Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Lone Pine
Alright Folks: Alex made it to Lone Pine at 42:55. He has 48 hour to complete the race. This means he has 5 hours to complete 13 miles. You can do it Alex, keep it up, dig deep!!
A quick phone call!
The crew arranged for a quick phone call tonight!
Stacey says that he's been extremely positive throughout the entire race. Alex sounds very tired. He vomited a lot after trying to regain his weight at the second rest stop, but felt better immediately after. Right now the only thing that is bothersome are blisters on his feet. However, he's motivated to cross that finish-line. He says thank you to everyone that has left a comment, read his blog or followed-along via face-book posts. It will be an amazing feeling for him to read all of these posts once he's done, and realize how many people were supporting him through this journey! One last marathon to go, you're 4/5 Alex
Stacey says that he's been extremely positive throughout the entire race. Alex sounds very tired. He vomited a lot after trying to regain his weight at the second rest stop, but felt better immediately after. Right now the only thing that is bothersome are blisters on his feet. However, he's motivated to cross that finish-line. He says thank you to everyone that has left a comment, read his blog or followed-along via face-book posts. It will be an amazing feeling for him to read all of these posts once he's done, and realize how many people were supporting him through this journey! One last marathon to go, you're 4/5 Alex
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
S.O.D.A.
A last request -
Please remember that Alex is running on behalf of the CANADIAN charity S.O.D.A. (Samuha Overseas Development Association). 100% of the funds donated go directly towards children in India who are trying to achieve what so many of us take for granted - Mobility.
Support Alex by donating at at www.samuha.ca
Please remember that Alex is running on behalf of the CANADIAN charity S.O.D.A. (Samuha Overseas Development Association). 100% of the funds donated go directly towards children in India who are trying to achieve what so many of us take for granted - Mobility.
Support Alex by donating at at www.samuha.ca
Father Crowley
Alex has made it to Father Crowley landmark. 80 miles complete, 55 to go! You can do this!! 3/5 marathons complete!! Keep it up!
Third rest station!
Alex has made it to the third rest station and is already on his way towards the fourth. The time splits on the Badwater site have not be updated for hours. I will keep you posted!
Made it to Stove Pipe Wells
Just got off the phone with Alex:
He lost 7 lbs (of sweat). He had to wait until he gained at least half of it back before he could start running again. This took about 30 minutes. The focus is to hydrate as much as possible before the sun rises and to continually watch his salt intake. He seemed to be in good spirits!
He lost 7 lbs (of sweat). He had to wait until he gained at least half of it back before he could start running again. This took about 30 minutes. The focus is to hydrate as much as possible before the sun rises and to continually watch his salt intake. He seemed to be in good spirits!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Approaching 1st Marathon distance
Just completed my 1st of 5 marathons during this Ultra
Did I mention I have the "Dream Team" Crew?
Did I mention I have the "Dream Team" Crew?
Web Cam
The first 8:00 start runner has made it to the first aid station. This means Alex is not far behind. To watch live streaming as he passes through Furnace Creek click on the link:
http://www.badwater.com/2013web/index.html
Half way down the page are two media screens. Click on the right one named USTREAM.
Good luck Alex!
http://www.badwater.com/2013web/index.html
Half way down the page are two media screens. Click on the right one named USTREAM.
Good luck Alex!
Start line
The first stretch of the race I have to run alone. My crew will be waiting for me 28 Km out in 2 vehicles. Here is a pic of the first vehicle, ready to hit the road and me at the start line!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Pre-Race Photos
Here are a few pictures of me prior to the orientation meeting. All of this years runners are pool side for a final photo before the big race. Good luck to all the participants and crews!
