When the temperatures in the weeks leading up to that 116° day are all higher than 120°! 116° is the forecasted temperature for Death Valley on the day the Badwater 135 ultramarathon begins (July 15th). As a former crewmember/pacer at Badwater, I can attest to the intense heat that is present (it feels like you are inhaling pure heat at first – try opening your oven and just start breathing!) at Death Valley. It is an amazing experience and the heat is just one part of the overall experience.
Temperatures are supposed to be record setting over the next few days in the Southwest but apparently they will be “dropping” into the -teens (+100) just in time for Badwater. Even though 116° is still really hot, in contrast to current temperatures, every degree counts! Any of my readers planning on being at Badwater this year? I am looking forward to returning there again one year – but to run it myself! At that time, I will be hoping some of you will come help me. 🙂
