question

Hi everyone,

 

I hope you are having a great day and that life is treating you well.

 

I have frequently been asked and was asked today what race is harder the MDS or Badwater 135.

 

My answer is:

In my opinion you can't in anyway compare the races. The only similar features these races have is that they are both in a desert and they are both hot!

MDS is a stage race where you carry all your own supplies for 7 days. You are given 9 liters of water each day at various check points. The distance is close to 150 miles over several different types of terrain, such as sands dunes, dried up river beds,rocks and gravel. There is little if any road running. This race you sleep out in the middle of the Sahara desert under the most amazing star filled sky with amazing people from all over the world, all with a story to tell! The bounding that goes on during this race between perfect strangers is like nothing I have ever experienced before and will last you a lifetime.

MDS is a journey of self and not one you are able to explain to someone unless you experience it first hand. The real test of MDS comes in your ability to make sure you have all the "right stuff" in your back pack. You can't have someone run off to the store to pick you up anything you must have it with you. Your ability to recover from day to day is also a very large part of this race. People think its only hot in the Sahara, it is very cool at night this is why you must have a very warm sleeping bag with you. You can visit our web site to learn more about the MDS.

www.dreamchaserevents.com

 

Badwater: is 135 on the road. The race is straight through, you only sleep if you wish. You have a crew to give you all the supplies you will need along the way. You need to enjoy running on the road to really love this race. The course is beautiful in so many ways, it is forever changing with each passing mile. The RD had 3 different starts for the race which makes it fun. The course is very difficult with the heat you experience. It always seems so hot due to the heat coming off the black top road. Badwater is a real test of survival with how your mind, body and spirit will hold up for 135 miles in a furnace that you can't get out of! This race is one of my favorite because of the course, the event itself and what you learn about yourself as a person along the way. I have completed BW 7 times and will be back this year. Each time I run the race I learn so much more about the deepness of my being that I have yet to explore. I always tell people that at BW the race does not start until 100 miles!

 

Why do I go back to both races: I have done many races that I never have the desire to go back to again. These 2 races have a place on my heart that I just cant explain to you.

The love for the heat, the desert, the ultimate challenge, the bonding with people and the universe. My thought it that you find a way to try both of these events yourself sometime in your life. If not to race them, you can be part of these events in other ways. Volunteer or be on someone's crew.

 

Both races are equal in the awesome experience but very different in most ways.

 

Have a great day

Lisa

4 hour run

On my way out the door for a 4 hour run going 8/2 at 80% with 16 pound back pack on. My 3rd back pack workout.

Its cold and SNOWING again, visibility is very low.

 

Send me some good energy!

Happy Feet

Lisa

Deep snow workout

Wed. we had 40-50 mph winds and blowing snow that was just like being in a sand storm.

My daughter Annabella wanted to go outside and thank goodness because I did to.

We of course have all the right clothes and gear.


For 2 hours this almost 3 year old and her mommy were out on snowshoes walking through snow up to our waist. Annabella kept

saying, mush mommy mush!

I could not move any faster than I was, my legs felt like

they had iron boots on them.

After 30 min. Annabella fell asleep. As much as I wanted

to go back into the warm house, I kept going being thankful that I had a kid that will

sit in a back pack for 2 hours, be supportive, encouraging and let mommy get kick

butt workout! At the end of the day Annabella says, we did good mommy!

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Lisa:)

My first Marathon: last part

My brother Perry found Stephen wandering a side Street about 2 miles from the finish line.

He had gone into a McDonald's to get some orange juice and then got off course.

His eyes were rolling into the back of his head and he said he had blood in his pee. Not good!

My brother Perry begged Stephen to get on the back of his motor cycle and stop running. Stephen refused to do so, said he wanted the $500 bucks and was not going to stop until he got to the end. He got to the end ok and  we later found out he had gone an extra 3 miles when he got off the course. For 3 days after this practice marathon Stephen could not get out of bed, I had to help him in and out of bed and get all his meals for him. I felt GREAT! Poor guy! My brothers gave Stephen the $500 and I thought he wad going to split it with me. Not a chance he said, I ran further that you did and look at the shoes I had on and did not even train for 1 day! Remember he had Converse flat top basketball shoes on.

The official marathon was 2 weeks away. I knew I could make the distance and I was really thrilled about this. My parents were at the finish line. I ran the entire course and loved having some people along the way yelling for all of us. As I was running up the finish line I can still see my father leaning over the rope on the left side of the road. He looked shocked that it was really me running up the finish. People were yelling out to me,"your going to Boston, your going to Boston." I had no idea if they were talking to me or what a Boston was! 3:13 was my official time. I qualified for the Boston marathon for which I had no idea at the time that this was the marathon everyone wanted to run.

