buckle (the real reason they do this, btw) and then have pictures taken with her crew for what will be an everlasting memory.

The Badwater Experience: Perspective of the Crew Chief / Lovely Husband:

This adventure was truly an exciting and unbelievable event for all of us. To finally become part of the Badwater family (one of Iris’s dreams) was another special and defining moment in all our lives. We all shared the ups and downs (literally) and the highs and lows together and came through with flying colours in the end.

As always, I personally find that such a challenging experience changes your perspective in many ways … on life, of new acquaintances and old friends and helps you to discover what’s really important in life. While I’m pretty sure that we all get something different out of such an extreme event (not something we do every day … thank g-d), one thing that’s certain for all of us … nobody can ever take this away from us!

Thank you all for your interest, your concerns, your love and affection … not to mention your very generous support for the Terry Fox Foundation, Iris’s charity of choice for your donations for which she collected CAD 3,800.

It will all be remembered as part of the 2009 Badwater Experience .

Until next time …

Badwater Ultramarathon 2009 - Race Report German

2010-02-08T16:11:00.000-05:00

Badwater Ultramarathon 2009 - A Dream Come True

Epilog:
Seit ich vor ein paar Jahren den Film „Running on the Sun“ zum ersten Mal gesehen habe, ist der Badwater Ultramarathon ein Traum von mir. Der Badwater Ultramarathon ist laut National Geographic der haerteste Ultramarathon der Welt. Die 135 Meilen (217 km) lange Strecke fuehrt von Badwater im Death Valley, welches 280 feet (85 m) unter dem Meeresspiegel liegt (dem tiefsten Punkt in Nordamerika) hinauf zum Mt. Whitney Portal auf 8360 feet (2533 m) und beinhaltet drei Bergetappen mit insgesamt 3962m Anstieg und 1433m Abstieg. Der Badwater Ultramarathon findet jedes Jahr Mitte Juli statt, wenn die Temperaturen auf 130 F (55 C) steigen koennen. Zu diesem legandaeren Ultramarathon werden jaehrlich weltweit ca. 90 Ultralaeufer aufgrund ihrer Lauferfahrung und der schriftlich vorgelegten Leistungsnachweise eingeladen. Im zweiten Anlauf hat es fuer mich endlich geklappt und ich bin die erste Schweizer Ultralaeuferin an diesem prestigetraechtigen Lauf.

Seit dem Badwater Ultramarathon sind inzwischen zwei Wochen vergangen, und ich wusste von Anfang an, dass dieser Laufreport aus verschiedenen Gruenden nicht einfach zu schreiben ist. Auch jetzt kann ich immer noch nicht begreifen, durch was fuer eine Vielfaeltigkeit wir alle gegangen sind. Was als Rennen angefangen hatte, bekam schnell eine Reise zur Selbsterkennung und zum Kampf gegen die aesseren sowie die inneren Daemonen. An vieles, dass in den 38 Stunden und 44 Minuten passiert ist, kann ich mich nicht mehr erinnern. Was ich jedoch mit absoluter Sicherheit weiss, ist, dass ich nie im Leben ans Ziel gekommen waere ohne meine fantastische Crew, die alles gegeben hat und die mich immer wieder motiviert hat um meinen Traum zu verwirklichen. Ich bin fuer immer dankbar meinem Mann, Jeff Cooper und meinen Kanadischen Freunden Bernadette Kennedy, Angie Hawley, Diane Chesla, Henri Ragetlie and Paul Hennick.

Freitag, 10. Juli:
Wir kommen alle mit drei verschiedenen Fluegen (zwei von Toronto und einer von Buffalo) etwa um die gleiche Zeit in Las Vegas an, wo wir unsere zwei vorgebuchten Mietwagen in Empfang nehmen. Dann geht es erst mal auf Einkaufstour in Las Vegas, wo wir in verschiedenen Supermarkets die Ausruestung, Esswaren und Wasser besorgen. Der Einkauf ist eine echte Herausforderung, da es nicht so einfach ist vorher genau abzuschaetzen , was wir brauchen werden und vor allem auch was wir in der Hitze essen koennen. Da kommt ganz schoen was zusammen. Danach fahren wir los Richtung Pahrump, der ersten Station unseres Abenteuers.

