Badwater 2010

Kelvin 2008 finish line photo with RD Chris Kostman (copyright Adventure Corps)

Tomorrow 12th of July begins the 2010 Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon in California's Death Valley. My friend Kelvin Marshall is one of the 90 selected athletes. Good luck Kelvin.

After crewing at Badwater for 3 years, 2007 for Scott Jacaway and 2008 and 2009 for Kelvin I sadly could not make the trip to Death Valley for this years race. I will miss it terribly

The race provides a "live" webcast. Due to the location it is not live like on TV but generally includes live updates as runners it the 5 or 6 checkpoints along the race and regular photo updates. www.badwater.com/2010web/index.php

Also competing in the race is Chicago's Adrian Belitu and Aurora (IL) Zach Gingerich.

Good luck to all runners, staff and crew including Kelvin's 2010 crew of Matt, Francine, Anna Maria and Denny. Stay cool guys.

Des Plaines River Trail Races - Marathon

I finished. Yeah my first marathon in 10 years. Sure I was slow, very slow, very very slow. The 50 mile winner ran quicker but I finished and that was my goal.

I'll write more to this entry in the days ahead.

A Quote

Think I'll remember this quote this weekend

"Your better than you think you are and can do more than you think you can" -
Ken Chlouber Leadville 100 RD (MTB and run)

Actually think I'll remember the quote even after this weekend

Des Plaines River Trail Races

desplainesrivertrailraces.com

Saturday May 22nd 2010 50 miles, marathon, 1/2 marathon, relays

I just signed up for the marathon at this event. It will be my first marathon in 10 years. I know it'll be a PW time for me and I have 10 hours to finish thanks to the 50 miler. Maybe I'll pitch a tent at the far turnaround and take a nap like a friend once did during a 100 mile race.

Two of the RDs for this event are experienced ultra runners having completed 100 mile races, Marathon des Sables and even Badwater between them. They have also crewed at Badwater.

Ride George Ride

Former Marine George Hood of Aurora IL is attempting to break the world record for time on a stationary bike. The current world record is 192 hours. The record before that off 177 hours and 45 minutes was set by George in 2008. George is aiming for 300 hours.

Funds raised will benefit United Way and Injured Marines.

The ride is taking place at Aurora Marketplace in Aurora IL on the Napervile border at 75th Street and Rt 59 in the former Steinmart store next to Sports Authority. If in the area stop in a and visit George. You can even jump on a bike and ride with him (waiver signing required).

The ride is going from April 11 to April 24th

I visited today and watched for a little while and spoke to some of his crew. He had been riding for over 88 hours at that time. And yes the rules allow breaks each hour (didn't ask what they are) but he has to maintain 12 mph while riding.

Run For Hope

On April 19th Lisa Smith Batchen is setting out on a fundraising project to run 50 miles in 50 states over 62 days http://www.runhope.com/ Monies raised will be donated to orphan group at home and aboard (see under project link).

Although I've not yet meet Lisa I've chatted with her via email and Facebook plus I've seen her at the Badwater race a few times (including being in the next door hotel room in Lone Pine 2008). I can't wait to meet her on May 23rd when she comes to Chicago for the Illinois run. She is open to folks running with her and volunteering in other ways. The website has full details including varies links to sign up for volunteering/running. I'll have to volunteer as I'll be running a marathon day before.

Other city sites that might be off interest to my friends near them or local to Chicago (check web to confirm)

April 19 Trenton NJ (that is the first event - I don't know anyone there)

April 25 Freeport ME

May 21 (Fri) Des Moines IA (driving distance from Chicago)

May 23 (Sun) Chicago IL

May 24 (Mon) South Bend IN (almost a burb of Chicago)

May 26 (Wed) Grand Rapids MI (close enough)

May 28 (Fri) Green Bay WI

June 8 Phoenix (close to you Steve)

Jun 10 LA

June 19 Jackson Hole WY (Last day and one of my favourite places)

Chicago Lakefront 50k volunteering

Photos taken by Adrian Belitu

In photo: Sarah, Karen, runner # 1022, Torey, Jennifer

(Ben and myself in the background)

Today I volunteered at the Chicago Lakefront 50k with a bunch of fellow CHUGs.

In 2000 I ran the very first Lakefront 50k in what is actually my last ultra and also my 50k PR. It was therefore great to be back there in 2010.

After catching an early Metra train in from Naperville then the CTA brown line El I walked from the station through my old neighbourhood where I had lived for 12 years to the lakefront and meet up with CHUGs Ben, Sarah, Tony and his son Nick. Two other volunteers from the Lincoln Park Pacers, Cathy and Colleen were also there. Jen, Torey, Jim and Adrian arrived later on. Fleet Feet manages the water aid stations at this race and their coordinator, Karen, was there to help.

As with most Lakefront 50ks the day was windy but the temperature was not too bad and when the sun came out it felt just right, at least for running. This race allows earlier starters but we only saw a few. Finally the lead guys came into view. Quick in and out with their bottles filled. More runners trickled in and then a big rush with all volunteers rushing to hand out cups of water and energy drinks. Then it slowed down for the back packers.

Lakefront 50k is three 10.33 mile loops. We was stationed at the far turn around so we saw them at miles 5, 15, 25 (approx). Most runners looked in good shape most the race. Few complained of soreness but after 25 miles it is to be expected but all turned around and headed for home. We only had two drop out but they were still smiling and basically was not their day.

Friends I saw running included Nikki, Steve R, Chelsey, Ed Kelly, Tom J, Larry, Beth, Aziz. Sorry if I missed a few names. Congrats to all that finished

Although out there for around 6 hours the time flew by. Sarah and Ben got their volunteer hours needed for Vermont 100. It was a good day for a good CHUG gathering. The CHUGs were out in force today as a large bunch more were down south at the Clinton Lake 30 running on a very hill course, another 3 loop race.

Race results will be or are here:
chicagoultra.org
chrisultra.blogspot.com