The most rewarding part of all of this as I look back is having my parents at the finish line, sharing this with my brother who still to this day loves to tell the story of how he beat the pants off of me and that with no watch I qualified for Boston.

Keeping it all simple is the fun way to train in my opinion. Time, effort, energy and the belief in yourself that you can do anything you set out to do. This is really what it is all about?

Having 3 older brother's as you can see must have had an effect on me:)

 

Happy Feet

Lisa

From and 8th grade young girl

 

Below is an email I sent to an 8th grade girl that I am not coaching on line.

 

 

MY EMAIL TO HER:

 

You are amazing to.:)

Now you need to decide if you want to be average, good or great in this life and at everything you do in life.

Anyone can be average, it takes some work to be good but it takes time, effort and much dedication to achieve greatness.

Which one do you want? 

 
RESPONSE:

 

I don't want any of them.  I want to be extraordinary at life, and every little thing I do.

 

I have been wanting to change my whole image of myself for months but never got around to doing it.  I really want to be happy with my appirance but more important the way I feel about myself.

 

WHAT A RESPONSE FROM SOMEONE SO YOUNG!

People in your life!

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid
emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

 

Have a great day!

Lisa

Ray Zahab wins the Libyan Challenge!

"The Libyan Challenge was truely a unique event for
Lisa and I to prepare for. Basically, we were heading
into unchartered territory ! A race of
self-sufficiency in the desert, 190 kms non-stop ! The
concept was to carry everything you would need to
survive for 4 days in the desert in the possibility it
would take that long to complete. You also had to
navigate your way with a gps along an unmarked course
through huge dunes, near vertical mountain passes and
long stretches of soft sand to the water cp's which
were approx. 25-30 kms apart ! Yikes ! The scenery was
incredible, and the experience unforgettable. It took
me a little over 31 hours of almost non-stop running
to finish, and with Lisa's ever present spot on my
shoulder yelling in my ear- keep going, don't stop !!!
, I was able to win ! Thanks Lisa !"

 

Libyan_C_T_1696.JPG (2235K)

Libyan_C_T_1279.JPG (2298K)

Libyan_C_T_1304.JPG (1832K)

Worth staying happy!

This is sooooo true !!!!!

                    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.

My first marathon part 2

I have no idea how far or how much time we had been running when I did not feel very well. I told my brother Stephen that I wanted to stop. He about had a fit. You are not going to stop, you are not going to stop until we get to the end and then maybe you will just need to run home from the finish line to! He knew all to well to tick me off, get me mad and I would shut up and get going.

I grew up with 3 older brothers and 1 younger sister, all of us less than 2 years apart. Having 3 older brothers that were all good athletes made me feel the need to be tough.

2 of my brothers were great ice hockey players, Stephen was one of the best to come out of our High School, one brother was a foot ball player and body builder.

My younger sister was into softball and basket ball.

Not having a watch during this marathon test or knowing how far we had run is just the way I still love to run. On effort!

A little over half way into this marathon test my brother starts to look bad, I mean really bad. His eyes were red and he was starting to stumble but would not stop.

He told me to go on ahead and wait for him at the finish, he was just going to start walking. I told him, No way! Leave no man behind. He yelled at me to get my A-- going or else, so I did. I waited, waited and then waited at the end. I could not believe that I did it, I ran all the way, 26.2 miles. Where was Stephen????

More to come

Happy Feet

Lisa

Hope to see you

 

Hi guys and gals!

I hope to see many of you at this great event!

Happy Feet

Lisa

 

 

http://www.geminiadventures.com/RATScamp.html

 

 

Spring Desert Ultra Trail Running Festival:

The Spring Desert Ultra Trail Running Festival is a weekend of fun and challenges centered around one of the fastest growing sports in North America.  The weekend starts with a pasta dinner on Friday night.  Racers relax in a casual setting and prepare for the 25/50 mile races on Saturday.  After the race, family and friends will meet back at the host hotel for awards, raffles, and an inspirational talk by Montrail?s Lisa Smith-Batchen.  Sunday begins with 5/10 mile races and is followed by more awards and raffles.  All races are run on rugged desert trails with some of the most beautiful scenery the Colorado desert has to offer. 

 

Desert R.A.T.S. Training Camp:

Whether you are training for an expedition race or you just want to discover what it takes to compete in a desert, multi-day stage race such as the Marathon des Sables or Desert R.A.T.S., see for yourself with the Desert R.A.T.S. Training Weekend.  Runners will sample the terrain of Desert R.A.T.S. and test themselves with three consecutive days of running, all under the guidance of experienced coaches and with the camaraderie of other runners in a non-competitive environment.

