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Coach Weber's Training Log 2007

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The Mt.Whitney Summit is reached!

122 hours 35 minutes 02 seconds ... Badwater to the Summit of Mt. Whitney ... July 23-28, 2007

In 1999 I wrote:

"The intimidation factor for the uninitiated at Death Valley is immense.  It is impossible to gauge the heat until one actually steps out onto the course on race day.  Even then, the intensity of the heat is not fathomed until one passes Furnace Creek at 18 miles and continues towards Stovepipe Wells at 40 miles.  During that stretch, run by most in the early to mid afternoon, the pitch black pavement radiates the heat to the runner's legs at almost 200 degrees.  The wind begins to blow creating a blast furnace effect.  One is far enough along that fatigue has already set in and perhaps even mild dehydration.  The suffering has just started.

Even before Stovepipe Wells, the runner will encounter the first planted orange runners' flags at about 35 miles...these flags indicate that the runner has left the course.  They **might** return.  They probably won't. Along this endless stretch the road is marked by the residue of nausea. Stovepipe Wells is where many runners will call it quits.  A cool pool awaits there.  Air-conditioned motel rooms.  Ice Creams.  Sweet sleep...an end to the suffering in the 125 degree heat  (but its 'dry heat'... yeah right...stick your head in the oven to feel 'dry heat'...real comfortable). Another reason to quit at Stovepipe Wells is that the 20-mile climb ascending 5000 feet to Townes Pass begins there.  And, more than 100 miles remain to the summit of Mt. Whitney.

Unfortunately, all the heat training in the world does not prepare one for the mental challenge faced by all on the Badwater to Mt. Whitney course.  It
is the heat, the vastness, the distance, the climbs and descents, the horrid canted road...

Even after 8 times across this expanse it scares the shit out of me."

This still holds true today ... July 14th, 2007 ... just days away from my 16th crossing of Death Valley.

Scott Weber 

Me...on course at Badwater 2007

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01-01-2007

The goal is another finish of the Badwater Ultramarathon.  My fitness on January 1, 2007 leaves much to be desired.  Since completion of the 2006 race I have done but a few runs:  a trail marathon in Oregon in August, a half-marathon in September, a half-marathon in October, a 12 hour  37 mile walk in November, and virtually nothing in December.  So why the sloth for the last 5 months?  No good reason.  I deserved the rest and I'm sticking with my story.

Getting off zero, I accept that any and all training volume is good and serves the general purpose of increasing endurance.  Later on, to get the most from the miles, I will need to pay more attention to pace as well as to the amount of climbing, exposure to heat, training surface and more.  For now, I just want to get some time on the feet at whatever pace allows me to come back the next day for more.  I want to get in one good long session each week in the 4-6 hour range.  I'll aim at 10 hours of endurance training per week at easy pace for the first month.

I should note that since the 2000 season when my back started to really give me problems, I have done almost all training at a fast walking pace with occasional jogging.  Average speed when walking is 3.7 to 4.2 mph depending on mood and/or terrain.  When doing a bit of jogging I cover 5 to 6 mph.  I did have the back operated on after the DNF at the 2002 Badwater - my first DNF at Badwater after 8 consecutive finishes - and since then I have been able to get another 3 finishes at Badwater walking most of the way.  It will probably be more of the same for 2007 which suits me fine. I am glad I can still get outside, rack up some miles, and continue to return to Badwater for 135 miles or more once a year.

Going into the 2007 push for finish #12 at Badwater I feel motivated to train and ready for the challenge of the next 7 months.  My goal for endurance training in the 7 months prior to Badwater will be 400 hours total.  I'll allow myself about one rest day a week ... 30 total between now and the July 23rd start.

By the way, is my personal program put here for anyone else to follow?  No.  But for your (and my) amusement purposes only, here it is.

Scott Weber

July 1994 Badwater ... that's me at the 9 o'clock position ... the 'young guy' w/ the blue shades.  That's the whole starting field by the way ... things were a bit smaller ... and less complicated ... (but just as hot) in those early years of the Badwater race.

From Letters to the Coach:

14.  Hey Coach ... "I see from your Badwater Training Log that most of your own training is done at walking pace ..."

Yep, in 2002 I had a long-needed back surgery.  Since then, I have done almost all of my training at walking pace.  It allows me to still get out and about and has allowed my yearly fun at Badwater to continue.  When in a hurry, I might do some 10 minute miles jogging, but the prize money has to be significant or the girl quite pretty.  :-)

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"Be proud of every step you've taken in your journey as an endurance athlete - no matter how fast or slow - no matter whether anyone noticed or cared.  Be grateful you've been given the gift of yearning for something quite glorious ...simply being who you truly are and knowing/doing what you truly love."  Coach Weber, 2007