Tuesday, July 31, 2007
If A Picture Tells a Thousands Words...
Here is a link to the latest photo albums: http://picasaweb.google.com/lisasmithbatchen
And you can also see a very neat Slide Show. You can see it by looking to the right-hand column of the Blog and you will see something that says SLIDE SHOW. Click on it and enjoy!
(Many thanks to Cathy Cramer, who organized this amazing photo account of the journey!)
Monday, July 30, 2007
And Now…a Word from Lisa’s Crew Member Scott Morgan
Saturday, July 28, 2007
"So Not Normal" Relay Finish
Wonderful, wonderful news! The 2007 Badwater Double is finished in a way no one could ever have predicted!
Lisa and the crew finished the relay from Whitney Portal to Badwater in 27 hours and 10 minutes.
It was great for the crew to experience the conditions from a different perspective.
Lisa left me an ecstatic voicemail today, announcing the experience as more than she could ever have hoped for! I can't wait to speak with her live!
Lisa did say that she thought we are all really onto something big with this RELAY concept. Lisa is so wonderful about sharing experiences and I can only imagine how incorporating the idea of a relay will bring amaing new opportunities to the people she coaches and the people she touches in her life. Imagine running with MPD patients! Imagine the RTF kids joining hands and passing off a baton to Lisa's daughters! The possibilities are endless.
Many more details to follow tomorrow, but I wanted to take this opportunity for everyone to know that Lisa and her crew are safe, sound, and so much richer for the experience of a very unique Badwater Double 2007 experience. Your time, contributions to MPD, and your enthusiasm helped guide this amazing experience. Stay tuned this week as we share the many wonderful photos captured on the return journey by the wonderful Cathy Cramer and thoughts from Lisa and all her crew members.
THANK YOU and STAY TUNED for many more details! And please leave your COMMENTS to congratulate Lisa & crew!!!
Runner Change
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The "So Not Normal" Relay
As previously reported, she and her crew waited to make a Whitney summit attempt until the weather on the mountain cleared. They set out about 8pm Wednesday. Even with heavy summit gloves and many layers of clothing, within 2 miles of the summit she was nearing hypothermia. Lisa was prepared to rest on the mountain until sunrise brought warmer temperatures, but after assessing the condition of herself and her crew, she felt any choice other than descent would endanger the team.
After a safe descent and a couple hours of rest, Lisa was still experiencing stomach pain whenever she stood up or walked. She felt that she could not finish the Double as a solo effort, but she and her team are committed to completing the Double and continuing their effort to raise money for the MPD foundation. In that spirit, they've decided to run a team relay back to the start line in Badwater with Lisa crewing them.
The rules are there are no rules, but at least one runner will be on the course the from finish line at Whitney Portal to the Start line. Lisa ran the first 135 mile leg of the team double, now each crew member will run 25 miles or more on the way back. George and Scott ran down from the Portal finish line to Lone Pine late this afternoon. Laurie and Mike are running the next leg.
The team members all made prediction times for the 135 mile relay:
Scott - 28:30
Mike - 30:00
Laurie - 31:00
Leigh - 32:33
Lisa - 34:00
Marie - 35:00
George - 37:32
Okay, finally...we have told you so much about Marie Boyd, crew chief extraordinaire, but now you can watch a video clip of her describing the recent turn of events. Enjoy and watch how this amazing TEAM is sticking together, guided by Lisa's strength & spirit.
Mighty Mount Whitney
Unfortunately, they did not reach the summit. Temperatures as they neared the top last night / this morning went below freezing and the group was at major risk. A very responsible decision was made to turn around.
I spoke with Crew Chief Marie Boyd, a person with such calm and composure. She explained Lisa is getting some much needed rest right now and they will re-group shortly.
I will post again to the blog tonight to keep you updated.
Lisa and crew could use your prayers and positive thoughts right now. Thank you so much!
--Colleen
Students at Badwater
Some of their photos are below - enjoy! And send us more from your cameras - we'd love to get a little gallery going!:
Lisa Bliss (Female Winner!!!) | Tom Triumph |
Nattu Natraj | Frank McKinney |
Kira Matukaitis | Kira and Tom |
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
On Mt Whitney
Badwater veteran Monica Scholz visits Lisa and crew on Tuesday
The Ascent of Mt Whitney Is Next...