 

Desert R.A.T.S. stage race:

Run from Grand Junction, Colorado to the world famous Moab, Utah along the beautiful 148-mile Kokopelli's trail.  Distances will range from day to day between 9 and 50 miles.  This is a grueling event that will challenge the most seasoned athletes yet it is designed so that less experienced ultrarunners can train for and successfully complete the course.  The entire length of the trail is stunningly beautiful with jagged canyons and breathtaking vistas and Desert R.A.T.S. racers experience every beautiful mile.

Racers will rendezvous in Moab, UT on Sunday June 11th,  to receive their Expedition Journals with detailed course maps and final race instructions.  Early on Monday morning, runners will be transported to the start line near Grand Junction and head off for the first of six days.  Each day runners will be greeted at the finish line and directed to the tent city where they can mingle, access their gear, enjoy a hot meal provided by Gemini Events and rest up for the next day.  While sleeping gear and supplies are forwarded to the tent city for runners, there is a 3000 cu. in. limit for each bag (so think before you pack) and all runners must carry a minimum amount of mandatory gear at all times over the course of the entire event.  Each morning runners will rise for a light breakfast, also provided by Gemini Events, and an early morning start of the next stage from the site of the tent city.

Each night the tent city buzzes with excitement as the day's results and overall standings are posted and the nightly meeting is held to make announcements. 

Runners finishing the entire 148-mile course will arrive in Moab, UT with the satisfaction of having completed the ultimate adventure running race.  That night all runners completing the entire course within the established rules will be presented with a finisher's award at a memorable post-race party open for all runners and their families.

Power walking and 300 calories

Below is from a coachin client..The beauty of PW (power walking) and 300 calories an hour!

Have a great day

Lisa

 

 

 

Hi Lisa, 
 
I had a great day. I did 3.5/1.5 from the start to the end. For the first 9 hours I had a gel at the half hour (Hammer gel/Carboom), 2 Cliff Shot Bloks at the hour and cut down Succeed Amino during the hour. For the last three+ hours I drank water and ate pretzels along with Cliff Shot Bloks and Hammergel. The course was all paved asphalt, shaded for the most part and flat a pancake. I started out slow and got to 50K in 5:54:xx (a new official PR). I was able to maintain the pace, got my first ever sub-10hr 50 mile (unofficial, ofcourse) and maintained pace to finish the 100K in 12:14:45, a PR by more than an hour. I felt great the entire time with absolutely no stomach issues. So what was going to be a training run ended up being a great day. Other than the regular soreness I feel fine now. Thanks for your coaching. 

Right Foot: give it a try!

This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And you will keep
trying at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot,
but you can't.

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor
and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your
righthand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so .....And there's nothing you can do about it!

ha!!! sent from a great friend!

 

Hello Lisa,

 

This looks like something you would devise.

 

Love this!!!!

What did I do for training today???

 

2.5 hours pushing Gabby and pulling Annabella through deep snow. Seemed like about a 6 hour effort.

Sun is out and life is good!

 

 

 

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it!

Mother Teresa

My first marathon

 

 

When I decided to run my first marathon I had run several 5 and 10k. I heard some people talking about a marathon and I found out the it was 26.2 miles, I had to do it!

Near my home town was a marathon in early April, The Lake County marathon.

I had no idea how to run a marathon or really what I was getting myself into.

My 3 brothers had a bet that I could not do it! My brother Stephen said I can do it with no training! My other 2 brothers made Stephen a $500 bet that he could not make the distance. I was so worried that I would not make it that I had my mother drive myself and Stephen to the start line of this race so we could run the course the week before the race, just to make sure we could make it. No water, no gue, no sunglasses only the clothes and shoe we had on our bodies. I had no idea you even needed to drink water along the way back then!!! Its amazing how far things have come in the training and nutritional world.  My brother Stephen had a pair of flat top converse tennis shoes on and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes rolled up in his t-shirt sleeve. We started running and running. My brother Perry was going to be on his motor cycle every once in awhile checking on us to make sure we did not get a ride in a car or for that mater as he said, cheat!

 

More to come

Happy feet

Lisa

 

Book I just finished reading

I just finished reading a good inspiration book.

 

Why Courage Matters The Way To A Braver Life

By:John Mccain

 

The back of the book reads this:

"Were all afraid of something. Some have more fears that others. The one we must all guard is the fear of ourselves. Don't let the sensation of fear convince you that you're too weak to have courage. Fear is the opportunity for courage, not proof of cowardice. No one is born a coward. We were meant to love. And we were meant to have courage for it.

So be brave. The rest is easy."

 "We are taught to understand, correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity for action despite out fears."

 

Worth reading.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Fear is your friend, honor it and trust it with all your heart!