Samstag, 11. Juli:
Am naechsten Morgen heisst es dann ein erstes Mal den Crew Van organisieren und zu ueberpruefen, was uns noch an Ausruestung oder Esswaren fehlt. Dann geht es weiter nach Furnace Creek. Wir alle wissen, dass es sehr heiss sein wird. Doch wie heiss es wirklich ist, realisieren wir erst, wenn wir aus dem Wagen aussteigen. Es ist ueber 125 F (52 C) und dazu kommt ein extrem heisser Wind, der sich anfuehlt, als ob man einen heissen Foehn im Gesicht hat. Nach dem Hotel Check-in fahren wir alle nach Badwater, dem Start des Laufes um Fotos des gesamten „Team Swiss Miss“ zu machen. Die Landschaft ist einmalig schoen mit dem riesigen Salzsee umrahmt von hohen Bergen und mit einem Schild hoch oben im Felsen das die Meereshoehe markiert. Danach fahren wir zurueck nach Furnace Creek wo wir verschiedene Freunde antreffen darunter Monica Scholz und ihre Crew sowie Geoff Linton und seine Crew Mitglieder John Rennison and Luke Hohenadel. Vor dem Abendessen lerne ich dann noch Adrian Belitu „richtig“ kennen. Er ist einer meiner Freunde auf Facebook. Von ihm habe ich in den langen Trainingswochen vor dem Rennen viele nuetzliche Tips und Informationen erhalten, welche mir bei meinen Vorbereitungen sehr geholfen haben.

Sonntag, 12. Juli:
Der Sonntag ist ausgefuellt mit Laufvorbereitungen – Runners Check-in, Pre-Race Meeting und organisieren des Vans und des Back-up Materials im zweiten Fahrzeug. Jeff und Henri montieren die Schweizer Fahnen und alle vorgeschriebenen Schilder mit meinem Namen und meiner Startnummer 18, sowie unser „Team Swiss Miss“ Logo, das Diane fuer uns entworfen hat. Die „Team Swiss Miss“ Crew Fahrzeuge sind wirklich nicht zu uebersehen und sehen toll aus. Nach dem Abendessen fahren Bernadette und Paul mit dem zweiten Fahrzeug nach Stovepipe Wells, wo wir ein Zimmer fuer zwei Naechte reserviert haben. Der Plan fuer meine ist, dass immer vier Personen mit mir fuer vier bis fuenf Stunden auf der Strecke sind und zwei Crew Mitglieder sich in dieser Zeit erholen und auch Nachschub an Eis und Wasser besorgen. Dieser Plan hat sich ausgezeichnet bewaehrt.

Montag, 13. Juli, 8:00 am – Race Start
Um 5:30 am ist Tagwache. Jeff, Henri, Angie und Diane bringen das restliche Material vom Hotelzimmer zum Crew Van, besorgen Eis und noch mehr Eis, organisierten zum letzten Mal den Van und gehen fruehstuecken. Diese Zeit verbringe ich mit den letzten Vorbereitungen fuer das Rennen und relaxe noch einmal so richtig vor dem Start. Kurz vor 7:00 am fahren wir dann los zum Start nach Badwater. Auf dem Weg dorthin feuern wir die Laeufer an, die in der ersten Startgruppe um 6:00 am gestartet sind. Die Stimmung im Van ist super und wir alle koennen es kaum erwarten, endlich am Start zu sein. Spaetestens um 7:30 am muessen alle Laeufer beim Start sein. Von jedem Laeufer wird das Gewicht genommen und auf der Innenseite der Startnummer notiert. Dann werden Foto- und Videoaufnahmen der Laeufergruppe mit dem Badwater Schild gemacht. Als ich dann endlich zusammen mit den anderen Laeufern am Start stehe und die Amerikanische Nationalhymne, gesungen von Thalia Kostman, ertoent, wird mir endlich richtig bewusst, dass ich zu den wenigen Laeufern gehoert, die am Badwater Ultramarathon 2009 teilnehmen duerfen – ein unbeschreibliches Gefuehl. Dann endlich geht es los...

Von Badwater nach Furnace Creek (17.4 miles)

Montag, 8:00 am bis 11:22 am (Laufzeit: 3:22)
Ich starte langsam und habe die meisten Laeufer in meiner Gruppe vor mir. Mein Plan fuer Badwater ist, alle uphills zu walken und den Rest zu laufen. Gleich von Anfang an fuehle ich mich unbeschreiblich gut. Ich geniesse jede Sekunde, die wunderschoene Gegend, die verschiedenen Farben und die unendliche Weite der Wueste. Endlich bin ich dort, wo ich in meinen Traeumen schon lange war – auf der endlosen Strasse von Badwater nach Mount Whitney. Meine Crew bestehend aus Jeff, Angie, Diane und Henri hat sich mittlerweile gut eingespielt. Jede Meile wird gestoppt und ich werde mit kalorienhaltigen Getraenken versorgt, mit kaltem Wasser abgespritzt und mein „Eisbandana“ wird ausgewechselt. Betreffend Ernaehrung habe ich mich vor dem Lauf ausfuehrlich informiert und diverse Sportsdrink getested. Fuer mich stand fest, dass ich so lange wie moeglich keine feste Nahrung zu mir nehmen werde, da Kalorien in fluessiger Form in dieser Hitze fuer den Magen viel leichter verdaulich sind. Ich fuehle mich so gut, dass ich eine volle Stunde vor meiner geplanen Zeit dort ankomme.