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GPS
Crew Co-Capitano Joaquin Candel has set me up with a GPS tracking device. My start time is 8 am (11 am EST). Please follow me along on the link below. Again, thank you for all the encouragement. I am a little bit nervous, but am looking forward to stepping up to that start line!
http://share.findmespot.com/
http://share.findmespot.com/
Saturday, July 13, 2013
A BIG thank you, and a little recap
After years of following the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon and
months dedicated to training for this race, it all comes down to these last remaining
3 days. On Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. (11:00 EST) I step up to the start line
of the toughest race in the world. Training was not easy, and following a
training schedule for 9 straight months, day in and day out was hard. But with all
the support from my wife, running friends and of course my family, I feel I am
prepared for the long journey from Badwater to the portals of Mount Whitney 135
miles away.
Here is a recap:
Month
|
KM
|
Jan
|
228.7
|
Feb
|
403.0
|
Mar
|
491.3
|
Apr
|
449.4
|
May
|
445.6
|
June
|
375.1
|
July
|
110.2
|
TOTAL DAYS
|
2503.3
|
I’m sure I would have run even further, but over the last 5 weeks I focused most of my training runs on hills and heat. I truly enjoyed this experience and have learned a lot of myself and my capabilities. I also would like to say that I have one hell of a dog. Sam has run for over 700km this year with me and is by far my best training partner; mainly because she always runs my speed and doesn’t mind taking walking breaks when ever I needed them.
I don’t know how well reception will be out in the desert,
but I will see if someone on my crew can update the blog as much as
possible. The Badwater race director and organizers will also be posting time
splits, pictures as well as race updates. Please use the links below to join me
on this adventure!
Follow the webcast at:
http://www.badwater.com
Follow the time splits and results at: http://dbase.adventurecorps.com/results.php?bw_eid=65&bwr=Go
Follow the race on Twitter (Join the conversation by adding hash tag #bw135 to all your tweets about the race):
http://twitter.com/adventurecorps
Follow the race staff's live photo stream on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/badwaterHQ
Follow the race director's live photo stream on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/chriskostman
Follow the race staff's photostream on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventurecorps/
Follow the race director's photostream on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriskostman/
Join the Facebook conversation:
http://www.facebook.com/badwater135
http://www.badwater.com
Follow the time splits and results at: http://dbase.adventurecorps.com/results.php?bw_eid=65&bwr=Go
Follow the race on Twitter (Join the conversation by adding hash tag #bw135 to all your tweets about the race):
http://twitter.com/adventurecorps
Follow the race staff's live photo stream on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/badwaterHQ
Follow the race director's live photo stream on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/chriskostman
Follow the race staff's photostream on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventurecorps/
Follow the race director's photostream on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriskostman/
Join the Facebook conversation:
http://www.facebook.com/badwater135
Over the last few days I have received many emails, facebook messages and phone calls, wishing me good luck! I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I would also like that thank my crew for helping prepare and get organized with all the logistics that took place over the last few months. I look forward to spending some quality time with you for about 2 days in Death Valley, California.
I wish all the runners and crews at this year’s Badwater
Ultramarathon all the best and I hope everyone has an amazing experience and
stays safe!
See you at the finish line!
Las Vegas Bound!
One of the best parts about writing this blog is being able to share and pass along all of the things that I have learned along the way. This transfer of knowledge is pretty typical within the Ultramarathon community and I am happy to help! There are a few new people or people who are starting this year to train for Badwater who are using blogs for reference. So for those folks, as well as those who would be curious to know what my gear will look like, I have included a list below. Always feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I’ll be sure to add a blog “what I wish I would have brought to Badwater” or “I’m totally glad I brought____with me” once the race is done. But for now, the list below is what I have brought from home or picked up in Las Vegas:
Running Shoes (3)
Running shorts (2)
Running Shirts (2) long sleeve, (2) short sleeve
Sweater
Socks (5)
Duct Tape (to prevent blisters)
Running Hat
Touque
Water bottles (2)
Headlamp (2)
Reflector vest
Watch
Sun glasses
Penetan
First Aid kit
Safety pins
Second Skin
Bandanas
Salt pills
Advil
HEED
Spray bottle (to cool me down)
Coolers
Chair
Signs for Cars (name and bib number – race requirements)
Waivers for myself and the crew
Medical Forms
Sunscreen
Scoop for ice
Extra batteries
Lip balm
Directions to the race
Travel insurance (not required, but a good idea!)
