Just tell me reading this paragraph doesn’t make you feel like the world’s biggest pussy yet at the same time motivate you to run head-first straight through whatever insignificant little hurdle you’re currently working to overcome in your life (at least compared to the badassness of this event). 

AdventureCORPS, Inc., an event production firm specializing in ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, hosts the Badwater Ultramarathon annually in July of each year. Recognized globally as “the world’s toughest foot race,” this legendary event pits up to 90 of the world’s toughest athletes—runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers—against one another and the elements. Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. The 33rd anniversary edition will be held July 12-14, 2010.

Why am I posting this?  I don’t know.  I recently read Born to Run and became inspired to run.  I’m nowhere near willing or even remotely interested in running this event, but I do think it’s cool to read about events like this. 

A little something about me - whenever I get into something, I like to know what the best of the best are doing so I could measure up my effort against them.  This is what led me to Pinnacle Society when I started recruiting.  Maybe I’ll run this event one day, maybe I won’t (I probably won’t haha).  But no doubt knowing about this and other events like this makes my 6, 7, and eventually 20 mile runs (as well as the many other hurdles I’m trying to clear that pale in comparison) waaaaay more doable in my mind.