Coach Weber's Badwater 2000 Photo Album
The Badwater Ultramarathon is a 135 mile journey from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (-285 feet) to Whitney Portals (8000+ feet). Purists continue on to the summit of Mount Whitney to reach the highest point in the contiguous United States (14, 494 feet) to complete the "lowest -to-highest" challenge.
The 2000 edition of this event was my 7th consecutive finish ('94, '95, '96, '97, '98, '99, '00) of the race. Also, in 2000, I continued on after the completion of the race to do the 300 mile double crossing back to the starting point at Badwater. I again finished the race in 2001 for my 8th consecutive official race finish. 2002 was a DNF year for me; fried at mile 70. In 2003 I finished the race to earn my 9th official race finish. 2004 was another DNF around mile 70 in Panamint Valley. 2005 was finish #10. 2006 ... finish #11.
Scott Weber
Badwater 2000 Photos Part 1of 6
Badwater to Stovepipe Wells
The first 42 miles of the Badwater course take the runner from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (-282 feet) to the resort of Furnace Creek at 17.4 miles (-165 feet), and then to Stovepipe Wells at 42 miles (0 feet). This is not a flat section. Runners encounter long, rolling hills. In addition, the temperatures build throughout the day, from the 6 AM start at approximately 80 degrees, to the afternoon temperatures nearing, and often exceeding, 120 degrees. Telescope Peak, 11,000+ feet tall, stands across the desert floor off the runner's left shoulder.
(above) 7/27/2000 9:45 AM. Mile 13. 109 degrees. The first of approximately 200 crew assists. I had my crew meet me at the end of every mile during the race. At that point, they sprayed me down, gave me ice to place in my hat, gave me a new ice-filled neckerchief, and handed me a new bottle filled with Hammer Nutrition's Sustained Energy Drink. At Badwater 2000, at the end of every mile, I drank 10-12 ounces of "energy/electrolyte drink". This drink was 10-12 ounces of water with one scoop of Hammer Nutrition's 'Sustained Energy' mixed in (which provided 100 calories), and one Hammer Nutrition 'Endurolyte Capsule' dissolved into the mixture. These miles were done at a walking pace of 18 minutes per mile throughout much of the race (I walked the first 80 or so miles for my warm-up, then starting jogging...the jogging was not appreciably faster than the walking however). This Sustained Energy + Endurolyte Capsule Cocktail gave me just a touch over 300 calories per hour and all the electrolytes I needed to stay very steady. I had no problems with nausea during the 2000 event. I supplemented with solid food sparingly. I had some mashed potatoes while heading up Towne's Pass; also, I had my traditional spicy scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toast at Panamint Springs (mile 72) and Lone Pine (mile 122). I did drink several bottles of Mountain Dew and Coke along the way...this mixing of simple sugar with the Hammer Products is not recommended by Hammer Nutrition...but, it did not seem to cause any problems for me. I was very impressed by the Hammer Products and will be recommending them to my coaching clients as an alternative to the Cytomax/Metabolol Cocktails I have recommended for the past several years.
(above) 7/27/2000 3:58 PM. Mile 32. 118 degrees. Between Furnace Creek (17.5 miles) and Stovepipe Wells (42 miles) the course rolls up and down passing through sea level several times. In both the 1999 and 2000 event I have worn the desert white long sleeve top made by Sun Precautions. I have found their products to be very comfortable, durable, and protective. This year, I added their long white pants to my desert outfit. By doing so, I avoided the terrible lower leg radiation burns that have resulted from only wearing shorts. I also eliminated leg chaffing problems during the 2000 race by using REI's Boxer Style Briefs made of 92% Polyester/8% Lycra Spandex.
(above) 7/27/2000 5:33 PM. Mile 36. 118 degrees. Laura standing in the "Devils' Cornfield". This is located alongside the racecourse on the way to Stovepipe Wells.
(above) 7/27/2000 5:49 PM. Dr. Scott Snyder, Leadville Trail 100 Finisher and one of my coaching clients, also came out to Badwater to crew me for the 2000 race. I believe that he was checking out the course to possibly participate in the 2001 event. It is comforting to have an emergency room doctor on one's crew at Badwater! Thanks Scott for your excellent care and motivation during this year's event!
End of Part 1
Badwater Photos Part 1: Start to Stovepipe
Badwater Photos Part 2: Stovepipe to Lone Pine
Badwater Photos Part 3: Lone Pine to Whitney Portals
Badwater Photos Part 4: On the Mountain
Badwater Photos Part 5: Higher on the Mountain
Badwater Photos Part 6: The Summit
©2006. Scott Weber. All Rights Reserved.