 

Lisa

e-bay

It is so nice to have a home gym but to be honest It is so hard for me to train inside!

I love to be outside, like the rest of us. I have been able to purchase all the equipment that we have, one by one on e-bay! Dreamchasers now sells the rebounder so if you what to know more about these email me. My 3 year old has her own rebounder so she can jump when I do. Anyone who has little kids knows the challenges of being creative so that you get some form of training in.

Today is a day off for me.

 

Have a great one.

Lisa

My workout today

I'm back to getting up at 3:30 am and being able to train, which is such a joy for me. I love the wee hours of the early morning. I still can't get my lazy butt out the door in the dark, cold winter so I trained indoors. Our formal family room is my office/gym!

I have a treadmill, EFX, rowing machine, spin bike, rebounder and all kinds of weights to do core work. My husband Jay put a flat screen TV in the room for a Christmas gift and this makes it so nice! Today I watched the move the Million Dollar Baby. Now the body on that women makes you want to train harder!:) I used to box all the time for cross training and this it is an amazing workout. Workout: 1:30 on the treadmill on all different grades, power walking only. 30 min. on the versa climber, kicked my butt and then 15 min. rowing machine and last 15 min. core work. All before anyone else in our house made a beep.

I hope you had a great workout today to!

Happy Feet

Lisa

TRUE FEELINGS TO SHARE

HOW MANY OF US HAVE FELT THIS WAY?

Long time no talk. I'll be emailing A LOT more than I have been. My company is going through a major operational change... we moved our warehouse from NYC to OH and let me tell you, I put in over 75 hours of work the week before the marathon (i'm on the project team, I manage 6 people, I am working with the VP of sales to reconstruct our US sales force...etc... the list doesn't end).

I ran it though. Less trained than I could've been... but truthfully, the run was felt SOOOO good. I ran the same race last year and hated it and this year I found a peace I definitely needed. When I finished I had a bit left over, that is true, not one step was a tired one. It's like I ran like I appreciated running... sorta like eating chocolate.

I guess my circumstances forced me to not exactly reevaluate my goals, but rather adjust my expectations. Like I said, the race itself... I didn't push very hard. Usually when I don't push hard I feel like it is a lost opportunity. This time I really didn't feel that way. I literally didn't sleep the Friday before because who I love told me he didn't quite love me anymore... ha... or care about me for that matter. Anyway, I guess I'll get all my excuses in in the beginning of the year. But it does bring up a few questions I don't really have answers for: why do I run? what are my goals... time, finishing, enjoyment, etc??? I guess you can ask the questions and I'll just respond.

MY RESPONSE TO HER:

I have just read your email over 2 times, you are one amazing young lady with SO much of life ahead of you.

Its great that you get things done.

The place I want to take you is to a place of being satisfied with yourself!

Why do you run? Its a friend, a very good friend. It brings you peace, it brings you pain and it brings you stability that nothing else in life will bring to you.

Its the friend that will help you solve all the worries of the world and when something in life is bothering you it will seem so much less after you go out for a run.

You have so much talent in many ways, running is just one of them. You have not even come close to where this friend of yours, running will take you.

You are a very competitive person, I have watched you run and race and I have listened to all those others around you talk about how amazing you are and how much faster you can become with the right stuff!

With all this said, let's get the running shoes on and get going!

PS..I am very sorry about the love in your life. Trust me when I say that something much, much better is waiting for you.

Lisa

one of the best: read to the end!

Lisa,

hi - i'm hoping your life has calmed down since the article came out. i first heard about it on the ultra listserv then went out and bought the magazine. i wanted to wait for the action to die down before emailing you. wow is all i can say after reading the article. i'm sure you've heard every platitude by now but i'm sorry to hear about what had been going on and i hope you're on the mend.

in the spirit of the olympics that just ended, the olympic creed would seem appropriate.

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

here's to fighting well!!

THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES! HOW AWESOME!

Lent

To all of you who celebrate

and a thought for Lent...

"We blindly love the bitter things brought on from our material desires, we pursue what is passing away, we cling to what is falling. And because we can't hold on to it, we too are falling along with the things we grasp as they collapse. ...Consider the emptiness of things which pass away with time. Fix your hearts on love of what is eternal, so that when you decline to strive for earthly heights you may attain the glory you grasp by faith.

St. Gregory the Great

New Book to put on your reading list!

Question: What do you get when you drop a 40-something soccer Mom into the Brazilian Amazon jungle?

Answer: An adventure of a lifetime.

