Big Milestone...

Alt 3:15pm, Alene stood by this milepost. But it is not Mile 27, it is Mile 100! Only 35 miles to go go Alene! (Post by Felix)

The No-Puke Zone

One "rule" Alene had for the Badwater Ultra was to stay in the No-Puke Zone, meaning no vomiting allowed. She almost broke this rule in the moments before the start of the race when the national anthem was played and she felt like she was going to throw up on someone's back (not because of the anthem, but due to pre-race jitters).

However, as soon as the race started the jitters and nausea went away and there was no Alene vomit to be found. This includes an area at Salt Creek where she threw up in '08--although she did notice that someone threw up there in the exact same spot in this year's race!

But so far, Alene has been entirely successful at staying in the No-Puke Zone. (Posted by Felix)

Skortman Ed and the crew are well

84 miles in! Alene is feeling great!

Ready!

GO!

Pre-Race Thoughts

We just got back from the prerace meeting for the 8:00 starters. In past years it was a mass meeting but due to construction at the park visitor center there is no auditorium to seat 600+ people.

The crew has been superb, they are on top of things and even demonstrate mind-reading qualities. They are not stressing me out, and they have given me my "princess time" to be alone and relax.

I'm about to take the first few steps of a long journey tomorrow. I'm so thankful for my ability to make it here to the starting line, which I couldn't have done without Dennis, my family, my crew, my running partners, my wonderful supportive friends and co-workers, and the many strong and inspirational people I've met along the road to this moment.

Like my friend Christopher (ultrarunner and cancer survivor and thriver) says about running ultras, it's like one long prayer. One long prayer of thanks, gratitude for all the gifts in my life. This moment is perfect, and I want to savor it.

Badwater is far too short of a race, it's over too fast, it's the ultimate fun adventure. I'll want to capture the energy of the coming week and carry it forward and keep it forever. I can't wait to share it, I wish everyone the chance to live this kind of experience, even if all I can do is give them a taste.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed the enthusiasm and energy to get me here. It's like walking from an air conditioned room to step outside into 115 degrees and a stiff wind. It's absolutely breathtaking and I can't wait to get started!

Thank you!

From furnace creek,
Alene

A nice cool day