Journey Through Hell

There will be no more running tonight. I am spent and now dragging my left leg behind me. My hamstrings are screaming for relief and my sciatica is now on fire. As Ben Jones stops traffic, I practically crawl across the road seeking some relief at the hotel pool and hot tub. Later it's learned that the "Blister Queen," Denise Jones, was in the area helping other runners. This would have been an opportune time to have been pampered and treated by this lovely lady for the severe blisters on my hamburger- like feet. Better luck next year. After a splash in the water and downing several large malts and a few more frapuccinos, I grab a bag of crunchy cheetos for the Portal climb. Bobb Ankeney, bless his heart, volunteers to guide me up the mountain. The climb is agonizingly slow and extremely torturous. There are ten hours left to buckle and I may have to use every last second. Turning the corner for the final climb, we meet last year's running partner, Steven Silver, and his fine crew person, Jim Wolff. Unfortunately, I am just getting started and he has already turned in a very good 36-hour run. Sour grapes. It's a good thing Bobb is walking with me up this dark mountain. He can protect both of us from the flock of super huge Pterodactyls circling overhead and also from the large group of Yeti-like beasts which have been walking beside us for several miles. Luckily, they disappear as we walk into the switchbacks and finally enjoy the refreshing cool of the mountains. As usual, the switchbacks go on forever and, after passing the last mile-marker, we know that we have this last mile to go. Over the last hump, around the bend, and up the hill, we finally arrive at the finish. I cross the line and slump into a chair. Finally, it is all over. The mind and body as usual are completely shot. The emotional release is held in check and will spill out later in a private moment. The mission was accomplished in 43 hours and 12 minutes.

After watching Lisa and Jay finish and a brief medal ceremony with Lynne Werner, I am stuffed into a car and hauled done the mountain. Halfway down I throw up and almost fall out of the car. At the motel, I throw up, fall out of the car, and then pass out in the middle of the parking lot. I am dragged over to the hot tub and gently tossed in. Everyone finally goes to bed, which gives me several hours alone to soak and reflect.

This Badwater was by far the most difficult race I have ever had to finish. It would have been much easier to stay at home and nurse my injuries than to have come here and suffered all this pain and misery. But, then I would have missed this incredible journey, which was punctuated by the knowledge that once you have crossed the finish line at this race than anything is possible.

Staying at home I would not have met new friends: Scott McQueeney, Dean Karnazes, Johann Pratscher (Austria), Kaname Sakurai (Japan), Kari Marchant, Clive Saffery (Taiwan), Dixie Madsen, Michael Styllas (Greece) and sweet Clare. I would not have witnessed the courage displayed by Paul Stone, Adam Bookspan, Chris Moon, Errol Jones, Scott Weber, Rick Nawrocki, and so many others who had the determination to dig down very deep in order to complete their missions. Then there was Erika Gerhardt, a complete blathering vegetable at Lone Pine, yet still able to somehow struggle 13-miles up to the finish line long after most people had gone home. Commendable. Few people on earth have this much courage. This I would have missed. I would not have been around to enjoy the karaoke jam session and celebration dinner at the Totem Cafe in Lone Pine with Lisa, Jay and their wonderful crew: Sean, Stacy, Bob, David, Buddy, Clare and Bethie. Finally, I would have missed the opportunity to complete this most difficult of all races, after having trekked across the exquisitely beautiful Death Valley. This Badwater race and all the people involved are what I dream of all year. I could not have missed this special treat. I will be back.

A special thank you to Chris and Keith Kostman, Dana Prieto Tanaka and all the fine people helping from AdventureCorps. Without all your hard work, there would not have been a race. It was also nice to see Matt Frederick and Karen Raby (both formerly with Hi-Tec Sports, USA, Inc.) again.

Thank you Ben and Denise Jones for everything. Your hospitality, grace and dignity are loved by all. Everyone knows that, without you two, this would just be another long tough, tough, tough race.

Thanks to Sun Precautions for the lead race sponsorship and for the wonderful hats.

Thanks to SCORE INTERNATIONAL and the American Postal Workers Union for some of my financial support.

Thanks to all the runners who had the heart and conviction just to get to the starting line. Everyone is a winner here.

Thanks again to all the crews who helped us realize our goals.

Thanks to all the doctors and therapists who patched me up just enough to get to the starting line, which then allowed me to completely beat the crude out of myself for two days.

Finally, thanks to my beautiful, understanding and wonderful wife, Christine, who guided me to the starting line by helping me stay somewhat positive once I became injured.

My crew and I had an unbelievably satisfying five days dealing with the elements and all the terrific people out in Death Valley. We were overwhelmed by the camaraderie, compassion, and heroics of this close knit family. For this we thank everyone a million times over.

It was indeed an honor to be part of the toughest footrace in the world the Sun Precautions Badwater 2000 Ultramarathon.

GOD Bless everyone.

#29 Arthur Webb

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