The Jungle Marathon of 2003 was a foot race that tested the limits of Rebekah Trittipoe. Never before had she run so far for so long. This wife and mother of two went to the jungle to compete in the inaugural Jungle Marathon, a self-sufficient, seven day race covering 250 km of sweltering jungle. With a week?s worth of supplies strapped to her back, her journey began with a single step.

The race thrust Trittipoe head first into a novel experience: six stages over a period of seven days, oppressive heat and humidity, poisonous snakes and spiders, chest-deep swamp crossings, swinging from jungle hammocks, relentless terrain, shoe-sucking mud and stalking jaguars. Far from her Virginia home, Rebekah found herself running with?and against?competitors from around the world through the harsh equatorial jungle.

This book is about that race. It is a story of extreme sport. It is a story of highs and lows. It is a story of failure and success. It is a story of sustaining faith. It is a story meant to encourage, inspire and motivate. It is a story for the runner and non-runner, man and woman, adult and child. It is a story for you.

(The author, Rebekah Trittipoe, did not begin running ultramarathons until she was 37 years old. Far removed from her high school sprinting days, she has come to love running mountain trails over the last dozen years. Rebekah has run numerous ultramarathons and has had the privilege of running at least one ultra with each of her sons. This is her second book, the first one being Quest For Adventure, chronically the adventures of legendary runner David Horton.)

Bill Graney Grand Teton 100 mile

Hi gang!

Bill Graney one of my coaching clients won the Grand Teton 100 mile last Sept.

He told us if he won the race he was going to have the Dreamchaser logo tattooed on his leg. He did it!

Here it is:

Tat.pdf (10K

Great article

Hi everyone,

 

I hope you had a great weekend, I did. Pulled the tire for 3 hours today, feel like I get extra credit:)

 

Great article on a long time friend of ours Ben Jones M.D. in Men's Health Best for Life March issue. The article is on page 54-55 and is titled "A prescription for lifelong health".

 

Happy Feet

Lisa

This is what its all about!!!

Hi Lisa. 

I'm just overjoyed today.  Turning 35 isn't a sign of going down-hill
afterall !!!

In today's NYRR Snowflake 4-Mile race, I set a new PR (topping my time of
29:35 in last year's Snowflake 4-Mile) by nearly 25 seconds or so.
Unofficially, by the watch, my time was around 29:10, with nice even splits.
I'm awaiting the official results, but there is not doubt you have coached
me to a new 4-Mile PR.

Thanks for a great birthday present !!

Great Quote

" Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; the point is who you become as you get past the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals. That's what gives you a true and long-lasting sense of fulfillment."

-Anthony Robbins-

 

Have a great day!

Lisa

To all the men in my life:)

Keith you are one amazing guy and I hope you can and will meet the rest of the gang one of these days. I am so thankful for all of you, men and women, as your friend and coach:)

Keith ran his first 50 mile here in the Tetons last Sept!! Now he is training for a 100 mile and Ironman Idaho..

www.tetonraces.com

 

Keith sent me a photo of us at the finish line of his first 50, it is now hanging in my office and is a constant reminder of why I love being a coach.

 

Happy feet

Lisa

Texas Runner Run over by a deer!

I bet I have a story you have never heard before.  Last night on the news here in Dallas they ran a story about an individual that ran in the Freescale Marathon this past weekend.  The race started far North Austin in a very rural area of town.  This person was run over by two deer's that were crossing the street!  He finished the race and had is medal with him, however he had bruised elbows and knees!  I could not believe it when I heard the story.

 

 

Yukon race

So many of you have asked how Katherine did in her 320 mile race: Below is what happened to her.

Pray she heals fast!

 

 

Hi Lisa

 

It was darn hard but it was an accident which put an end to my race.  I fell through the ice after about 140 miles and (although I didn't realise it at the time) damaged my back.  The next 3 miles to the CP took my 9 and a half hours!  I have slipped a couple of discs and have a few cuts and so am on a lot of pain killers at the minute.  I'm hoping I heal quickly as I think I really need to get training again as its quite depressing just sitting around dwelling on the race.

 

For all the great Ladies!!!

One Flaw In Women



Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Training today

What can you do when the wind in blowing snow at 50 mph and you had a 2 hour run on your schedule?

 

This is the case for me today! Why we live in this snow packed place I will never know:)

I will spin on my bike for 45 min. good pace, rowing machine for 20 min. good pace and then do all kinds of jumps and running drills on the rebounder.

I am so thankful to have all my own equipment right here in my house.

Treadmill, versa climber, spin bike, rowing machine, cross country ski machine, rebounder and all the cross training supplies one could ever need!

 

Hope your day was great!

Lisa

Your all invited!!!

 

High Sierra Desert and Mountain Ultra Training Camp

 

Lisa Smith-Batchen and Marshall Ulrich are pleased to invite you to their training camp in beautiful Death Valley, CA May 3-7, 2006.