Von Furnace Creek (17.4 miles) nach Stovepipe Wells (41.9 miles)

Montag, 11:22 am bis 4.34 pm (Totale Laufzeit: 8:34)
Nach einer kurzen Pause in Furnace Creek starte ich voller Energie die naechste Etappe nach Stovepipe Wells. Es wird immer heisser und meine Crew hat alle Haende voll zu tun mich abzukuehlen. Trotz der steigenden Temperaturen fuehle ich mich unglaublich gut und laufe alles ausser den uphills. Es gibt den ersten Crew Wechsel. Diane und Henri werden durch Bernadette und Paul ersetzt. Die Stimmung ist gut und alles laeuft wie geplant. Kurz vor Stovepipe Wells setze ich mich das erste Mal in einen Stuhl und lasse mir von Bernadette meine Beine massieren und kuehle meinen heissen Kopf mit einem Eisbeutel. Danach fuehle ich mich wieder viel besser und laufe im guten Tempo nach Stovepipe Wells, vorbei an den magischen Sandduenen, die immer wieder meinen Blick auf sich ziehen – ein einzigartiges Schauspiel der Natur, dass mich fuer kurze Zeit alles vergessen laesst. Als ich kurze Zeit spaeter in Stovepipe Wells ankomme, wartet meine Crew bereits auf mich und teilt mir mit, dass die Leute, die hier herumstehen Touristen aus der Schweiz sind, die mir viel Glueck zum Lauf wuenschen wollen. Ich bin ueberrascht, wieviele Touristen aus der Schweiz um diese Jahreszeit im Death Valley anzutreffen sind. Meine Crew wird waehrend des ganzen Rennes immer wieder auf Schweizerdeutsch angesprochen.

Von Stovepipe Wells (41.9 miles) nach Panamint Springs (72.3 miles)

Montag, 4:34 pm bis Dienstag, 00:50 am (Totale Laufzeit: 16:50)
Nach einem kurzen Wortwechsel mit den Schweizern und ein paar Fotos verlasse ich Stovepipe Wells Richtung Panamint Springs. Wieder folgt ein Crew Wechsel und Diane und Henri sind zurueck, waehrend Angie und Jeff sich nach ueber acht Stunden harter Arbeit etwas erholen koennen. Auf mich wartet jedoch der erste grosse Anstieg – 17 Meilen bergauf zum Townes Pass. Dazu kommt ein extremer und brutal heisser Gegenwind, was mich auf diesem Abschnitt sehr viel Kraft kostet. Zum Glueck habe ich Paul als Pacer dabei, der mich mit lustigen Geschichten immer wieder ablenken kann. Nach einer Weile merke ich jedoch, dass sich an meinen Fuessen langsam Blasen bilden. Ich setze mich auf einen Stuhl und ziehe meine Schuhe aus, behandle meine Fuesse mit Hydropel, wechsle die Socken und weiter geht es bergauf. Henri loest Paul als Pacer ab und das bringt eine willkommene Abwechslung zu meiner Unterhaltung. Und wieder gibt es einen Crew Wechsel – Angie und Jeff sind zurueck und Bernadette und Paul off. Alles scheint reibungslos zu laufen, bis mein Magen ploetzlich der fluessigen Nahrung etwas ueberdruessing wird und ich mich nach etwas mehr als 14 Stunden entscheide, ein Thonsandwich zu essen, was sich jedoch kurze Zeit spaeter als grosser Fehler erweist und mir Magenprobleme fuer den Rest des Laufes beschehrt. Ich versuche das Problem mit Ginger Gravol unter Kontrolle zu bringen. Angie hat inzwischen Henri als Pacer abgeloest. Fuer sie ist der Aufstieg zum Towns Pass ein gutes Training fuer das Canadian Death Race, an dem sie am 1. August in Alberta teilnehmen wird. Langsam wird es dunkel und die Temperaturen sinken etwas. Immer wieder stellen Angie und ich unsere Stirnlampen ab, um den gigantischen Sternenhimmel zu betrachten, der sogar die Milchstrasse erkennen laesst. Endlich sind wir auf der Passhoehe und das heisst gute Nachrichten, den von hier geht es bergab und endlich koennen wir wieder laufen und einiges an Zeit gutmachen. Kurz vor Panamint Springs gibts wieder einen Crewechsel und Bernadette und Paul sind zurueck, waehrend sich Diane und Henri erholen koennen. Bernadette wechselt Angie als Pacer ab.