Leigh reports that there is a really mean cloud that is resting above the mountain. So the decision is to wait in Lone Pine and start the ascent a little later today.
So what will this climb be like? Here is a link to a short video that takes you up the trail to the summit {it runs about 9 minutes}. For those of you who have never done the mountain, it will really give you a feel for what it's like (or so I have been told - I haven't done it myself!).
And just a very sincere ote of thanks to those helping with very generous donations to the MPD Foundation. Here are is a link to start to introduce you to the faces of MPD:
www.dreamchaserevents.com/lisasmithbatchen/badwater07_people.htm
'V' is for VICTORY!
Tom Triumph (inc Dreamchaser crew: Ed Mafoud & Tom’s wife the Peach)
Nattu Natraj (inc Dreamchaser crew: Dale Perry & Bob Becker)
Greg Pressler (Lisa and Jay’s dear friend)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Gift from Lisa & Zensah - 50% Off Coupon
In fact, to the left is a photo from 2006, when she wore a white pair.
Lisa is now sponsored by the company that makes these shorts – Zensah® – and they have generously offered to honor a 50% discount on all purchases made on their website for the next 72 hours.
Lisa has teamed up with Zensah® to offer you a special discount for the next 72 hours. Just use the code “run50” at checkout to receive a 50% discount off the most advanced performance apparel in the world. Visit www.zensah.com to order and learn more.
Zensah® has created the most comfortable fabric for endurance sports especially running. The proprietary Zensah Fabric® incorporates silver ions which eliminates order, and dissipates heat. The fabric is moisture wicking keeping you cool, light and dry. All Zensah® products are made in Italy and use seamless technology which allows the engineered zones for ultra-breathability. The Zensah Fabric® is so comfortable you literally don’t feel it. Once you run in Zensah® you won’t want to wear anything else.
Back on Her Feet!
Mike just left me a message to say that Lisa is back on the Badwater course. As of 8:51pm (Pacific), Lisa was running strong and nearing the Lone Pine time station. He said they were about 3 miles out from Lone Pine.
AMAZING NEWS on the outcome of the women's race: Dr Lisa Bliss won!!!! Congratulations - so great!
Staked Out for Now…
Well, here’s the official description from the Badwater Race rules:
If a racer needs to leave the course, his/her crew must note the exact location with a numbered stake in the ground. This numbered stake must be visible from the road in both directions. The racer must then resume the race from the same place that he/she left it. The numbered stakes will be provided to all runners at Runner Check-In. Racers may only leave the course for appropriate reasons such as rest or medical attention. Focus must be kept on the speedy completion of the course.
Leigh said Lisa is really okay with the decision…knowing that this provides her with an opportunity to re-fuel (here nausea/stomach issues haven’t allowed her to get in as many calories as she needs), take a shower and get in a small nap. Leigh also told me that Marie is going to work on Lisa’s feet. Marie is a registered nurse and received specific instructions from Denise Jones about how to do this, so Lisa is in good hands.
According to Leigh, Lisa is in 5th position among the women. The website currently has her in fourth position, so I am thinking that Lisa Bliss must have advanced ahead of Lisa since the last checkpoint. Leigh said that Lisa Bliss is going very strong…something which I know Lisa (Smith-Batchen) would be very proud to see. LSB is coaching Dr. Bliss and has also been the recipient of Dr. Bliss’ generosity, when Dr Bliss served as a race volunteer on the course in previous years. Go Lisa!
Lisa holds a very good chance of finishing within 48 hours (tomorrow morning at 10am Pacific Time). This will earn her the coveted Badwater medal.
Lisa is down, but not out…and owing to witnessing last year’s Badwater Double, all I can think is, “Wow, Lisa has only just begun”. Strange sentiment thinking our friend has already covered the distance of more than 4 traditional marathons in temperatures of 110 degree plus heat and heavy humidity!
Rough Night
I just spoke with Leigh Corbin, one of Lisa’s crew members.
