No Person Ever Stands So Tall...

...as when they kneel to help a child.

Bearing this in mind, Lisa and her dear friend Sister Mary Beth are GIANTS in my mind! Year after year, through the Religious Sisters Filippini, they help kids who are in need.

Sister Mary Beth will be supporting Lisa from Rome - sending prayers all the way! They may live on oposite ends of the world, but they share so much as they spread their love and generosity.

If you have a minute, listen to Sister Mary's kind words for Lisa. We'll play this recording for Lisa on Sunday, as she prepares for her journey.

And learn about this year's effort.

--Colleen

Greetings from Crew Member Colleen

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself...my name is Colleen Woods and I will be one of Lisa's crew members during next week's Badwater Double Challenge. I have had the privilege of spending lots of time with Lisa and her lovely family over the past few months and I can say with confidence that Lisa is ready to face this challenge head on.

If you listened to Lisa's most recent audio post, you'll know that she has picked up her sister Julie in Las Vegas and she has arrived to Stovepipe. Julie is one of the crew chiefs, as is Bob - who is also with Julie and Lisa in Stovepipe. George Velasco is the final crew chief. Believe me when I say that the meeting of these minds over the next few days will be critical to pulling off this challenge. No fear here though - Bob has successfully completed Badwater and brings so much to the table as a veteran ultra runner and Clinical Psychologist, Julie is an incredible sister who has crewed Lisa before at Badwater and who has the unique qualification of being the one licensed massage therapist on the crew (won't she be making lots of friends as the miles wear on!), and George has so many talents but lately the one he has been perfecting with tremendous success is Crew Leader Extraordinaire (I think Jackie Florine, recent California 14ers champ and Lisa's husband, Jay, who triumphed and finished Western States in grand style this year, would agree that George was absolutely integral to their success.)

I'll be posting Blog updates throughout the challenge - complete with photos from the course. I hope that through words and pictures we can share with you the agony and ecstasy of this challenge. I know its going to be an exciting time for everyone involved - including those of you who cannot be in Death Valley but have so generously contributed to this experience.

Please use the COMMENTS feature and send through your words of encouragement and humor. I will do everything I can to relay them to Lisa and other crew members.

And I should note that two of our crew members will be celebrating birthdays out on the course - a special birthday shout out to RICHARD MURDOCK and FINLAY WOODRUFF!

Let the games begin!!!

Audio from Lisa

Thank you!!!!

 Hi All!

 

I leave my home in about an hour to start my way towards Death Valley. I will be in the real heat by Wed. afternoon. I was getting close to 300 email each day, my in box in now EMPTY!!! This has never happened.

God has given me the strength and the time to "get it all done". To be honest I never thought it would be possible.

 

I ask that you please hold off on sending me email until I return on the 31st, thank you.

 

****It would be wonderful if all of you would  PLEASE take a moment and go to my lisasmithbatchen.com web site. Click to the BW Double click for details. 

 I ask that you all read A "thank you" from Lisa...   This is for all of you!

 

 

 

Very good article sent to me today:

 

 online today is a little video about how the athletes in 2008 Beijing will be preparing for the marathon.  (http://video.on.nytimes.com/ifr_main.jsp?nsid=b-7e6b368b:10c80abc9fc:-99f&fr_story=96310b4e1ba70fe6c235789c2091fb4b643db5c8&st=1153222004593&mp=WMP&cpf=true&fr=041406_070906_w1d0baee9x10a97ecb16dxw4b65&rdm=824448.8163308836 

 

 

I will start to send audio blogs today and from the road..this is going to be very exciting for us and for you.

 

I leave you with this quote sent to me this morning from Rich:

 

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail
away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover."
    --Mark Twain

 

May God Bless us all today and always and if you have your own race in the next few weeks or a dream to accomplish we wish you the best!

 

Lisa

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special thank you

 

Hi to all of you!!  You all know I believe in dreams, find a dream and chase it down. The name of my business has been this for a very long time. I really do feel that you can do anything, I mean anything you put your heart and soul into...you might be first and you might be last, what means the most is what you take away from the experience.

I have a client who has a dream to do an Ironman. She is so motivated yet was a bit scared of it.

I told her to sign up for the race and lets get her dream down on the books!  What she sent me tonight left me with tears on my key board..