Von Panamint Springs (72.3 miles) nach Darwin Turnoff (90.1 miles)

Dienstag, 00:50 am – 7.27 am (Totale Laufzeit: 23.27)
Kurz nach Mitternacht erreichen wir Panamint Springs. Hier wechsle ich meine Kleider, esse wieder ein Thonsandwich und trinke ein Ginger Ale. Meine Magenprobleme sind etwas ertraeglicher geworden. Zum Glueck, den nach Panamint Springs kommt der zweite grosse Anstieg – eine lange und kurvenreiche Strasse von der Bernadette und ich immer wieder eine fantastische Aussicht auf die Lichter der langen Begleitfahrzeug Kolonne hinter uns haben. Ich fuehle mich gut und wir kommen zuegig voran. Nach ein paar Stunden wechselt Jeff Bernadette als Pacer ab. Immer wieder fliegen Fledermaeuse direkt ueber unsere Koepfe und ich bin froh, dass Jeff bei mir ist. Wir unterhalten uns ueber alles moegliche und die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug. Ploetzlich machen sich die Blasen an meinen Fuessen wieder bemerkbar und wieder muss ich mich hinsetzen. Als ich meine Schuhe und Socken ausziehe, zaehle ich drei grosse Blasen an jedem Fuss, die unbedingt behandelt werden muessen. Da ich niemandem von meiner Crew diesen Job zumuten will, bearbeite ich die Blasen selber, desinfiziere, verpasse mir sechs Blasenpflaster, wechsle erneut die Socken und ziehe die selben Schuhe wieder an. Danach geht’s wieder weiter bergauf. Die ersten Minuten sind etwas schmerzvoll und ich entscheide mich eine Schmerztablette zu nehmen. Kurze Zeit darauf sind die Blasen nicht mehr zu spuehren. Langsam geht die Sonne auf und meine Crew arbeitet immer noch unermuedlich. Ich ertappe mich, dass ich denke, wie dankbar ich diesen sechs Menschen bin, die alles dafuer tun, damit ich mein Ziel erreichen werde. Mit diesen Gedanken erreichen wir Darwin Turnoff – 90 Meilen in 23 Stunden und 27 Minuten – schneller als ich erhofft habe.

Von Darwin Turnoff (90.1 miles) nach Lone Pine (122.3 miles)

