4th of July weekend, 2008

[Marcia]

Still no word from the Park Service, but I did want to make one note about 4th of July weekend.

John and I are considering a backpack trip with some friends that weekend. That would mean we are not a available to drop in on people who might be running a Solo that weekend. We would be in the Lone Pine area, though, and could potentially drop in on anyone on the course before or after the backpack, though. Or if the timing is right, we could possibly be at the finish for someone. Let me know if this affects anyone. At this point, nothing is written in stone.

From the messages I've seen, it looks like most people are interested in a later date, if we do indeed have a group start. But at this point, I suspect we're going to have to go with single Solos or maybe twosomes. I'm vaguely interested in running the last week of August, but again, nothing definite.

[Terry]

Hi marcia its me terry abrams. just a note to let you know that I will be on the course during the 4th. I am starting at 0600 and hoping to make the 60 hr cutoff this time plus tag mt. whitney. Also to let you or anyone else interested, last year was my first attempt at badwater and it took me 69 hrs to finish. I did the run with the hope of divine intervention on behalf of my mother and sister who have been smoking for 52 years for my mom and 30 yrs for my sis. I am beyond awe to announce that since the finish of that run they have both been smoke free for almost 10 months now!!!! unfreakin believable huh?  This time its for my son who is 19 yrs old and is an epileptic I hope to raise awareness for this common but debilitating disease. So wish me luck cause I'am sure gonna need it. Luv to you for everything you do for us solos  terry abrams.

[TrailTramp]

What beautiful motivators you have for doing the race this year, Terry.  I wish you the best out there and wish I could be stepping off from Badwater with you at 0600 on July 4th, but that time just doesn't fit into my schedule.  I will certainly be thinking of you, though, and I look forward to our paths crossing someday.

I can relate to you wanting to raise awareness.  Fundraising is a good thing but if the awareness isn't there and we're just writing checks to charitable organizations, what good is there in that?  I just spoke yesterday with a representative of the CFIDS of America and we agreed that of course funding is important for these philanthropic organizations but compassion is what truly heals.  I've watched someone very special suffer quietly with CFIDS and fibromyalgia and I can't understand why some are not spared such trials while others enjoy excellent health, like myself.  Mysteries we will never understand.

How wonderful your mother and sister have been smoke free now for ten months!   

Best wishes for the race and always,

Connie Karras
http://www.active.com/donate/trekkingformax
http://www.run100forcharity.info

Hi marcia its me terry abrams. just a note to let you know that I will be on the course during the 4th. I am starting at 0600 and hoping to make the 60 hr cutoff this time plus tag mt. whitney. Also to let you or anyone else interested, last year was my first attempt at badwater and it took me 69 hrs to finish. I did the run with the hope of divine intervention on behalf of my mother and sister who have been smoking for 52 years for my mom and 30 yrs for my sis. I am beyond awe to announce that since the finish of that run they have both been smoke free for almost 10 months now!!!! unfreakin believable huh?  This time its for my son who is 19 yrs old and is an epileptic I hope to raise awareness for this common but debilitating disease. So wish me luck cause I'am sure gonna need it. Luv to you for everything you do for us solos  terry abrams.

[Terry]

Dear Connie, thank you so much for your kind words. I just have to say that you are always so positive and encouraging in all your posts to everyone .I have a feeling you are like that in all aspects of your life. Right now as I sit here all stiff and sore from my measly training runs its hard to know if its from the workout or being 50 yrs. old ! I have a lot of doubt and fear going into this years BW  Its kinda of like having a baby ,the first time your scared because you don't really know what to expect, but the second time your scared because you do. I have a really great crew who love and care about me. It has to be love cause I don't know how I talked them into another year of crewing in the blazing death valley sunshine. I learned alot last year in the desert, I learned as you  yourself I'm sure is that we are stronger than we know. that we experienced something that less than 1% of the population knows and that is what it feels like to reach down so far into yourself through the pain,discomfort, the boredom and rise above it all to truly tap into that place of what we are really made of physically and emotionally. coming across the finish line at the portals last year at 3am was a monumental accomplishment not just for me but for my children who witnessed first hand the power of faith in god and in yourself. sorry to get so "emotional" on you but I'm sure you recognize just what it is I'm talking about. Connie, thank you again for all the kind words you have sent me It really means alot. I hope someday we can meet in person but until then I wish you all the luck in the world, will be thinking of you also on your own BW journey. All the best terry