 

Sign up NOW! Space is limited!

 

During the five-day camp you will learn ? and experience ? more
than you ever thought you could
to improve your running for all types racing, including
road, desert, stage, mountain, and trail ultras!

 

Say yes NOW and save 10%!

 

If you respond BEFORE February 28, 2006 and commit to this camp,
you will save 10% on the camp fee!
E-mail us NOW and sign up!

lisa@lisasmithbatchen.com or marsh@marshallulrich.com

This is a LIMITED TIME offer!

Your Hosts and Trainers

Lisa Smith-Batchen and Marshall Ulrich are ultra running legends. At the High Sierra Camp you have the extraordinary opportunity to learn from their combined almost 40 years of experience! In addition to amazing individual accomplishments, Lisa and Marshall have raced together for more than 10 years, including runs across Death Valley and adventure races around the world?and are dear friends.

 

Through the years Lisa and Marshall have learned that the real successes in life come when you do for others. They find great joy in teaching others and sharing their life ? and training, running, and racing ? experiences with people like you!

 

Lisa and Marshall also share a passion for fundraising to support education for women and children around the world ? empowering them to improve their quality of life. Empowering others is what their camps, and their lives, are all about.

 

Come experience the empowerment for yourself!

 

Lisa, the force behind Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club www.lisasmithbatchen.com has 19 years of coaching experience and has completed more than 20 ultra marathons, 90 marathons, and 7 iron-man triathlons. She has completed the Marathon Des Sable twice, and is the only American women ever to win the women?s division. She has competed in the Badwater Ultramarathon 7 times, winning the women?s division 3 times. She is also the only women to have completed the grand slam of ultra running, and Badwater, in the same year.

 

Marshall, a founder of Team Stray Dogs www.teamstraydogs.com has more than 20 years of ultra running and extreme sport experience. He is the only person in world to complete the Triple Crown of Extreme Sports, having completed over 113 ultras averaging over 100 miles each; competed in 16 expedition-length adventure races, including all 9 Eco Challenges; and reached the summit of each of the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest, all on first attempts. Marshall has completed a record 13 Badwater 146 races, and has won the Badwater Ultramarathon a record 4 times. He has crossed Death Valley a record 18 times, including a solo and 586-mile quad crossing.

 

What You Will Do, Experience, and Learn

Whatever your goals, this camp has something for you! And, you get to experience it all in one of the most beautiful places in the country: Death Valley!

 

Lisa and Marshall will teach you using:

* Training runs

* Cross training sessions

* Classroom sessions

* Formal Q & A

* Informal discussions

* Other camp participants (everyone has knowledge to share!)

 

Come learn! Come train!

 

You will learn how to:

* Train for the heat of desert racing

* Prepare for road, mountain, trail, or stage races

* Compete in desert races, whether on the road, like in Death Valley, or across the dunes of the Sahara

* Train and run on trails

* Train for mountain running, including handling altitude and cold

* Improve your running style through gait analysis

* Hydrate and fuel yourself for training, racing, and recovery

* Power walk effectively to improve your race results

* Use cross training techniques such as core strengthening and deep water running

* Face and overcome obstacles through effective troubleshooting

* Take care of your body and feet, including clothing and equipment selection

* Prepare and work with pacers and crew

* Maintain a balance a in your life. (No?it?s not all about the running.)

 

When, Where, and What?s Included

The camp is May 3-7, 2006 in beautiful Death Valley National Park.

 

Lodging at Stovepipe Wells, in Death Valley, is included. Breakfasts and dinners at Stovepipe are also included.

 

Join us in Death Valley May 3-7, 2006!

 

We will provide one pickup at the Las Vegas airport at 1:30 p.m. on May 3 for transportation to Stovepipe. We will also provide one return trip to the airport, departing Stovepipe at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 7. You are also welcome to drive. If you are unable to make the scheduled pickup for any reason, including a delayed flight, you will be responsible for your own transportation to Stovepipe. The drive time from the Las Vegas Airport to Stovepipe is approximately 2.5 hours.

 

Training runs will be held just outside of the park. Transportation from Stovepipe to each run location will be provided. You are also welcome to drive. A support vehicle, with ice and water, will be provided for all road training runs.

 

It?s all here for YOU!

 

Fees

We provide a high quality camp with two of the best, most qualified trainers in ultra running: Lisa Smith-Batchen and Marshall Ulrich. The camp, set in beautiful and awe inspiring Death Valley, includes instructional training runs, active cross training sessions, illustrated classroom presentations with take home materials, restful lodging, meals, and transportation while at camp.

 

Sign up NOW!