Dienstag, 7:27 am – 5:40 pm (Totale Laufzeit: 33.40)
Wieder wird es Zeit fuer einen Crew Wechsel. Angie und Jeff fahren nach Lone Pine und Diane und Henri uebernehmen ihre Schicht. Diane kann es kaum erwarten die Pacer Funktion zu uebernehmen. Sie ist gut erholt und voller Energie und erzaehlt mir Geschichten, die mich voellig vergessen lassen, wie viele Stunden ich schon auf den Beinen bin. Wir kommen gut voran. Doch dann wird es wieder sehr heiss und die Temperturen steigen auf ueber 120 F (50 C). Meine Crew hat wieder alle Haende voll zu tun um mich abzukuehlen und ich bin ihnen unendlich dankbar fuer ihren unermuedlichen Einsatz. Paul uebernimmt das Pacing und versucht immer wieder mich zu motivieren. Langsam werden meine Beine schwer und ich finde keinen richtigen Laufrythmus mehr und fuehle mich muede am ganzen Koerper. Immerhin gelingt es Paul, mir einzureden, dass ich wenigstens die Downhills laufe. Was fuer eine Weile ganz gut geht. Doch dann machen mir meine Magenprobleme einen Strich durch die Rechnung. Obwohl meine Crew alles versucht um wenigstens einige Kalorien in mich zu bringen, kann ich ausser ein paar Crackers nichts essen und auch das Trinken faellt mir schwer. Es wird immer heisser und auf einmal beginnt sich alles in meinem Kopf zu drehen. Zum Glueck bin ich nicht weit entfernt vom Crew Van und kann mich sofort in einen Stuhl setzen. Fuer ein paar Minuten muss ich wohl fast ohnmaechtig gewesen sein, denn als ich wieder realisiere, wo ich bin, sehe ich lauter besorgte Blicke um mich. Meine Crew hat mich in eiskalte Tuecher gepackt um meine Koerpertemperatur wieder unter Kontrolle zu bringen und ich fuehle mich wieder etwas besser. Ich weiss, dass ich etwas essen muss und versuche es mit einer halben Banane und etwas Frappuccino. Crew Wechsel: Bernadette and Paul off und Angie und Jeff sind wieder da. Angie uebernimmt das Pacen und versucht mich mit einer Geschichte abzulenken, merkt jedoch sofort, dass ich ihr nicht zuhoere und sagt nichts mehr. Ich schleppe mich langsam vorwaerts. An Laufen ist an dieser Stelle (und wie sich spaeter herausstellt bis ans Ziel) nicht mehr zu denken. Wir kommen nur sehr langsam vorwaerts. Ohne genuegend Kalorien in meinem Koerper fuehle ich mich immer mueder. Doch ich weiss, alles was ich tun muss ist: einen Fuss vor den anderen zu setzen. Von diesem Moment beginne ich zu verstehen, um was es im Badwater Ultramarathon wirklich geht; dass es viel mehr ist als ein Lauf von A nach B. Obwohl ich zeitweise geistig wie auch koerperlich voellig abwesend bin und mich an nichts mehr erinnern kann, fuehle ich, wie ich so viel mehr von dieser Erfahrung lernen kann; so viel mehr erfahre ueber mich selbst als menschliches Wesen und was im Leben wichtig ist. Die Zeit vergeht langsam und alle zwei Stunden werde ich von meiner Crew in eiskalte Tuecher gewickelt. Manchmal ist es wie ein Schock und ich fange an zu fieren. Doch immer wieder stehe ich auf und bewege mich vorwaerts. Ich rede mir ein: Du wirst es schaffen. Und ich weiss, dass ich es kann. Angie marschiert die ganze Zeit schweigend neben mir und ich bin ihr unendlich dankbar, dass sie genau fuehlt durch was fuer ein Tief ich gehe und mich in meinen Gedanken treiben laesst. Nach stundenlangem Pacen von Angie uebernimmt Diane wieder die Pacer Rolle und versucht mich wieder in einen Laufrythmus zu bringen. Doch ich fuehle mich voellig kraftlos. Ausser alle paar Stunden ein Stueck Banane oder etwas Tomatensaft, kann ich nichts essen. Meine Haende sind voellig geschwollen, was auf zuviel Fluessigkeitseinnahme oder zuwenig Salzeinnahme schliessen laesst. Ich nehme zwei Electrolyte Tabletten und trinke weniger. Doch die Schwellung in meinen Haenden wird nicht viel besser. Diane versucht mich mit verschiedenen Geschichten abzulenken, was ihr immer wieder fuer eine Zeit lang gelingt. Wir koennen schon seit einer Weile das Mount Whitney Portal in weiter Ferne sehen. Doch wir kommen einfach nicht naeher und immer wieder frage ich Diane: wie lange noch bis Lone Pine? Sorry, Diane, das muss dich ganz schoen genervt haben. Dann endlich kommt Lone Pine in Sicht.

Von Lone Pine (122.3 miles ) nach Portal Road (131 miles)

