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- The Herd | Edition 30
The Herd | Edition 30
Badwater 135 Ultra and Mental Toughness
The Herd | Edition No. 30
Happy Saturday and welcome back to The Herd! If you think your runs have been hot lately, think again. This week, we cover the only race in the hottest place on earth: the Badwater 135. Be sure to read to the end, where we cover this year’s results! In the middle you’ll find some tips to stay mentally strong on that grueling long run or tempo workout. Let’s get started!
Badwater 135 Ultramarathon
The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is renowned as one of the worldʼs toughest endurance races, winding 135mi from Death Valleyʼs Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—to the base of Mount Whitney in the midst of summer. Runners battle against extreme temperatures that routinely exceed 120°F (49°C), with the hottest recorded race temperature hitting 133°F 56°C. The course is unforgiving: athletes traverse desert terrain, climb three mountain ranges with more than 14,600ft of elevation gain, and must reach the finish within a strict 48-hour cutoff. The risks are significant—heat stroke, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues are common—making survival just as important as speed (1, 2).
Preparation for Badwater is meticulous and relentless. In the months leading up to the race, competitors undergo extensive heat acclimation, training in saunas or wearing heavy clothes on treadmill runs, and sometimes camping in Death Valley to adapt to oppressive heat. Weekly mileage in training often exceeds 100mi, with athletes focusing on core strength, flexibility, and uphill/downhill running to match the courseʼs grueling demands. Nutrition and hydration plans are rehearsed repeatedly, and runners stock up on ice vests, cooling bandanas, electrolyte supplements, and familiar foods to prevent race-day surprises (3, 4, 5).
Crucial to every Badwater runnerʼs success is their support team—a dedicated crew riding alongside the athlete in a van stocked with water, ice, food, and medical supplies. Race rules require each runner to have a crew, and smart teams bring experienced ultrarunners, skilled pacers, and versatile troubleshooters. Throughout the 48-hour ordeal, crew members leapfrog ahead to provide frequent aid: cooling the runner with ice, monitoring hydration, treating blisters, and adjusting food or pacing methods on the fly. The necessity of a strong crew is paramount— not only for logistical safety but for emotional support, as members often help the runner push through physical and mental lows. Completing Badwater is truly a team achievement, with the bond between runner and crew proving essential for both survival and success (6, 7).
https://apnews.com/article/heat-death-valley-ultramarathon-bb343589c766b091667a22ca064761e2
https://www.badwater.com/university/the-art-of-finishing-badwater-135/
https://www.badwater.com/university/badwater-and-extreme-event-survival-tips/
https://www.badwater.com/university/the-meaning-of-support-crews/
https://www.roadid.com/blogs/fuel-your-adventure/badwater-135-with-a-little-help-from-our-friend
🧠 Mental Tips for Tough Runs
Every runner hits that point in a run where their legs feel heavy and their brain starts whispering, “You could just stop.” The good news? Your mind is trainable, just like your muscles. Use these simple tips to push through and finish strong:
Break It Down – Instead of thinking, “I have 3 miles left,” focus on just the next landmark—like the next mailbox or turn in the road.
Mantras Work – Short, positive phrases like “Strong and steady” or “Light and fast” can shift your focus from discomfort to determination.
Visualization – Picture yourself crossing the finish line, hitting a personal best, or powering up a hill with perfect form.
Run with Gratitude – Think of three things you’re thankful for—your health, the weather, the fact that you can run. Gratitude lightens the load.
Use the Crowd (Real or Imaginary) – Pretend you’re in a race and the cheering fans are just around the corner. Energy boost guaranteed.
✅ Remember: Your mind will quit before your body does—train it to work with you, not against you.
The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon | July 7-9, 2025
The 2025 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon once again proved its reputation as the world’s toughest foot race, with athletes battling searing desert temperatures and grueling elevation changes over the 135mi course from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney. Norwegian ultrarunner Simen Holvik (48) claimed victory, crossing the finish in 21:47:45, followed by Spain’s Iván Penalba Lopez and American Pete Kostelnick, who finished second and third, respectively. Marisa Lizek (46, USA) finished first for the women in 25:07:31. Megan Eckhert and Ali Young finished second and third.
That’s it for this week! Remember, no matter your run conditions this month, it could always be worse in Death Valley. Practice some of those mental tips to train your mind to overcome whatever the run throws at you, and we’ll see you back here next week!