Her email is below:

 

 

-- "Finally my latest and best words from my new favorite coach --- "Let's put this dream on the books!"  Now I want to change that a little for you and say "Let's put this dream IN the books -- the history books!" 

 

 

Putting my dream IN the books is something I have longed for, for a very long time...Thank you for this!

 

I want to say a special thank you tonight to ALL my coaching clients. It is 10:25 on Monday night and I have completed all the training schedules until my return from Badwater. Thank you all for sending your updates early and thank you all for your love, support and encouragement for me and my crew. You all hold a very special place in my heart and I will take with me all the cards and letter that you all have sent to me. Thank you, thank you!! You all make me so proud:)

 

I will leave you with one last quote tonight sent to me by the same client who put her own dream down on the books!

 

RUMBLE GIRL RUMBLE!!!!   Love it

 

Lisa

 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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great quotes today!!!!

 THERE IS NO CHALLENGE TOO GREAT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE THE WILL AND HEART TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

THE BRAVEST ARE THOSE WHO HAVE THE CLEAREST VISION OF WHAT IS BEFORE THEM, DANGER AND GLORY
ALIKE, AND STILL GO OUT TO MEET THE CHALLENGE.

 

 

Thank you Bill!!!:)

 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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weekend results

 Good morning!

 

It was a HOT weekend everywhere this weekend! Vermont had mud and bugs!!!!

 

Connie had a PR in her Tri by 11 minutes!!!

 

Mark did the Tahoe Rim 100 and ran a 31:26:25!!! Heard this was a VERY difficult race..

 

Alex: 44th overall in a time of 23:08:05 at Vermont 100...A PR by almost 6 hours..he stuck to the plan and had a negative spilt..If you don't know what this means: he ran the 2nd half faster than the first half and passed many people!!!

 

Kira: 139th overall in a time of 28:46:55 at Vermont 100!!! Her first 100 mile finish..you go girl:)

 

Some did not have great days, this is part of being an athlete of any sport. We must learn to work and deal with the good, the bad and the ugly. We learn so much for having a great race or not having a great race.

It is what we take away from the experience and how we learn and move forward that is most important.

We can train for the perfect race, wake up race morning and start out feeling great. The wheels may come off and we have to deal with all the obstacles in the way. Sometimes not finishing a race is the right choice, the only choice. I don't like to say DNF, DID NOT FINISH, I like to say DMB..DID MY BEST!!!

When we do our best, this is ALL you can ask of yourself.

 

Have a great day!

Lisa

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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give and give

 This is an email from a friend that I wanted to share with you all..I think it has something for all of us!!!

 

 

Dearest Lisa

 

You are leaving tomorrow, and may your journey be successful even though painful at times, happy even though slowed to a crawl once in awhile, smooth even though hobbling over mountain passes, and may you be surrounded by your best friends attending to all your needs in a split second, and may the sun have mercy, and the body cooperates, and athletes around be have best times pushing through and talking to each other, may support from whole world follow your day(s), and we wish you quick feet with strength and will power you have.

 

 

I was able to go 2:30 today, it was 93 degrees and sunny:) I felt wonderful. Need sleep but it will come:)

It is all coming together, I have everything packed except my clothes which will take a few hours.

Today I felt a sense of accomplishment with getting so much off my list. I have to thank my husband for all his wonderful help and support!

 

While I was running today I had the usual thoughts one has before a big event..

Have I trained enough, should I rest more...all the should have, would have and could haves!!!

 

I have to say I smiled while running and said YES, I have trained enough and when I hit that start line I will have rested enough. I wont have any should, would or could..I will have peace in my heart, mind and soul and I will move forward with grace and honor to be given the opportunity to make my dream come alive!

 

One of my favorite quotes: "Give, give, give until it hurts and when it hurts keep on giving."

 

-Mother Theresa-

 

Good night and sleep tight!

 

Lisa

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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Peaceful

Below is a great advice for me!!!

 

 

Dear Lisa,

Prepare well, pace yourself, and hydrate! And keep in mind the words of Shoma Morita:

When running (up a hill), it's okay to give up as many times as you wish, as long as your feet keep moving...

Good journeys and godspeed,

 Dan Millman

 

 

One week from today we will be at the pre race meeting and the crews will be getting all the vans ready to go. I did not get to do my Sat. run so it will be done today. It is 90 degrees here which is warm. I have a sweater on and long sleeves and feel very comfortable:)

 

I am reading a book by Chuck Norris called, The Secret Power Within. This is the 3rd time I have read through it!

