WALKING 4 HEALTH: Badwater 2012

BADWATER 2012 - July 16, 2012

Meet Mikael Andersson from Sweden. Mikael is an adventure runner and has run some brutal ultra races. Mikael attempted the Sparathlon four times with a two time finish. SPARTATHLON is a historic ultra-distance foot race that takes place in Greece. It is one of the most difficult and satisfying ultra-distance races in the world and described as the world's most grueling race. The Spartathlon runs over rough tracks and muddy paths (often it rains during the race), crosses vineyards and olive groves, climbs steep hillsides and, most challenging of all, takes the runners on the 1,200 meter ascent and descent of Mount Parthenio in the dead of night. This is the mountain, covered with rocks and bushes, on which it is said Pheidippides met the god Pan. In 2,500 years man has had no impact at all. There is still no pathway over the mountain that is swept by strong winds with temperatures as low as 4°C. The ascent is marked out by a trail of battery-driven colored flashing lights and its challenge is a trial for human stamina. Mikael finished Sparathlon in 29:45! How amazing is that? Mikael quit adventure racing for running.

Mikael seem to be a little excited but I was so nervous and excited for him. He started in the 10am wave with all the elite ultramarathoners and I found that to be intimating. Me, crewing at Badwater? Wow!!!

The 10am start...

Paul, are crew leader had crewed at Badwater last year and his knowledge is what got us through 48 hours of heat, cold and the dark night. Paul is a good crew leader and very funny. He kept us laughing with his ghost stories.

Clare, Mikael girlfriend was amazing! She mixed and measured his drinks and make sure he was well taken care of! This lady did not sleep and was always smiling and laughing. I think Paul had a little something to do with that.

Crewing is a lot of hard work and it takes skills. Paul and Clare had a good routine and worked very well together. Can you believe these two did this over 100 times!!! And I drove and stopped over 100 times too...I did 80 percent of the driving and cheering.

Sea level...

Mikael finished Badwater Ultramarathon in 34:05:25. My experience crewing was an experience of a lifetime. Will I do it again? Hell yeah!!!

This is Mosi Smith the second African American to finish Badwater. Mosi finished 37:11:08

I'm so proud of Heidi Perry from Washington. She finished Badwater in 35:59:53...She rocked Badwater. I am not ashamed to say it...I am a "picture groupie" and I got pictures with some of the most amazing ultramarathon celebrities.