Leigh said that they are about 28 miles from the official Badwater race finish and that Lisa is being a trooper. Leigh said that for about the last 14 hours (since midnight), Lisa has been really battling nausea. I could hear George in the background saying, “Tell Colleen it is just like last year.” At which point, my heart sank a little…
Because last year was so tough. Lisa kept forging on, but there was serious concern about her finishing the race, let alone the Double. She pulled through and forever won rights to the term COMEBACK KID in my book, but how many times can you pull out of those lows and rebound with the highs?
The crew is really optimistic and figure Lisa is about due to turn the corner. I have the privilege of knowing 5 of the 6 crew members – everyone with the exception of Scott Morgan. Leigh tells me that Scott is such a strong member of the crew. Leigh said he is soft spoken, but he’s the one who can say to Lisa that its time to go and she moves on.
Leigh said that all the crew members are taking turns pacing Lisa and that Lisa really listens to each of them. One of the challenges of doing the Badwater Double is keeping your eye on the prize. It’s very easy to want to go for a great finishing time at the official race, but Lisa has committed to running 292 miles, not 135 miles. Managing her energy is no small task and recognizing the challenge of Mt Whitney and the return trip can be pretty daunting.
Hopefully I’ll get a chance to speak with Leigh later tonight and I will post another Blog entry tonight.
Onwards, Lisa, onwards…
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday Update
What Happens the Day Before Badwater?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0xC7CuBVHdg
And now the 2007 Badwater Double begins.
BADWATER HALL OF FAME
Today (well, technically yesterday…I am referring to Sunday), all athletes meet in an auditorium at Furnace Creek for a mandatory pre-race meeting. Crew members come along. One part of this meeting is the induction of honored individuals into the Badwater Hall of Fame. Lisa told me that there was an absolutely beautiful welcome of Dr Ben Jones and his wife, Denise Jones into the Hall. I couldn’t think of people who deserve this more! There are so genuine in their passion for this race and their love of the course and the athletes who choose to take on the BW challenge.
WEATHER
As for the weather (and there is always talk of the weather when the Badwater Ultramarathon is concerned!), Lisa reports that it is not very hot – say, 118 degrees. While that may sound like an inferno to some, when the thermometer fails to reach the 120’s, Badwater athletes are very grateful. Lisa also mentioned that it was 85 degrees at Stovepipe at 6am this morning, and that is really considered mild. Let’s hope this ‘cold front’ holds out for the competitors.
THREE WOMEN DOING THE BADWATER DOUBLE
In addition to Lisa, Anita Fromm and Linda McFadden will be doing the Badwater Double. Hopefully this will make the return journey from Mt Whitney a little less lonely.
MARIE BOYD
Lisa is just so grateful for Marie’s crew skills…her leadership allowed for another relaxing day for Lisa, which is awesome because the next week will be anything but relaxing!
LISA’S CHILDREN
While Lisa’s children are still a little too young to read Blogs, she wanted to be sure that I sent them her love. She didn’t get a chance to speak with them today when she talked to Jay because they were both asleep in their car seats, but she knows that they want their Mommy to run fast and strong!
Tomorrow (Monday) the official race begins!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Weekend at the Races!
FROM COLLEEN:
Before Lisa made her way to the airport on Friday, she reminded me (after mentioning it several times earlier in the week! :-) ) that so many of her students were racing this weekend and next and that it was really going to be tough for her not to know immediately about their races & results!
So let's tell Lisa all about it! Using the COMMENTS feature, please respond to this post and let us know how your weekend race went. I'll print out your comments and get them to Lisa somehow!
THANK YOU!
Saturday Night!
Blog Post from Colleen
I had a chance to speak with Lisa this evening and she sounds just great! Denise has finished Lisa’s feet and her crew has done an amazing job pulling together the many logistics. In fact, I understand all the gear was ready to go by 4:00 this afternoon so they all got to relax and hang out at the pool for a little while.
Lisa and crew put pen to paper and recorded some of their thoughts of anticipation and readiness about what lies ahead.