 

The registration fee is only $1,295 USD per person.
There are only 20 spaces available on a first come, first served basis.

 

Bring a friend and save 10%

 

If you bring a guest, and share a room
? with your spouse, pacer/crew member, or running friend ?
the double occupancy registration fee is only $1165 per person.

(Only ONE discount applies per participant.)

 

Please send a deposit of $650 (minimum) or full payment with your application (available soon on line). 

 

Please send completed application and payment in the form of check or money order to:

 

   Dreamchasers

   Attn: Lisa Smith-Batchen

   P.O. Box 912

   Victor, ID 83455

 

For more information (coming soon) about Lisa and Marshall, the camp, application form, schedule of events, location, lodging, meals, transportation, and policies see www.lisasmithbatchen.com or www.teamstraydogs.com.

 

Remember?space is limited!

Sign up NOW!!

 

Contact us with any questions.

 

Lisa:          lisa@lisasmithbatchen.com or 208-787-2077

Marshall:   marsh@marshallulrich.com or 303-567-0727

 

Save 10% if you say yes NOW!

 

If you respond BEFORE February 28, 2006 and commit to this camp,
you will save 10% on the camp fee!

(Only ONE discount applies per participant.)

 

Articles

Happy Presidents Day to all of you who have the day off from work!

 

March issue of Runner's World is out with a feature story on me and talks a great deal about the depression I have suffered over the past few year's. Many things touched on in the article were  very different than  what we expected but feel you should all read it and let us know your thoughts!

 

March issue of Men's Health is out with an article on a camp we had at Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Featured in this article are 3 coaching clients of mine: Jim Simone, Ray Zahab and Frank Mckinney.

 

Have a great day!

Lisa

Badwater 2006 here we come!!!

Good morning friends!

Read below!!!

 

I'm so very thankful to be going back to one of my most favorite races. Date is July 24-26th...better start training:)

 

 

Hello Lisa: 
 
Congratulations! You have been accepted to compete in the 2006 Kiehl?s Badwater Ultramarathon. You are part of a select group who will participate in what is recognized worldwide as the toughest footrace that Mother Nature has to offer. We will include your name and biographical information on the online roster in the near future. 

YUKON ARCTIC 320 MILE RACE!

Hi gang!! read the information below! Katherine Hay-Heddle is a client and a Dreamchaser!

She is trying for the 320 miles and is still in after 4days!!

Please send her an email to get her spirits up!!!!

 

 

 

Yukon Arctic Ultra to start Feb. 11th

62 athletes from 13 different nations have signed up for the 4th edition of
the Yukon Arctic Ultra. This is a record!

Once again runners, xc-skiers and mountain bikers will be part of the race.
And even the first skijorer will take up the challenge with his team of
dogs. With more than 90% the runners are by far the strongest contingent.


Updates on the website during the race

I have had a few enquiries if there will be updates on the race on the
website. Yes, there will be news on how the athletes are doing. YAU veteran
Martin Like will come along to volunteer. I have asked Martin to write
reports as often as possible. These reports should also be a bit more
entertaining than what I can write . We will try to have at least one report
per day. What limits the frequency of reports is the fact that we often are
in the middle of nowhere and internet connections are not present, slow or
not working. So, sometimes you will have to be patient with us.


Emails to competitors

It will be possible to send messages to athletes. Again, I can't promise
that all messages get through or get there within a day but we will do our
best to hand on print outs of any emails. Please send the emails to
info@thegreatoutdoors.de and don't forget to write who the message is for.

 

POST ON THE YUKON SITE FEB. 14TH!!!

 

Back to the 320 mile race which continues as I write. Last to cross the road at Braeburn, which in my eyes is a major psychological barrier, was Katherine Hay-Heddle. She left the warmth and comfort of the café at 8.00pm last night. Without a flippin doubt, Katherine is one tough cookie. However, she was in some discomfort with her feet on leaving, and I anticipate her progress will be slow and may be her undoing in completing this monster of an event. I would be incredibly chuffed if she can prove me wrong.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day a day late!

I feel very fortunate today, I'm going out do my first run since I broke my toe!

My husband Jay gave me a brand new Ipod for Valentine's Day loaded with all my favorite music!

We have 2 NYC clients here for 5 days training with us for the Marathon Des Sables.

Today is hill repeats in the snow pulling a tire, they have NO idea what they are in for!:)

 

Have a wonderful day!

Lisa

Let it snow!

Good morning!

 

I have been asked many times how we train in the winter.

It seems that all the NYC folks are over there heads with snow!

Snowshoe, cross country ski and running with Yak tracks is the way to go.

Running in the snow is also the best cross training for running in the sand for races such as the Marathon Des Sables which we go to every year in April.