On top of all that gear, I needed to make sure I had hotels booked for myself and the crew, rental cars reserved and rental car insurance just in case.
As for my nutrition when I arrive in Las Vegas I will have a couple of days to purchase all the food, drinks and ice I will need for the race. The quantities of each product will be decided when I meet with my crew in person, but here is a start:
WaterRunning shorts (2)
Running Shirts (2) long sleeve, (2) short sleeve
Sweater
Socks (5)
Duct Tape (to prevent blisters)
Running Hat
Touque
Water bottles (2)
Headlamp (2)
Reflector vest
Watch
Sun glasses
Penetan
First Aid kit
Safety pins
Second Skin
Bandanas
Salt pills
Advil
HEED
Spray bottle (to cool me down)
Coolers
Chair
Signs for Cars (name and bib number – race requirements)
Waivers for myself and the crew
Medical Forms
Sunscreen
Scoop for ice
Extra batteries
Lip balm
Directions to the race
Travel insurance (not required, but a good idea!)
On top of all that gear, I needed to make sure I had hotels booked for myself and the crew, rental cars reserved and rental car insurance just in case.
As for my nutrition when I arrive in Las Vegas I will have a couple of days to purchase all the food, drinks and ice I will need for the race. The quantities of each product will be decided when I meet with my crew in person, but here is a start:
Gatorade
Ginger ale
Monster energy drink
Granola bars
chocolate chip cookies
Licorice
M&Ms
Mashed potatoes (Joaquin will be making these for me)
Pretzels
Chips
Bananas
Canned fruit
Papa John’s pizza (yeah that’s right, I enjoy a few slices of pizza on these crazy long runs!)
And of course ICE, and lots of it!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Running for S.O.D.A.
Growing
up I was always thankful to be healthy, athletic, and involved in organized
sport. It wasn’t until I travelled to India a couple of years ago that I
realized how truly fortunate I was. My wife Julie travelled to Koppal India as
part of her physiotherapy program. I met her in Bangalore where she filled me
in on the many disabled children she worked with. These children struggled to
sit, stand and walk due to various conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, West Syndrome,
and Polio. Through collaboration with the NGO Julie worked with, these kids
were striving to achieve the goals so many of us take for granted - mobility,
independence, and education.
In honour of these children's hard work, and to raise further funds to supply children with resources such as physiotherapy, orthotics, mobility aids, and family education, I will be running in this year's Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. This race is 135 miles long (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55C). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total elevation of 13,000 feet (3962m0. It is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.
All funds raised will go to the Canadian charity S.O.D.A., started by a physiotherapist in British Columbia named Hilary Crowley (Julie’s Supervisor). She has returned to this same area of India for the past 15 years. You can get further information at www.samuha.ca and be confident that 100% of the funds go directly to those in need of rehabilitation. Hilary returns annually to ensure their proper distribution.
If you are interested in donating please email me at alex_lalonde@msn.com or donate directly on the website. All donations above $10.00 are eligible for a tax receipt.
In honour of these children's hard work, and to raise further funds to supply children with resources such as physiotherapy, orthotics, mobility aids, and family education, I will be running in this year's Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. This race is 135 miles long (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55C). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total elevation of 13,000 feet (3962m0. It is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.
All funds raised will go to the Canadian charity S.O.D.A., started by a physiotherapist in British Columbia named Hilary Crowley (Julie’s Supervisor). She has returned to this same area of India for the past 15 years. You can get further information at www.samuha.ca and be confident that 100% of the funds go directly to those in need of rehabilitation. Hilary returns annually to ensure their proper distribution.
If you are interested in donating please email me at alex_lalonde@msn.com or donate directly on the website. All donations above $10.00 are eligible for a tax receipt.
My wife Julie
working with children with various abilities in rural India. All this was made
possible by the Canadian charity S.O.D.A.
Many
thanks
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