http://www.deenakastor.com New Blog Post Updates from Olympic Medalist Deena Kastor en-us http://www.deenakastor.com Hi Ultra Fans

Badwater was awesome. Next year I want to pile you and your friends into an air-conditioned bus so you can witness this amazing 135 mile race. You’ll be exhausted just from the lack of sleep, but it will let you know what can come of the human spirit. The racers were amazing in the most oppressive conditions I have ever witnessed. Death Valley would be a great place to visit in the winter, but mid-summer we baked in the 128 degree temperatures that welcomed our days there. The radiant heat off the pavement was 186 degrees, but if you ran on the painted white line in the road it was only emitting 168 degrees. The white line was what we ran on. It was fun supporting my friend Shannon and being part of the crew that helped her in this race. She is tougher than I ever imagined. She tossed aside her Prada heals and laced up her ASICS for the long journey ahead. She started the race nursing some kidney problems and blisters that plagued her in Western States 100 miler just three weeks prior. She was not off to a good start, but persisted through the heat, hills, hot wind, cramps, sunburns, blood, puking and crying. She was chafing in all the wrong places. She phoned home at mile 17 to say she didn’t think she could make it (I think it wise not to invite her husband to witness this). Shannon slept for 5 minutes in the gravel on the side of the road at 3:30am, just enough time to get off her tired feet. She woke to chills from the 95 degrees that blessed us at this early hour. It was a challenging Badwater for her, but she made it from Badwater to Mount Whitney in 46 hours. To finish is a celebration all on its own, but Shannon did it in less than 48 hours to earn her 4th Badwater belt buckle. What impressed me even more is that her mascara didn’t run in the two days and two nights she was out there working, sweating and crying. She misses the experience already and looks forward to next year. I recommend any running enthusiast to head out there next year for a running vacation just to watch this race unfold. Badwater should be on your list of things to witness before you die. I saw people out there running who looked as close to death as I have seen, but they still managed to move forward. It is a true test of human spirit and makes me believe far more is possible that we give ourselves credit for.
Click Here to go to Deena's Website »]]>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:58:14 -0400by Deena Kastor Blog Posts http://www.deenakastor.com/blog_posts.php?id=91 http://www.deenakastor.com Hi Runners,

The 4th of July weekend in Mammoth Lakes was simply amazing. We had such a fun and active few days. I started the weekend by running McGee Creek because I heard the wildflowers were incredible this year. And they certainly were. Mule ears, phlox and desert paintbrush lined the single-track trail. I saw a field of white lupin I never knew existed. My favorite part was going through a canopy of Aspen trees. The green leaves were quaking in the breeze and I can’t help but think of how beautiful they will be in the fall when the colors turn yellow, orange and red. At one point the spring run-off was so intense I had to take my shoes and socks off to cross the rushing stream. Half way across I began to regret it since the water was so cold. I put myself together on the other side of the washed out trail and got on my way. There was an enormous beaver damn a couple more miles up the rushing creek. I remembered living in Alamosa, Colorado and having our dog Aspen swim after beavers in the Rio Grande River. It used to make me laugh. These are the type of runs that have me wanting to continue for hours. I kept negotiating with myself to run 5 more minutes until finally I turned around with the following day’s workout in mind. Runs like that are why I love running so much.

After Saturday’s workout, I spent the day on the lake with some friends enjoying the great weather and vacation atmosphere that fills Mammoth on holiday weekends. Sunday was the Footloose Freedom Mile which my husband organizes and it was another great success. Meb Keflezighi was the official race starter and people were totally thrilled to have him there. After the race we watched the Main Street Parade, posted results at Footloose Sporting Goods and headed home to “crash”. Andrew and I were pretty beat after organizing the race so we chose to forego fireworks this year. It is 7:45 in the evening and I just asked Andrew if it was too early to go to bed. Never. We actually need to rest up for Badwater next week. This insane ultra marathon is a 135 mile trek from 282 feet below sea level to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental US. Andrew and I are helping our friend Shannon Griefer as she attempts another Badwater buckle. Running marathons is a daunting distance and I am thrilled to learn what makes the ultra runners pursue these brutal longer races. Although we are alternating running with Shannon, getting her fueled and driving in the crew van, I know I am in for a grand learning experience. Check out more on this race by visiting http://www.badwater.com. Now, lights out.


Click Here to go to Deena's Website »]]>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:15:01 -0400by Deena Kastor Blog Posts http://www.deenakastor.com/blog_posts.php?id=90 http://www.deenakastor.com Hi Runners,

We lost our Chocolate Lab, Aspen almost two weeks ago and it hasn’t gotten any easier to go about my days. Memories of her are everywhere and I’m still not used to her absence at my feet. People say it will get easier, but it hasn’t yet. It may be good timing that I’m heading to Des Moines, Iowa for the Track and Field National Championships. There are sure to be some great competitions and I look forward to spectating and cheering on my Mammoth Track Club teammates who are competing there. Also, Des Moines will be good heat training as I prepare for Badwater. Although I am not running the ultra-crazy 135 mile race, I am helping crew my friend Shannon Griefer. I am joining her very experienced team as Shannon earns another Badwater buckle. Check out the website http://www.badwater.com to see what I’ve gotten myself into. I will be helping pace, motivate, feed and pamper Shannon as she goes this lengthy distance in temperatures that could reach 130 degrees. I was told to run on the white painted line on the long stretch of road through Death Valley so the soles of my ASICS do not melt. That is hot. Good thing I have the option to ride in an air-conditioned van during the journey. After Badwater, I will be home in Mammoth Lakes preparing for the ING NY City Marathon.