 

Have a great day

Happy feet!

Lisa

ultra list

Hi gang!

 

This was posted to the Ultra List

 

I am writing this on behalf of my very good friend Lisa Smith-Batchen who  is
not a member of the ultra list at this time.

First of all she really wants to thank each and every one of you for  your
response and thoughts as expressed to her in personal emails and via  postings
on the list. She asked me to clarify an important point, that  the author and
Runners World did have her overall permission to write a  feature story about
Lisa. There are however fundemental disagreements  between Lisa and the author
as to which topics were off limits. Lisa  cannot get into the specific nature
of the disagreements as of this  writing.

Lisa wanted to say ...  "It is my most profound  hope that by exposing my
problems and putting my life out there, that I can  help others who are going
through the same sort of problems. I mean this  most sincerely, if I am able to
touch or help just one person than the  entire journey and subsequent article
was well worth it."
 

Let the sun shine!

Good morning to all of you!

The sun is just over the mountain tops and its going to be a beautiful day to go for a run.

But with a broken toe I think it might be a "slog" around the block:)

 

100's of email's each day are coming to me about the RW article and I feel blessed to have been able to touch even just one of you. The article for me personally was much more about my depression than I thought it was going to be about but again if it has touched one person than I am thankful. We all go though "Bumps in the road" and its how we find our way back to the sunshine that makes it all worth it. What we learn and how we grow from all of the pain. I do believe that behind every tragedy and every misfortune we all gone through that there is a gift and greater purpose waiting for us out there, we just have to be patient and trust.

When I was in College I did not like to run very much, it was only near the end of College that I started to run to stay in shape. My first race was a 5k Turkey Trot. I had no idea what I was doing but was so pleased to get a very cool T-shirt when I signed up and to feel the amazing energy that surrounded me. I did not even own a watch at the time or running shoes. I won the race and flew home for Thanksgiving with my family with a 20 pound turkey in my hand. This was pure joy for me and so it started the long journey of where I am today.

God Bless you all and Happy Feet!

Lisa

Texas RR 50/100 Success

What great success we had at the RR 50/100! It was nice to be out of the snow for a few days. The night was very bitter to the bone cold for many of us!

I was to pace and run with Kira doing her first 100! We were running so very well when at 30 miles my left foot got stuck under a tree root and I went flying through the air! Ouch!

I continued on for 10 more miles but my big toe was not going to allow me to take another step, the Doctor said looks like you broke your toe! Kira took off and continued on to an amazing 80 miles but ended up with the SAME toe issue! In all my years I have never seen a first timer be able to Power Walk 5.5 MPH and never get off pace. I am so impressed with this women's ability, we better all watch out next time:)

.Michelle Jensen 1st Women in the 50 and her first ULTRA!!! 8:10

.Katy Cotton: 5th women  in the 50

Jay Batchen: my sweetie: 5th over all in the 50

.Steve Oliveria: 9:19 in the 50 with a best time by 1 hour and 45 minutes!

.Dale Perry: 20:20 in the 100

.Will Abrams: first 100 miles, fell asleep on the road and woke up and was thankful he was not eaten by a raccoon! Just under 29 hours!

 

Other success stories this weekend!

>Nancy Warren: 50k 4:56  best time by 30 min.

Sandy Mcullan: Fat Ass 50k in Canada, won the race in a time of 4:47 and a best time by 23 min.!!!

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky.html

Today I am back at home in  0 degree temps and another 12 inches of new
snow. Hundreds of new email since Friday so back to
work!

Happy Feet Lisa"

Run, Run, Run!

Thanks to all of you for kind words, love and support as we work through the details of the Runners World article that hit the stands this week. The writer wrote a great story on depression and exposed my pain to the world without asking me if this was ok to do!

So many areas touched on in the article were personal and private. If sharing my pain with the world can help even one person than it will all be worth it.

I would love to know your thoughts about how you feel about the article.

12 of my coaching clients and myself are running the RR 50/100 mile in Texas this weekend, I will pace a client through her first 100 miler. I can't wait to stand at the starting line and feel the energy and the love!

 

Lisa

The Untold Story: What Runner's World Didn't Tell You

Well, the emails are coming in.

The 9 page feature on me in the March Issue 2006 of Runner's World tackles the subject of depression and running.

I am asking you to post you reactions to the article here and share your thoughts.

If you want to hear the whole story and unspoken truth - Join me on a special tele-seminar with a special mystery guest at a time to be determined for later this month.

Yes I know there is alot of unknown's but you will not want to miss this event.

Join the Dreamchaser mailing list on my website to get details - there is limited space so sign up to ensure you get the announcement. I will be sending out an announcement mid-feb.

Happy Feet

Lisa:)