 

Here are a few things from the book:

 

"You must be in control of all your emotions under pressure or you wont be relaxed and will lose your ability to respond easily and think clearly. If you're afraid your concentration will be on avoiding getting hurt and not on the problem at hand. If you're frustrated, you will lose control."

 

"You control your thoughts by concentration on what's at hand. You have to know yourself and how you personally react when the heat is turned up, and believe you can manage it. You must maintain focus on the here and now, and then you are in control. The bottom line is you must believe in yourself."

 

"If I am getting better, its because I've slowed down, and that's what I am suggesting to you. Pace yourself, attend to everything in its own sweet time, and you'll accomplish more than if you go all out at every opportunity. Slow down and you'll go faster."

 

"Set goals, visualize the results of those goals, and then be determined to succeed by overcoming any obstacles in the way."

 

That is all for today!

 

Many Blessings

Lisa

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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DV forecast

 

Hi Lisa:

 

Thought you'd like to see the forecast for today and tomorrow in Death Valley. I periodically check there and since I was just there, I've been pulling it up to see. It registered 115 on our car and I hiked the dunes....so awesome. I actually wish I was there to feel 125...unbelievable....but for your sake, I hope it cools down. I'm going to try and send you a couple vids of my hike.

 

SAT

125°F 51°C
94°F 34°C

SUN

124°F 51°C
94°F

 

 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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10 days from today

 We will be standing at the start line of Badwater. This weekend so many will stand at the start line and are running right now at Hardrock, Vermont and Tahoe 100. I look so forward to all the race updates.

 

Today is my last long run and it will only be 2 hours up and down the pass. I am very tired, more from the planning and organization of doing the BW double, not from the training.The time, effort and energy that goes into something this large is much and then the fund raising on top of it. I look so forward to the first step on July 24th towards the goal and knowing that all the hard work was so worth it and that we as a team have saves thousands of kids lives.

 

It is amazing to sit back and look how far we have come and how much we have accomplished, you just wonder how in the world you ever got it all done. Anything is possible, anything!!!

 

God speed and have a great weekend

 

Lisa

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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peace

Hi guys and gals!

 

This email about says it all. I am a Warrior in training, most of us are?

 

I want to be a Peaceful Warrior and and live in everything I do with peace.

 

Love to you all

 

Lisa

 

 

 

 "On Empowerment: 
 
I teach an approach to living with a peaceful heart and a warrior spirit. So it seems natural and appropriate to offer up a few words about the idea of empowerment.  
 
Some of us feel powerful at times because others give us permission or because we are bigger, stronger, or have expertise or authority in a given place or circumstance. So we are empowered in that moment, that situation. 
 
But the most courageous among us do not wait for others to grant us power; rather, we take it, and fake it 'til we make it. We are willing to play the role of an empowered individual, one with a purpose, a direction, a centered, calm clarity. 
 
Those who bluster and raise their voice or bully do so from a felt lack of power or control. But the ultimate control is self-control, personal power, the will to remain calm—to breathe and relax the body—in the center of the cyclone; to behave with kindness and compassion even as storms rage within the mind and heart. 
 
We are all peaceful warriors in training. And each of us is empowered the moment we claim it, act it, live it. So whatever thought-storms or emotional weather fronts may pass through our body, awareness, or lives—let's practice the way by standing up inside of ourselves and bringing our power into the world for the common good." 
 
With warm wishes to you all, 
 
Dan Millman= 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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Looking ahead

 Good morning!

 

Many races in the next few week for Dreamchasers Clients!

 

Here are a few!

 

This weekend:

 

Dale: Hardrock 100

Kira, Will, Alex: Vermont 100

Mark, Bob: Tahoe 100

Connie: NYC Olympic distance Tri

Cathy: Bar Trail 12 mile

 

Next weekend and up to July 30th:

 

Brad, John, Jim and Sandy: Atacama 150 stage race

Beth: NJ Olympic distance Tri

Elizabeth: Trail Marathon in London

Susan: 24 hour around the lake: was 1st women last year

Nattu,Bob, Nancy and Lisa (me) : Badwater 135

 

ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

 

"it takes courage commitment and dedication just to make it to the start..it takes something deep inside to make it to the finish."

 

I will be thinking about you all and pray for a perfect race!

 

What you read below is so wonderful!

