I have heard some of the running team mention the upcoming hills and heat. Temperatures of 115 F. seem to be getting into the minds of some of my comrades. In the Siberia area we are currently running in heatwave is in progress with temps reaching the high 80's. Not unbearable by any stretch and, for me, hey, bring it on. Just part of the challenge.

My amigos are correct however about having respect for heat and hills.They both are great levelers. If there is anything that can be an equalizer of all runners, it is a steep, long hill and high heat and humidity. Lack of respect for either of them will bring a runner to his/her knees before you can say fartlek work!

Without taking in water well in advance and keeping it in you and yes, on you in extreme heat signals an early finish to the distance run. I know from experience.

I realize it is a stretch to mention this in the same breath as runners not taking in enough water to get over the hill and bear the high temps but it still is worth mentioning that there are 1.1 billion people who lack access to safe drinking water. At least, we runners have access to it but stupidly sometimes avoid taking it in.

Others have no choice. Because of the unsafe water they drink, wash clothes in, swim in, bathe in, they get sick ,suffering from diseases such as: diarrhea, cholera, malaria, trachoma, hepatitis A, arsenic poisoning and more.

The BPR run represents the best of the human spirit: people coming together to solve a crisis that affects one in five of us on the planet.

We have choices; to take in water well before we begin the long hill climb or be stopped in our tracks headed to the tent for electrolytes.

We also have another choice. We can be part of the solution to this problem by yes, donating to the BPR Foundation, so it can in turn support the work of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). But, it is not just about donating but getting involved in your own community. Being pro-active in water related issues.

Water is life. How much do we need to survive? 50 L to meet our most basic needs-----drinking, sanitation, cooking, and bathing.

What do we need for pure survival? 5l per day.

In developing countries, people often don't get as much water as they need to survive....to cope. In fact, they get about as much water each day as we use when we brush our teeth!

2.2 million people die each year due to water borne illnesses. That's 6,000 people each day, mostly kids!

Heat, mileage, lack of taking in enough fluids, water especially, will take it's toil on runners, but at least you will live to run another run.

Too many of those who lack access to safe drinking water will never get to the starting line. This is unacceptable!

Let's reach out our hands to those in need as we do each other in the long run. Let's help get them to the starting line.

Please go to the blueplanetrun.org site and see how you can help.

Peace and blessings down the road