BADWATER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Greetings Ben & Denise!

My name is Angela Brunson and I will be running/walking/crawling the Badwater Ultramarathon this summer. (I crewed for Jack Denness last year). I plan to attend both clinics, but my crew and I have a few questions regarding the clinics.

See you this summer!
Angela Brunson
(323) 933-1576

Angela’s question:
1) Can a runner/crew member who gets tired, after say 20 miles, jump on to the
U-haul truck (or do they just get stranded in the desert)?
Denise’s answer:

This is not a race at all. It's a learning experience. There is absolutely no pressure to complete any mileage. You can ride in the crew vehicle or you can do all of it or only parts of it, depending on how you feel. We are there to instruct you if you have questions or problems so that during the actual race you will have an idea of what "works for you!"  Everyone is different and so we try to individualize based on our experiences out there. Every year a few runners treat it like a race.  They are asked not to do so, but alas, you get a few runners together and someone just has to prove something!  It's laughable!  Anyway, we are there to serve and help in any way possible!
Angela’s question:

2) Can the U-haul accommodate a bicycle in case the runner/crew member gets tired of running and wants to switch to a different means of torture?
Denise’s answer:

We would prefer no bikes because we have found it to be confusing and dangerous at times. However, we don't forbid it. I've helped on a bike, myself, and a bike has to go so slowly that's it's hard to stay upright. We used a U-Haul in 2000 and many times in previous years. However, we have found that our little white trailer is easier for everyone. It's easier to have people crew out of the trailer because they can reach in for their things. In the U-Haul, it's too much climbing up and down every mile or so. When Ben ran the race he used a U-Haul all five times and three finishes. I used a U-Haul twice and a van the last time in '99.  I found the van to be much easier for the crew and for me. A U-Haul is so bulky on those narrow roads. So we've learned as this race has evolved. One problem I can foresee this year is that there are so many runners and crew members attending the clinics that we might have a problem accommodating them our the little trailer. Thus, several of the runners might hang with each other in a type of caravan and use their won vehicles. That also happens. But if a runner is alone, then they hang with us. Of course, anyone who needs help, we try to be there, but sometimes we get spread out, thus in the evenings we have a question and answer time to review any problems that might have occurred that day.  Remember that this is not about speed, but about body maintenance!  Mike Trevino hung with us in the clinic last year (can't remember whether is was Memorial Day or the 4th) but he's "so fast" and yet he would just do out and backs to the trailer while the other runners caught up. He was happy to do it that way so everyone got in a good workout. Sometimes, if a runner is slower he/she will jump into the crew vehicle or trailer and get bumped up a mile. Most importantly, one learns about what the heat feels like, what to do about it and how to manage one's stomach, skin and feet. We feel that the potential of finishing this race is much better if a runner can attend the clinics and I believe we have about 98% finishers in the actual race. The one runner I
can think of who hasn't finished didn't do the whole clinic and was late and didn't go to dinner with us or to the other offered sessions of "advice-giving"....thus, there were questions which had gone unanswered! Believe me, we've all "learned by doing" out there. Every year a new mystery is solved only to find another question!!!  Most of all, we have a blast. Because it's non-serious and it's not a race, it's fun!  We call it "Course
Bonding"!!!
Angela’s question:

3) Do you know if there are discounted motel rates for the clinics? How aabout camping?
Denise’s answer:
Yes, there are discounted rates. You must mention that you are with the Badwater Ultramarathon (training clinic) when you make reservations at Stovepipe Wells!  You
can also go to our website at:

http://www.badwaterbenjones.com

and see all the information there as well as clinic updates. Look under “Newsflash!” The race website also has this information.

http://www.badwaterultra.com

It's too darned HOT to camp. You'd die from dehydration unless we get cool weather. They stop the camping in the summer out there at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe.  You just can't imagine how hot it stays at night. We do suggest you get a room and you'll be ever so glad you do if we get good heat! 
[The reason we asked about camping is because we are cheap (saving money for Badwater and a post-Badwater cruise to the Bahamas!). So although we may be cheap, we are not interested in roasting day AND night - thanks for the advice about the heat. We would, in fact be very interested in sharing the room with the other crew member (there are two of us in one bed) in order to cut costs. We plan to attend both clinics (the first two days of the May Clinic and the last two days of the July Clinic)].

Warm wishes,
Denise Jones

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