Badwater

Bad Water Ultramarathon is a 135 mile road race across Death Valley. In July. Temperatures exceeding 120 degrees are all to common. It's a legendary race run by legends and legends in the making. One of whom is Mike Arnstein, the "Fruitarian" who inspired me to fully commit to a vegan lifestyle that I had been flirting with for several years in the past. I owe Mike a big thanks for this - everything about my life has changed by that one decision. The legend of Mike the ultrarunning fruitarian is growing - 16th place in just over 30 hours of desert running at Badwater and three days later Mike will be defending his last years win at Vermont 100. Crazy. And Mike credits his diet for his ability to even attempt such a thing. I first read about Mike in Dean Karnaze's blog in which he was featured. Of course Dean needs no introduction in the ultra world but added to the list of extraordinary achievements is his 12th place finish at this years Badwater at the age of 49 - his tenth completion of the race. And that brings to the point of today's blog - 49 is young in the endurance world. Mike Arnstein is 35 - just a kid! Just one place below Mike was another legend Pam Reed - previous winner of Badwater and 51 years old. Marshall Ulrich-  Mr. Badwater himself - completed this years race AFTER circumventing
the course unaided. He's 61. Several years ago he ran across America - for fun. The list of this years finishers is filled with numbers past 50 - all the way to 70!
I'm inspired. A lot is possible and the door just swung wide open. I am to step through and see what lies beyond.
Join me.

Eric