Had a fantastic race. Final time was 22 hr and 20 minutes. Second Overall Female. 8th overall runner. I am proud of this accomplishment; however, wish I would have run a sub 20. Does this ever end? The big ultra time is sub 24..right? Why am I trying to get better than that? Feel like I could have done this although I lost so much time during the night. Ran the first 50 k in 5 hours. Was right on target speed for the first 50 miles, averaging about 6 miles every hour. Once I appoached the 7 mile bridge (around mile 63), I started out strong. About half way through, my water was hot, and I didn't have a pacer. There were a few other runners around me on the bridge. My calves locked up a couple of times, and I had to stop and squat. My husband had been meeting me every 1/2 mile to a mile and refreshing my drink and so forth. I was about of electrolytes by this time, so I was having to rely on the EFO supplement that was giving me heartburn. When I got across the bridge, I decide I needed to eat and drink some calories. I had two slices of pizza; unfortunatley, this all came up about 30 minutes later. It was getting dark. I new at this point it was going to be tough to keep moving. I didn't want to get sick again, so I was relying mainly on ice water. I really couldn't stomach anything else. So I was staggering the final marathon. Literally asleep and still moving lol. Had to walk a lot and this caused me some serious time.

LESSONS LEARNED: My choice of electrolytes is Accel gel with ice water. I will have this every hour at BADWATER. I am working on the heartburn issues and taking in the EFO supplement drink so that I can get used to it. It would be nice to be able to drink this instead of water and therefore, have to rely on the gels. I don't think my stomach can handle anything but this type of nutrition. Once I threw up, I knew that I had lost everything, and I did not want this to happen again. I think probably at this point, I was over hydrated as I wasn't taking in an equal amount of electrolytes. My goal is to perfect this balance before July.

Husband set up a tredmil in front of a heater out in his shop. Plan to do some heated running a lot in the next month. Having a bit of pain on the inside of my foot though. Will do some biking and trial running in addition to pave mileage.

Just got out of pre race meeting! Got number 5! Plane was delayed this am for about 3 hr, so we didn't get in as scheduled! Didn't get much sleep last night but still feel ok it is going to be hot tomorrow the hotter the better I always say!!

Stayed sick all week leading up to the Keys Run. Had congestion and got into some poison ivy while floating the Buffalo River this weekend. Had a good time despite the PI. Was really worried I wasn't going to be up to running in the Keys, but I feel much better today. We are leaving Little Rock tonight and plan to be in Dallas by early morning. Can't wait. Ready to run!!!! Perhaps getting sick this week was a blessing.

Leaving for the Keys next Friday, May 13! Driving to Dallas and flying from DFW to Ft. Lauderdale. Planning to buy supplies when we arrive. Taking very little as we are trying to avoid additional charges! Really excited and feeling very strong!

BadWater 2011

Here we go again.
What: Keys 100 2011
When: May 14-15 strong>
Where: Key Largo to Key West
Why: Preparation for BadWater 2011
How: Crew Support: Hubby Bill

What: Badwater 2011
When: July 11, 2011
Where: DeathValley to Mt Whitney
Why: Because I was invited to compete. Day One is my 40th B-Day. Not scared about the miles or heat. Nervous about stomach issue and nutrition. Need help.
How: Crew Support: Hubby Bill (Crew Leader), Mother (Gail Hopkins), Sister (April Owen), Neice (Ashley Owen)
Preparation: Sauna Training, Hill training, 75-100 mile running weeks. Cross Training. Beginning in June, Double-Day Workouts, napping, and sun tanning (daily).

CAN'T WAIT