Dienstag, 5:40 pm – 9:14 pm (Totale Laufzeit: 37.14)
Diane und ich gehen durch Lone Pine und ploetzlich realisiere ich den Laerm der LKW’s und Autos, Hotels, Supermarkets und Bars. Nach 122 Meilen Einsamkeit durch die Wueste mit ein paar Touristen und den anderen Teilnehmern ist das ein geradezu schockierendes Erlebnis. Jeff schlaegt mir vor, eine Pause zu einzulegen und mich im Pool des Hotels abzukuehlen. Doch nur schon der Gedanke, meine Schuhe auszuziehen, haelt mich davon ab und alles was ich will, ist weitergehen. Und ich sage mir, dass es ja „nur“ noch 13 Meilen bis ins Ziel sind. Im Nachhinein kann ich sagen, dass ich besser auf Jeff gehoert haette. Die letzten 13 Meilen sind wohl die haerteste Herausforderung, die ich jemals durchgemacht habe. Die kurvenreiche Strasse windet sich steil den Berg hoch. Der Hoehenunterschied betraegt 4000 feet und die Steigung ist zum Teil ueber 12%. Bernadette ist mein Pacer und sie versucht alles, um mich voranzutreiben. Sie freut sich so fuer mich, dass wir so nah am Ziel sind und plaudert unaufhoerlich. Sagt mir wie stark ich sei und wie dankbar sie ist, hier zu sein. Was fuer ein Privileg es fuer sie ist, ein Teil von meiner Crew zu sein. Dies alles mit mir zu erleben. Doch halt – ich sollte ihr danken fuer alles was sie fuer mich tut und dem Rest meiner Crew, Jeff, Angie, Diane, Henri und Paul. Meine Crew versucht weiterhin mich zum Essen zu ueberreden. Doch ich bringe einfach gar nichts mehr hinunter. Wir kommen nur ganz langsam voran. Ploetzlich sehe ich Monica Scholz und ihren Freund und Pacer Phil hinter mir. Sie marschieren Hand in Hand den Berg hoch und schliessen langsam zu mir auf. Es tut gut in diesem Moment Freunde zu sehen und ich bewundere, wieviel Kraft und Ausdauer Monica immer noch hat. Wir wechseln ein paar Worte und sie sagt mir, dass sie von meiner Crew ein Ginger Ale bekommen hat, da sie selber keines mehr hatte. Ich erzaehle ihr von meinen Magenproblemen und dass ich schon seit einer ganzen Weile nichts mehr essen kann. Wir gehen eine Weile zusammen und sie schlaegt vor, dass ich es doch mit einem hart gekockten Ei mit Salz und Pfeffer bestreut versuchen solle. Ihr haette das sofort geholfen und beim naechsten Crew Stop wuerde sie mir ein Ei geben. Ich kann es kaum erwarten und ein hart gekochtes Ei toent in diesem Moment wie ein Menue von einem Gourmet Restaurant. Leider wird dann nichts daraus, da Monica’s Crew leider keine Eier mehr hat. Schade. Langsam verliere ich Monica und Phil aus den Augen. Es wird wieder dunkel und wir ziehen unsere reflectiven Vesten an und montieren unsere Stirnlampen. Nach einer Zeit, die sich wie eine Ewigkeit anfuehlt, erreichen wir endlich Portal Road. Es ist stockdunkel und wieder koennen wir einen gigantischen Sternenhimmel sehen.

Von Portal Road (131 miles) nach Meysan Lakes Trailhead (133.5 Miles)

Dienstag, 9:14 pm – 10:19 pm (Totale Laufzeit: 38.19)
Auf dem letzten Stueck bis zur Ziellinie begleitet mich Jeff. Diane und Henri sind schon im zweiten Wagen zur Zielline gefahren um uns kurz vorher zu treffen, damit wir alle gemeinsam durchs Ziel gehen koennen. Ich fuehle mich total kaputt, am Ende meiner Kraefte und moechte mich am liebsten mitten auf der Strasse hinsetzen. Gleichzeitig weiss ich, wie nah wir dem Ziel sind. Es ist stockdunkel und mir ist etwas schwindlig. Ich sage Jeff, dass dies der haerteste Lauf ist, den ich je gemacht habe und dass ich Badwater nie mehr laufen werde. (In diesem Moment wusste ich noch nicht, wie schnell ich meine Meinung diesbezueglich wieder aendern werde.) Ploetzlich hoeren wir Sirenen und drei Polizeiautos fahren im hoellischen Tempo an uns vorbei. Ich denke mir, vielleicht hat ein Laeufer ein medizinisches Problem und wuensche ihm in Gedanken, dass es nichts schlimmes ist. Kurz daurauf riechen wir verbranntes Holz. Toll, sage ich mir, die haben ein Barbeque an der Ziellinie und in Gedanken sehe ich schon den groessten Hamburger vor mir. Nichts wie los! Doch dann kommen ploetzlich ein Auto nach dem anderen den Berg herunter, Polizeiautos, Leute, Chaos. Niemand weiss, was los ist. Da stoppt die Crew von Dennis Koors neben mir und sagt mir, ich muesse sofort hier weg und faehrt weiter den Berg runter. Ich bin voellig verzweifelt und niemand hat eine Ahnung, was wir nun machen sollen. Da sehe ich John Turner, ein Mitglied von Monica Scholz’ Crew. Er sagt mir, dass alles was ich jetzt tun koenne ist, meinen Stecken mit meiner Startnummer zu nehmen, meine bisherige Laufzeit darauf zu notieren und in den Boden am Strassenrand zu stecken; dann so schnell wie moeglich den Berg runter zu gehen, da zwischen uns und der Zielline ein Waldbrand wuete und die Polizei alle Leute evakuiere. Da sehe ich auf einmal den Rauch und die meterhohen Flammen. Langsam beginne ich zu begreifen, was das fuer mich wirkich heisst. DNF im Badwater Ultramarathon – nicht weil ich es koerperlich nicht geschafft habe, sondern wegen eines Waldbrandes. Ich bin am Boden zerstoert und eine Welt bricht fuer mich zusammen. Bernadette versucht erfolglos mich zu troesten. Doch es bleibt keine Zeit, die Polizei ermahnt uns sofort den Ort zu verlassen. Wir steigen wortlos in den Crew Van und fahren den Berg hinunter nach Lone Pine. Ich weiss, dass meine Crew genau so enttaeuscht ist wie ich. Unterwegs sehen wir immer wieder Laeufer den Berg hochkommen. Ich fuehle Mitleid und hoffe, dass jemand sie ueber den Waldbrand informiert. Erst viel spaeter erfahre ich, dass die Ziellinie provisorisch zum Portal Road Checkpoint verschoben wurde und dass ich einige der ganz wenigen war, die zum Zeitpunkt des Feuers und der Evakuierung genau zwischen Portal Road (der provisorichen Ziellinie) und der Zielline war.

