The G Running Diary

California Dreamin' Again: 1/10/03

Previous  |  Next  |  Index

"Hello Gillian:

Thank you for submitting your application to compete in the 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon. This is a bold step you have taken and we salute you for the commitment it implies."

That's part of the email I received. That is exciting. Plus I was looking at pictures from last year, crewing for Don. Death Valley is hot, but it is so dry that you don't get all sweaty and gross. I liked just wearing little tank tops and shorts all the time. What a weird world. Along with Badwater, Don and I are talking about other 100 milers and maybe other adventures besides that. Planning is one part of the fun of ultrarunning. Runners ask each other what their schedule for the year looks like. Often the first question is, "Are you doing States?" meaning Western States. Then the rest follows. Grand Slam, California Slam, Wasatch 100, the John Muir Trail. Any of those and other runners say that's cool. But if you mention Badwater. Oh boy. The craziest of crazies still think you are wacked if you sign up for that one. "I thought you were smart, but I guess I was wrong," is more like the typical comment.