Read on for the first-hand accounts:
________________________________________________________
From the Crew Chief: Marie Boyd
This is HUGE!!!
We have such a gracious runner, and a wonderful crew. Gradually, we are getting acquainted, and I am so happy to have this committed and caring group with whom to work.
Lisa's feet are taped - Denise Jones has shown me all of her professional tricks, and those feet look just greatly protected and ready to carry Lisa close to 300 miles!
From Laurie Andrews…
Death Valley Dreamin': Being in the Valley is full of extremes - beautiful and striking, hot and dry, bright and glaring. Feeling so fortunate to be part of this adventure and the full force of this undertaking is hitting me in waves. Lisa is in a good space and has the grace of a champion. The crew is bonding as we organize, plan and anticipate the journey ahead. Know we will be carrying you close - our friends, family, running companions - as we travel many miles.
From Leigh Corbin…
They say that there is a beauty to the desert and I think of a desert flower in full bloom. Lisa has arrived to Death Valley as a flower in full bloom. She is so calm and ready to rock and roll. As her crew, we worry about keeping up and have no doubts about her ability to ahieve her goals. I am so excited to be on a crew of this caliber and I am already learning so much. Man, its hot down here!!!
Hi Dana...miss you!
From George Velasco…
Lisa looks so buff!! She is going to rock this course!! I'm proud to be with this lady and the crew - WOW! - its a good-looking, qualified crew!!!
From Mike Ehredt…
The expected is sometimes unexpected. hat I thought or expected Death Valley to be is not what it turned out to be. Mountains and a long life line of asphalt, dunes in the distance and beauty in it all versus my vision of flat desert and sagebrush. The knowledge and experience of my crew mates astounds me and the fire in Lisa's eyes inspires me...
________________________________________________________
Give my Jay, Bella and Gabby a big kiss for me. Thank you to Barbara (Jay's mother) for her support helping with our kids. I am blessed - I feel so good. God is on our side. Lauren, thank you for being my inspiration. Dad, I pray for you to feel better. I run with a purpose. I run for all of you...God willing, we will have success!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Badwater Double: And They’re Off!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCllnk6gBjk
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for checking Lisa’s Blog as she attempts the Badwater Double for the second year. Let’s hope she meets with success again.
My name is Colleen Woods and I will be posting entries throughout the course of the next week. I’d love to hear from you and will do my very best to send along your well wishes to Lisa and her crew.
SEND A MESSAGE TO LISA AND HER CREW: Contact is limited, but I have told Lisa I would fax to her any comments posted to the Blog before 12 noon on Sunday. So if you want to send Lisa and her crew a note to encourage them before the race begins, please post it as a comment and I will print it off and fax it to her. I know your comments mean so much to them!!!
THE DEPARTURE: Lisa and her Jackson, WY-based crew members left for Death Valley today. They flew out of Jackson’s Airport, had a layover in Denver and arrived to Las Vegas. In Vegas, they shopped for food for the race. Lisa has been trying a number of different food combinations for this year’s race, but one thing I’ll know she’ll eat again out…AVOCADOS! Lots of good fat! Her crew member Scott Morgan is on avocado duty – he can buy 25 avocados for $2 on the roadside…in Jackson, that would buy 2!
TONIGHT’S DINNER: Tonight, Lisa is dining with her crew at Stovepipe Wells. They are also joining Frank McKinney and his crew. It will be Frank’s third year doing the race. Frank was a student of Lisa’s when he began his Badwater journey (read Frank's coaching testimonial). You’ll also see a great shot of Frank at the 2006 finish line. Here's a photo of Frank, Lisa and their crews at Stovepipe last year:
WATCH BADWATER ON VIDEO: One of the unique things about Badwater (and there certainly are many!) is the lack of contact with the outside world that athletes and crew alike experience in Death Valley. There is no cell reception the first 100 miles or so into the race and from there, it can be spotty at best. No e-mail within those same limits, too. So there is occasional communication via phone calls from pay phones, but by and large – the action is confined right there to the race course.