Summer is in full swing in Mammoth Lakes. Runners are filing into town to enjoy the many trails, races and festivities this time of year. Come join us for some fun races. On July 4th we have the Footloose Freedom Mile. That would be a good time to crush a fast mile and then enjoy the parade and fireworks. August 10th is the Charthouse Footloose 10K. It is a popular race followed by a pancake breakfast. If you are ambitious and ready for a challenge, come for the inaugural Moeben Mammoth Ultra-Marathon. This race will be eco-friendly and host 25K and 50K distances. If you want to sign up for these races or join our local running club for practices while you are in town, visit http://www.highsierrastriders.org . Stay at our condo for the ultimate running experience. Check for availability by visiting http://www.mammothrunningcondo.com . Come run with us. I hope to see you on the mountain or at the various races in Death Valley, Mammoth or in NY.


Click Here to go to Deena's Website »]]>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:06:57 -0400by Deena Kastor Blog Posts http://www.deenakastor.com/blog_posts.php?id=89 http://www.deenakastor.com Hi Runners,

This is by far the most difficult blog to write, but it is the only thing to write about since this is what has consumed my most recent days. Andrew and I lost our 14 year old Chocolate Lab this weekend. I had Aspen since my senior year at the University of Arkansas and Andrew met us 4 years later. He only knew Aspen and me together. She always looked young for her age as she had some Brittany Spaniel in her which made her more petite, and she had absolutely no gray hair (a trait Andrew envied). Aspen had been having difficulties for the past two weeks. Those two weeks were a bit of a struggle, but the last three days were the most painful I’ve known. Even as I type this I can’t bare the empty spot under the living room window where she would lay. As bad as this hurts, she was the greatest gift to both of us. In 14 years we have a lot of memories to reflect on because she was so much a part of our every day. There are so many times where life and running meet to teach us great lessons. In running I have always known that the lowest points of breaking my foot in the Olympic Games or having a devastating performance when I thought I was better prepared, were worth the many highs I’ve gotten from this sport. Running gave me this philosophy to help me this week. As with Aspen, losing her was worth the years we got to spend with her. She taught, loved, obeyed, shared and inspired us. We loved waking up each morning to her standing enthusiastically at our bedside, wagging her tail and ready to start her day with a meal and walk through the pine trees. This mutt from the pound in Arkansas was a cherished gift to Andrew and me. When the time is right, we will find another great animal to adopt, spoil and learn from. We will honor Aspen by loving another dog the way she taught us to love her. There are so many dogs in need of homes, and when we are ready, we will visit one of my favorite websites http://www.petfinder.com to find an addition to our home. I recommend this website to anyone wanting to adopt a dog since they have such a variety. You can narrow your search to a pure-bred of any age you choose and it suggests the animals closest to your zip code first. I’m not sure how long that spot under the window will be empty, but I am grateful for being filled with so many great memories of Aspen. This particular photo is at nearby Convict Lake after an afternoon swim.
Click Here to go to Deena's Website »]]>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:07:50 -0400by Deena Kastor Blog Posts http://www.deenakastor.com/blog_posts.php?id=88 http://www.deenakastor.com Dear Runners,

Last weekend I was in Las Vegas while Andrew attended a coaching clinic put on by the Runners Club of America. It was an easy decision to jump in the car since it is 22 degrees and snowing at home in Mammoth Lakes. Saturday morning we had a pretty unpleasant run on pavement under hot, buzzing lights. I decided to visit the GARMIN website to find a better place to run the next day. On http://connect.garmin.com we found Red Rock Canyon. We hit the trails and had a great time in the early morning. If you are ever in Las Vegas, I recommend running here. The $7 charge to enter the park is a small price to pay for the experience and it contributes to the conservation of this beautiful canyon. It completely changed my Las Vegas experience for the better.

From Las Vegas, I flew to Kansas to visit my friends at GARMIN headquarters. In addressing the company, I thanked them for making my Las Vegas trip more runner friendly! In Kansas I was totally impressed by the GARMIN facility as well as the enthusiasm of all the employees I met.

Now, I’m back in Mammoth for a full day where the Los Angeles Times noted it was the coldest place in the country today. It’s snowing outside and I am typing this in front of our fireplace. Nice and toasty inside anyway.

Because this winter has dragged on, it will be easy to get back in the car tomorrow and head down to Sand Diego. If you will be in the San Diego area, please come join me at 24-Hour Fitness for a question and answer session followed by a light 3-6 mile run. You’ll have two opportunities to catch up with me on Saturday, May 29th. I’ll be at the sponsoring athletic club in Carlsbad at 12pm and again at the 24-Hour Fitness at Horton Plaza. It will be my first double running day in over a month, so take it easy on me. I look forward to seeing you there to help with your last minute preparations. Visit http://san-diego.competitor.com to sign up for this fun training run.

See you in San Diego!


Click Here to go to Deena's Website »]]>Thu, 27 May 2010 19:56:56 -0400by Deena Kastor Blog Posts http://www.deenakastor.com/blog_posts.php?id=87