Summer has finally arrived for all of us. Yes, there have been some warm days, especially in Russia but nothing like this. I mean yesterday I thought it was warm in the Santa Monica-L.A. area with temps in the high 70's. But, here, try 105 degrees to upwards of 115. We will be headed out of Las Vegas soon, My team Orange beginning the 3 pm-9 pm shift for four days. Sunil, my teammate from India, hates the heat. I say to Sunil, my friend, you are from India where the last time I read, daytime temps soar above 100 degrees. In fact 100 is probably a cool day. You should be used to it. But I forgot that he is living in Michigan, a state known for ice fishing in the winter. So, Sunil, forgive me. If you wish I will run the hotter legs of our shift. I know that Sean and Brynn will too. Hey, we are a team and will do whatever it takes for each other. Actually, Sunil is tough and like he has done the entire time, tough it out. You see, I think he will be the first runner from India to win the New York Marathon. He calls me coach so I have to give him a hard time on occasions. On another note he is very involved in water quality issues back in India and the BPR Foundation has already aided safe drinking water projects in many parts of India with more to come.
So now we leave the California beach areas where at times the beaches were deserted for as far as the eye could see ( the Big Sur area I am talking about ). We runners are so dedicated to this run and the cause that I know the Orange team awaits this desert crossing drawn to it like the gamblers in Vegas to the crooked roulette wheel, because it was the only game in town. Each of us run our own run or as some call it, race ( not me, it is a run ), within a run because sand and wind and ocean bring another dimension to the running experience.. I remember the Gobi Desert Sand was hard and packed, hard enough at times to maintain your usual form and speed. At times it was soft and crumbling where I sank deeper and deeper into its yielding surface thus the breathing can get heavier if not difficult, the legs heavy.
We have no idea what to expect this time in the desert. Perhaps we will stay on pavement most or all the way. The heat, well, I have run 171 miles in three days in the August heat back in my 40's and younger 50's. The way I did it to keep from getting heat stroke was to have my support driver hand me water every half mile to pour on my head, my neck and arms and to drink. This was the only way in 100 degree heat, where I ran from 8 am til 9 pm, to keep from getting heat stroke. So, I'll see if those years of heat running experience still prove to get me through.
All I know is that 24 hours a day each runner suits up for his or her team shift to get back out on the road without agonizing about wind, heat, cold or weather. For me the important thing is to start with a strong resolve, high hopes for the BPRun and the needed awareness and funding, no permitting exceptions, no talking about what I am going to do. just doing it and finally, being thankful for the ability and opportunity to contribute.
so, ready to suck dust and take in the rays!
oh, today, I think much of Rudy and Laurie. They are troopers. He has had a tough go of it lately with the groin injury. He will be back running. He is helping out while on the mend. Also, Laurie is hobbling a little but will be back to her strong self soon. So, positive thoughts their way.
As usual, peace and blessing to you and yours,
Lansing