This year, Adventure Corps has secured a spot on YouTube to broadcast videos. I can’t wait to see them…here are instructions for subscribing:
In preparation for the 2007 webcast, our web-video head honcho, Mike Schafer, has set up the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon channel on Youtube. We encourage you to "subscribe" to our channel so that you are notified when we post more videos, and also select us "a friend." Click here (you can already enjoy our videos from 2006 and also pre-race entrant videos from 2007):
http://www.youtube.com/adventurecorps
Thursday, July 19, 2007
We are off to the races!
I can't tell you how over the top it has been for me the past few days with cards, emails from so many friends and family to wish me well. Thank you, thank you. I wish you all the same...
I will carry each of you with me and I will think of so many of you who are running your own race, or have your own journeys ahead of you that are not a running race but the race of life..
slow down, enjoy the moment..this is my plan!
Colleen, will be posting great updates all week long, thank you!
I am ready, we are ready...calm, cool and relaxed...I have a great crew this year just as I did last year. I will miss many of my crew from last year but will carry them with me to.
Love to you all
Lisa
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Good morning to all of you!
The count down is here for Badwater, we leave on Friday morning!!! I feel so calm, so relaxed and the best part will be seeing many old friends.
When it comes time to getting ready to leave for events like this I feel so torn between being really excited and already missing my family.
Tues. I had a great workout and it gave me great confidence. I power walked uphill for 1 mile and ran down hard x 3. My hard miles on the down hill were 6:30 mile pace and this felt easy. Wow..I am ready.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my family for all the continued love and support, for my friends with all the extra work they take on to help me get it all done, my amazing crew for having it all together even when I don't, the sponsors that are so very kind to us and then all of you.
Running with a purpose, running for a purpose, we can all make a difference, YOU do make a difference.
A friend and student sent me this and I just love it so wanted to share with all of you to.
The difference between you and some people is that..
Some people give to be seen,
to build a good reputation
Some people give out of insecurity,
to be accepted
Some people give to compete,
to appear to be better than others
Some people give to build self-esteem,
to feel good about themselves
But you are so genuine: you give out of the goodness of your heart.
Thank you.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Your Donations to the MPD Foundation – Online or In the Mail
Your generosity towards our fundraising effort for the MPD Foundation has already amazed me. THANK YOU!
We provide a way for people to donate online:
http://www.firstgiving.com/badwatermpdlsb
Please note that 100% of your donation goes to this special cause – there is no administrative fee to handling the online donation.
That being said, I understand there are reasons you may prefer to send a check in the mail. And you certainly can do just that! Here are the details:
MPD Foundation
233 South Wacker Drive
Suite 375
Chicago, IL 60606
On the check, please write this in the MEMO field:
Lisa Smith-Batchen / Badwater Double
Many, many thanks for your generosity…thanks for allowing me to run with a purpose! And thanks for inspiring me in your words and deeds.
Lisa
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Badwater is in the Air!
BEAUTIFUL SIGNS FOR MY BADWATER VAN
Courtesy of Leigh Corbin, look at this great artwork!
PHOTO FROM LAST YEAR
Dean and I will both be back this year…love his tie-dye!
MENTION ON RUNNER’S WORLD FORUM
So nice to have the support of others…look what one student e-mailed me to show me some support in places I never knew!
RunnersWorld Magazine Discussion Group
Friday, July 13, 2007
Have a Wonderful Friday the 13th!
I am off for a day out with my kids (can’t wait!), but I just wanted to share a few things.
BADWATER DOUBLE – THE MPD FOUNDATION
Life is hectic, but I am so fortunate to be able to make time for fundraising for the MPD Foundation. Many have asked why I would consider taking on the Badwater Double again…here’s a link that describes the important cause I will be supporting when I take on this challenge:
http://www.dreamchaserevents.com/lisasmithbatchen/badwater07_cause.htm
DEAN WON!
Dean Karnazes won the ESPY Award for best Outdoor Athlete, earning over 50% of the vote! Good Dean. Here is a link to a great post about this on Scott Dunlap’s Blog. Thanks, Scott – for sharing such awesome information about ultra running!
AND I WON – LOOK WHAT A GREAT BROTHER I HAVE!