Als wir im Hotel ankommen, will mich Henri aufmuntern und schlaegt vor, dass wir jetzt erst recht ein Glas Wein auf unseren Erfolg trinken sollen, da wir ja alle wissen, dass wir es ohne den Waldbrand bis zur Ziellinie geschafft haetten. Mir ist nicht nach Feiern zu Mute und alles was ich im Moment will ist, den Crew Van voellig auszuraeumen und das ganze Material ins Hotelzimmer zu schleppen. Da wir es jetzt ja nicht mehr brauchen. Meine Crew scheint genau zu verstehen, was in mir vorgeht und hilft mir. Dann oeffnet Henri doch noch die zwei Flaschen Wein und wir stossen alle auf unseren Erfolg an. In diesem Moment wird mir bewusst, wie wichtig es ist, Freunde zu haben und was sie mir wirklich bedeuten. Irgendwann nach Mitternacht gehen wir alle schlafen.

Von Meysan Lakes Trailhead (133.5 Miles) nach Mt. Whitney Trailhead (135 Miles)

Mittwoch, 11:44 am – 12:09 pm (Totale Laufzeit: 38.44)
Offizielle Totale Laufzeit: 52:09 (13 Stunden und 25 Minuten verloren wegen Waldbrandes)
Platz 41 von 86 Teilnehmern
Am anderen Morgen werde ich durch lautes Klopfen an der Zimmertuere aufgeweckt. „Iris, Iris steh auf!“ Sie haben die offizielle Ziellinie wieder geoeffnet und du hast genug Zeit um die letzen 1,5 Meilen bis zur Ziellinie zu laufen.“ Bernadette und Henri stehen voller Erwartung vor der Tuer. Es dauert eine Weile bis ich realiziere, was das bedeutet. Doch dann haelt mich nichts mehr zurueck. Ab in die Laufklamotten und Laufschuhe und nichts wie den Berg hoch. Wir fahren bis zum Platz, wo wir in der Nacht zuvor meinen Stecken mit der Startnummer und meiner bisherigen gelaufenen Zeit gesteckt haben. Laut Laufreglement kann ein Laeufer seinen Stecken in den Boden stecken, wenn er aus irgendeinem Grund die Strecke verlassen muss und kann danach wieder genau an diesem Ort mit dem Rennen fortfahren. Somit haben wir in keiner Weise gegen die Regeln verstossen. Wir machen ein paar Bilder von mir und dem Stecken und machen uns dann alle zusammen auf den Weg zur Ziellinie. Wir sind alle gleichermassen aufgeregt und koennen es kaum erwarten, nun doch noch alle zusammen die Zielline zu ueberqueren. Jeff und Henri halten die grosse Schweizer Fahne bereit, die wir extra zu diesem Zweck mitgebracht haben. Dann sehen wir die Zielline. Das Gluecksgefuehl endlich hier am Ziel zu sein ist unbeschreiblich. Wir umarmen uns und ich bedanke mich bei jedem Mitglied aus meiner Crew mit einer festen Umarmung und einem ganz persoenlichem Dankeschoen und ich weiss, dass ich ohne die grosse Hilfe von Jeff, Angie, Bernadette, Diane, Henri und Paul nicht hier an der Ziellinie stehen wuerde. Team Swiss Miss rocked! Kurz darauf erhalte ich vom Rennleiter Chris Kostman die Finisher Medaille und die begehrte Guertelschnalle. Wir posieren fuer das offizielle Finisher Foto und fuehlen uns alle uebergluecklich. Chris Kostman erklaert mir, was mit unserer Schlusszeit passieren wird. Da die Uhr nie gestoppt wurde ist meine offizielle Zeit 52:09, jedoch mit der Zugabe, dass ich 13 Stunden und 25 Minuten wegen eines Waldbrandes verloren haette. Was solls? Badwater ist so viel mehr als Zeit, mehr als ich mir jemals vorstellen konnte. Das Rennen ist vorueber und wir alle waren ein Teil der Badwater Familie.

