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Coach Weber's 2002-2003-2004 Badwater Training Diary

People often ask me how I train for my favorite endurance challenge: the Death Valley to Mt. Whitney 146 Mile.  To answer those questions, I am providing the following training log and commentary.  It might also provide information and encouragement to others to take on the awesome course that starts at Badwater-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere-and finishes 146 miles later at the summit of Mt. Whitney-highest mountain in the contiguous United States.  It should be noted that while there is the organized race that covers the first 135 miles of this course in July of each year, one can also do the course on his or her own outside the race at a time of their choosing, as a solo runner or walker, crewed or un-crewed, as fast or as unhurried as the mood and circumstances dictate. 

My Badwater adventures since 1994 include: 

August 1994: First person to attempt and complete the 292 Mile Reverse Double Crossing of Death Valley (Mt. Whitney Summit-Badwater-Mt. Whitney Summit).

August 1994: First person to attempt and complete the 438 Mile Triple Crossing of Death Valley (Mt. Whitney Summit-Badwater-Mt. Whitney Summit-Badwater).  The Triple was done completely separate from the race.  It remains the only time a person has gone past the double completely outside of the race.

July-August 1994: First person to attempt and complete 4 Crossings of Death Valley/584 Miles in a single July-August Window.

August 1994:  First person to go solo un-crewed from the summit of Mt. Whitney to Badwater.  Used 3 wheeled cart and went from oasis-to-oasis where I would re-supply.

August 1994:  First person to take on the Death Valley Course for extended periods during a multiple crossing without constant crew support.  To accomplish this, I used a 3 wheeled baby jogger to crew myself for 388 miles of the 438 mile Triple Crossing.  First 135 miles where completely without crew.  Next 253 miles were with several time a day visits and supply drop-offs from Ben & Denise Jones.  The final 50 miles were crewed mile by mile by Denise Jones.

1994-2000:    First person to complete 10 full 146 mile crossings of the Badwater to Mt. Whitney Summit Course.

1994-2000:    Only person to have done the 146 mile single (1995), the 292 mile double (2000), and the 438 mile triple (1994) Badwater to Mt. Whitney Summit in separate efforts.

1994-2001:    Most Cumulative Solo Miles on the Badwater Course.

1994-2001:    8 consecutive official finishes of the Badwater 135 Race.

1994-2003:    9 official finishes of the Badwater race.

The reason I list these adventures is simply to let the reader know that Badwater is not just "wishful thinking" for me, but something that I have done and consequently understand the demands of...at least for me.

My Badwater 135 Mile Races:  1994-2004

Is Badwater for everyone?  No.  The ill-prepared quickly disappear, melt, self-combust after a few hours in the Death Valley sun.  However, if one learns, practices, and applies the basics of hydration, fueling, and electrolyte replacement; trains for the heat, altitude, hills, and distance; monitors heart rate to manage pace/effort; knows when to walk and when to run; can minimize blistering through proper foot preparation and shoe choice; has the essential clothing, gear, and crew; and, simply won't quit; then, 60 hours (the time traditionally allowed to complete the 135 mile distance in the Badwater Race) is adequate for a person, with average talent and an average amount of time to train, to complete the race.

If you want Badwater and its rewards, then go for it.  If you train hard and train smart, do your homework, and learn the necessary lessons, then you will have a great shot at completing the Badwater to Mt. Whitney adventure.

Questions and comments can be directed to me at coachweber@coachweber.com

August 28th, 2003 Note from the Coach

In the 51 weeks leading up to the 2003 Badwater race, I did a total of 399.4 hours of training.  This was an average of 7.83 hours per week. 

My "on-the-feet" mileage for the 51 weeks preceding Badwater 2003 totaled 938.8 miles; that's an average of 18.4 miles a week.  My biggest mileage week of walking was 35.13 miles; my longest walk was 15 miles.  In retrospect, not too bad considering coming off the surgery in August, 2002.  The time spent running  was zero...'slogging' was the best I ever did.  I did no racing of any kind except for Badwater in 2002 and Badwater in 2003.  I racked up a few miles cycling and, once I moved to South Carolina, some flat water kayak paddling.

So, how did I get Badwater 2003  done on such minimal training?  I will suggest it was my 10 years of Badwater experience, my excellent crew and full use of the 60 hour cutoff.  I will be writing about my race in an upcoming note and will include the crew notes from Badwater 2003.  Check back...

The lesson to be learned for someone considering Badwater?  I think it is that a minimal amount of training such as mine, even with no running, can still result in a finish at Badwater **IF** the athlete can carefully manage pace on raceday, be able to keep the body hydrated and fueled, and manage the 'other problems' that are inherent to this race.  These are obviously not easy things to do as each year a high percentage of the field drops out despite looking quite fit at the pre-race meeting.

September 22, 2002 Note from Coach Weber:

For those who wonder about my low mileage and slow times leading up to the 2002 Badwater race, it was due to a worsening chronic back problem that made every training mile an exercise in pain and frustration.  I trained as hard as my body would allow from January to July, but finishing Badwater 2002 was not to be.  Looking back on my decision to quit at mile 67, I was more 'tired of hurting' than I was tired.  No regrets.

So, on August 22, 2002 I had the necessary operation to correct my back problem.  I have been told by my surgeon that it will take 6 months for the spine at L4-L5 to solidly fuse; during that 6 months, my training will be limited to walking.  The doctor is not encouraging about me running even after the spine has fused.  I'll worry about that decision after the six months of healing has passed. The good news is that Badwater can be completed well within the 60 hour time cut-off without taking one running step...I completely walked the 1994 Badwater 135 Mile Race in a time of 52 hours and 30 minutes...perhaps I will do the same in 2003.

2002-2003 Badwater Week-by-Week Training Synopsis