My brother Mike, who lives in Illinois, is one of my best friends. Mike sent this e-mail to his friends…his kindness inspires me every day!
Dear family, friends & acquaintances,
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
MAKE A DONATION TODAY!
Please take a moment to check out these links; they link you to my sister Lisa’s next challenge and provide you with a way to help her reach an important goal. She has and is giving all she’s got physically, mentally and spiritually to meet this incredible challenge. But, she cannot do it alone and needs a little help and kindness from a lot of unknown people.
Therefore, I am asking for a moment of your time; the moment it will take to click on this link, to read and to understand Lisa’s passion and the selfless challenge she has ahead. She has committed her mind, body, talent, time and resources to reach a goal: to financially help the MPD Foundation explore treatments, find a cure and save lives.
But, as I said before, she cannot do it alone and needs a little help and kindness from a lot of unknown people. If you can skip a Starbucks today, you can help. If you can dig the loose change out of the creases of your couch or from the bottom of your purse, you can help. Any and every coin will help; each and every dollar will make a difference. When Lisa succeeds in this challenge and accomplishes her goal, it will raise the performance bar for success and motivate other talented and driven athletes to jump higher and to use their gifts to achieve greater goals…to help others.
Please…she needs your help to succeed!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Lisa
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Badwater Runner needs your help!!
My good friend Chris Frost who has run Badwater many times needs crew people for this years Badwater race. Chris has lost his crew due to various issues. Chris is an amazing runner with great experience.
Here is his email to me today:
Hi Lisa…..Just found out that I have no crew for BW (due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control…..fire dept. scheduling etc.).
If you know of anyone who is qualified and would fit in well, please let me know. Will pay for food, lodging etc.
See you soon,
Chris
Please reply to this post ASAP if you can crew for Chris.
Happy day
Lisa
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Great Shot of Mark Wieneke & His Brother!
Keep on running Mark! with your brother at your side!
Oh, and here are some photos from last Sunday's Table Mountain hike. I can't believe this gorgeous hike is practically in my backyard!
The count down is here....
Yes..the heat of the day here in the Tetons..It has hit close to 90 or even hotter for over a month now..best darn training I have ever had. Well, we shall see come Monday July 23rd if my new training will pay off. It is going to be a great joy to be in a place I absolutely love and surrounded by so many people I adore..Let the show begin but let it wait another 2 weeks.
I have all my packing to do and many projects to complete before we head to Death Valley.
My crew is so wonderful, loving and organized!
I ask you all to pray for us and all the runners and crews. I ask you to pray that the fires are gone and out of Death Valley. Mt. Whitney was closed this past weekend due to fires.
And I ask you pray for all the others running races all over the World..many are running the Vermont 100..safe, fast race for you all.
My last long weekend was wonderful. 4 hours on Sat. up and down the steep roads.
Sunday we climbed Table Mountain which takes you up to over 11,000 feet..just over 6 hours ups and down. I hope to be able to share some wonderful photos of this with you soon.
Happy training to you all and happy trails.
Here is a great article on pool running!
http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2007/05/ask-flash-deep-water-running-101/
Lisa
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Congratulations to Marie Boyd!
Marie is so talented and I am so privileged that she has agreed to be my Crew Chief at Badwater this year.
Marie at Hwy 49 crossing (93 miles into the race), 20 minutes ahead of cutoff!
Marie finishing!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Some Said It Couldn't Be Done…They Proved Otherwise!
The stakes get higher when those two people are making this plan for Western States – one of the hardest, most difficult 100 milers around. But George Velasco and Leigh Corbin decided this was the way they were going to do it in 2007. And they gave us a run for the money…right down to a nail-biting finish of 29:43:38 (the cut-off time is 30 hours). You guys did awesome and finished with heart! I can’t wait to hear more about the details of your race later this month (Leigh and George are both crewing me at Badwater). Way to go, Leigh and Georgie!
Love, The Batchens
My Desert RATS
Tom, Tess, Rich (and his wonderful wife Shelly - who was an amazing race volunteer and marathon finisher), Laurie, Jim & Colleen...you tested your limits and did just great.
Hope you are enjoying a well deserved RECOVERY week!!!