The Aftermath:
Eigentlich weiss ich nicht wo ich anfangen soll. Ich bin muede, habe noch ein paar Blasen an meinen Fuessen und mein Gesicht ist immer noch rot vom schmerzhaften Sonnenbrand. Doch das wird vergehen. Was jedoch bleibt sind die Erinnerungen an dieses unglaubliche Abenteuer, das so viel groesser war, als ich jemals erwartet haette. Fuer mich persoenlich war es nicht nur ein Rennen und es ging nicht nur um die Distanz, die Hitze oder die Herausforderung. Es war etwas viel groesseres und etwas das sehr schwierig ist, in Worte zu fassen. Waehrend der langen Stunden draussen in der Wueste habe ich so vieles gelernt ueber das Leben und was wichtig ist im Leben. Ich hoffe, dass ich mich in Zukunft immer daran erinnnern werde.
Meine Crew – es gibt nicht genug Worte, die beschreiben koennen was ich fuer sie fuehle. Ohne meine Crew haette ich Badwater nie geschafft. Sie war immer fuer mich da und hat unermuedlich alles gegeben und immer an mich geglaubt. Jeff (I love you, Baby), Bernadette, Angie, Diane, Henri und Paul, ich danke Euch von ganzem Herzen und werde nie vergessen, was ihr fuer mich getan habt.

An dieser Stelle moechte ich mich auch ganz herzlich bei meinen Sponsoren bedanken:

Katherine von der Firma Nozone fuer die „Sun protective“ langaermeligen Shirts. Die Shirts haben sich ausgezeichnet bewaehrt.
Bob MacGillivray von der Firma Drymax fuer die besten Running Socken der Welt und fuer die tollen Schilder fuer unsere Crew Fahrzeuge.
Xy Weiss von der Firma Dirty Girl Gaiters fuer die tollen Gaiters, die sie mit viel Liebe ganz speziell fuer uns gemacht hat.
Und fuer die finanzielle Unterstuetzung von Larry Attar von der Firma Attar Metals Inc. und meinem guten Freund Markus Reich.

Weiterhin danke ich ganz herzlich Adrian Belitu, John Rennison, Monica Scholz, Geoff Linton und John Turner, die mir mit ihrem Wissen und ihren Informationen vor und waehrend des Badwater Ultramarathon sehr geholfen haben. You guys are awesome!

Ganz herzlichen Dank auch an meine Famile und meine Freunde in der Schweiz, die mir viel positive Energie ins Death Valley geschickt haben. Ich habe waehrend der langen Stunden oft an euch gedacht.

Und naturlich auch vielen Dank an Chris Kostman und den ganzen Badwater Stuff fuer die Organisation des besten Ultramarathons der Welt.

Viele Freunde haben mich gefragt ob ich Badwater nochmals machen wuerde. Also fuer mich ist es nur eine Frage ob ich wieder dazu eingeladen werde. Wenn ich naechstes Jahr wieder zu den wenigen gluecklichen Gewinnern gehoeren werde, koennt ihr wetten, dass ich wieder dort sein werde. Zu sehr vermisse ich Badwater schon.

Birthday Cake 2009

2010-02-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

The most special birthday cake ever, especially for the Badwater girl!

Heat Run

2009-06-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

Had a great 17 miles run with hills in the heat. It could not have been any better - company, weather, Badwater clothes everything just perfect. Can't wait to finally get to Badwater.

Kingston 6 hour

2009-06-24T00:07:00.000-04:00

Trying out my Zensah sleeves during the Kingston 6 hour race. Love them!

Sulphur 100

2009-06-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

At the finish line of the Sulphur 100 miler with Bruce the race director. I finished in 23.15 despite a very upset stomach. Thanks Bruce for making sure I will wear my lucky bib #8 again. Will definitely be back next year - bib #8 again!

Seaton 78k

2009-06-23T23:54:00.001-04:00

I'm very happy and feeling very strong during the first race of the season, the Seaton 78k. Unfortunately shortly after this picture was taken on April 18 I fell and broke my left hand. It took off some of my BW training time as I had to take some extra rest days. Though in the meantime my hand is almost back to normal again.

Hey Shannon, thanks again for those amazing Moeben sleeves. I love them and wear them all the time!

Last week of BW training

2009-06-23T16:46:00.000-04:00

Had a nice easy 7 mile run to the gym this morning and was in the sauna for 30 minutes at 190 degree. Walked 3 miles back home. Will run another 5 miles overdressed around 5:00 pm. What a great day for training! Heat run at the track was hard but fun!

Badwater

2009-06-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

Three more weeks till Badwater.