 

 
Beautifully stated


As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to
ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably
more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best
friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry
because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you
love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've
never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute
of happiness you'll never get back. So send this to all of your friends
(and me) in the next 5 minutes and a miracle will happen tonight

Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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Perry did it!

 Hi All,

 

This is exciting news from Perry! He is sending this email from France where he just finished 2 hours ago.

 

I have to say I sat here in tears when I got this email. You all have no idea how hard and how far this man has gone! Perry, what a joy, what a joy!!!

 

 

 

I finished, Lisa!!! I did it!!!!!!!!!! Rode Stage 15 of the 2006 Tour de France.... 3 huge climbs, 13,000 feet in just under 9 hours.  I feel great (although a few muscle cramps)!

Never could have gotten into this kind of shape without you. (And the Endurolytes were a life saver -- no cramping.)


Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Perry

*********************************************************

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John Denver

Maybe I am old fashion but I love John Denver and his music!

 

My friend Sister Marybeth sent me this link today. I think it is wonderful, happy and will pick you up if you need it!

 

Have a great day

Lisa

 

 

 http://www.freewebs.com/sweetdreamsplace/rockmthigh.html

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/
www.lisasmithbatchen.com
www.dreamchaserevents.com
www.tetonraces.com

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2 great quotes

2 weeks from today we will be standing at the starting line of Badwater. I am ready, I am sure of this.

I was able to get all my workouts in over the weekend, it was warm and sunny.

Sat. my sweetie Jay and I went out together for close to 3 hours. We took turns pushing and pulling the girls. Jay is so much faster than I am but yet I was able to stay with him for the first 1.5 hours at 80% and this was fast! He could not believe how well I was running and this was after 4 hours on hills the day before:)

Sunday morning I woke up feeling like I should go back to bed but I was to meet Pam Reed at 8:30 in Wilson Wy. to run up and down both side of the Teton Pass. Yes, RUN...she does not walk. 4 hours later I felt great, I felt strong and was able to run and walk no problem to keep up with her. She is a fine women and she is ready to run as well, this will be her 3rd Badwater.

It is time to put this horse in the stable and let her rest for 2 weeks. I will do 3-4 run each week but nothing longer than 2 hours. Next week I wont run anything longer than 1 hour. We leave for Death Valley on Tue. the 18th, this will give us 5 full days in the heat to get it all together.

 

I hope you had a great weekend as well!!!

 

I said in one of my blogs to email Zachary if you wanted to be a volunteer at our Sept. races. He would rather you call him. 307-690-1342.

 

 Below are 2 great quotes that were sent to me this morning. enjoy!

 

 

 

 "We have two options in life both medically and emotionally, give up or
fight like hell." -Lance Armstrong

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
--Albert Einstein

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen

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Link for you to check out

Hi guys and gals!

 

I have received many emails with questions about my upcoming journey.

I think the best way to answer most of the questions if for you to go to this link below!

 

Thank you for your support.

16 days to go!

 

 

 

 http://www.lisasmithbatchen.com/badwaterdouble/bwd_cause.htm 

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen

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Very good laugh!

Ok guys and girls, I think this will give us all a good laugh today!

 

Happy Friday and have some chocolate, I'm going to!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject: Fwd: Womens Hormones

----- The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband and/or boyfriend!

DANGEROUS:	SAFER:	SAFEST:	ULTRA SAFE:
What's for dinner?	Can I help you with dinner?	Where would you like to go for dinner?	Here, have some chocolate.
Are you wearing that?	Wow, you sure look good in brown!	WOW! Look at you!	Here, have some chocolate
What are you so worked up about?	Could we be overreacting?	Here's my pay check.	Here, have some chocolate.
Should you be eating that?	You know, there are a lot of apples left.	Can I get you a glass of wine with that?	Here, have some chocolate.
What did you DO all day?	I hope you didn't over-do it today.	I've always loved you in that robe!	Here, have some morechocolate.

13 Things PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift
 
3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4 Puffy Mid-Section
 
5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me with Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbing

8. Pimples May Surface
 
9. Pass My Sweat pants

10. Pissy Mood Syndrome
 
11. Plainly; Men Suck

12. Pack My Stuff

13. Potential Murder Suspect
 
Pass this on to all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a good laugh! Or men who need a warning.

And remember: Money talks ... but Chocolate SINGS

 

Happy Feet!
Lisa Smith-Batchen

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