Connie Karras gears up for Death Valley ultramarathon

Font Size:

BY JOHN BURBRIDGE
jburbridge@nwitimes.com
219.933.3371 | Saturday, May 05, 2007 | (3 comment(s))

Almost every day is a scorching 120 degrees for Connie Karras. Even in the shade or inside an air-conditioned building.

Karras works out on a treadmill wearing more threads than a space-walking astronaut.

"It's heat training," she said. "I have to train my body for the extreme temperatures."

Either the 41-year-old Highland woman takes Al Gore's traveling slideshow too seriously, or she's just plain crazy. When finding out what Karras is preparing for, many people may assume the latter.

But Karras is set to run the Badwater Ultramarathon, a brutal 135-mile trek through California's Death Valley. The race will start July 1 and end -- at least for the faster finishers -- two days later.

You would think organizers of the event -- which has been featured on "60 Minutes" -- could have scheduled the race safely away from the apex of summer. But what fun would that be?

"That's what makes the race so extreme," Karras said.

Karras has run ultramarathons before, but this will be her first Badwater as a participant. Last summer, she was part of a team that assisted Bill LaDieu of Harrisburg, Pa. Now, Karras has a formed a team that will assist her. The squad includes Perri Cummins, Victoria Gordon, Jim Stroup, Dennis Ohnstad and John Spannuth -- experienced runners from all corners of the nation.

Currently assisting Karras in her training are the husband-and-wife team of Jim and Karen Schutters, co-owners of Priority Fitness in Munster. Karras, an American Council of Exercise certified trainer, is also employed at Priority Fitness, which caters to clients with specific health challenges that are not always addressed at typical health clubs.

As for the subject of mental health -- what possesses someone to attempt such a feat?

"Most ultramarathoners, or even regular marathoners, run for a cause ... something that motivates them all the way to the finish," Karras said.

For Karras, the cause is raising support and awareness in the fight against diabetes. A little over 15 years ago, Karras lost a loved one to Type 1 diabetes. Since then, Karras has become involved with the American Diabetes Association.

"There are millions of people walking around who don't even know they have a form a diabetes," she said.

Though diabetes may be a silent killer, Karras is also running for those who are in more overt danger.

"I'm running for our troops in the hopes of them coming back home soon," said Karras, who served overseas with the United States Marine Corps.

Thus, her run through Death Valley can be considered a run against death itself.

* With her participation in the Badwater Ultramarathon, Connie Karras is trying to raise awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Association. For more information, go to www.active.com/donate.connieshotrun.

Back to story 3 comment(s)

Please note: Comments from readers will be screened and may not be posted immediately. If you don't see your comment perhaps:

It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
It promoted violence or illegal acts.
It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.

In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.

Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.

Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.

If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.

For more information please read our Terms of Service.

Paul Stofko wrote on May 10, 2007 8:51 PM:

" John, I also enjoyed your article about Connie. Connie is a great friend and one determine individual. I wish her the best in July. "

Marcia Rasmussen wrote on May 7, 2007 1:29 AM:

" I enjoyed your article very much, but I�d like to point out a serious factual error. You stated that Connie Karras will run the Badwater Ultramarathon, when, in fact, she plans to run the Badwater Solo. The Badwater Ultramarathon is an internationally-known, invitational event, beginning July 23. The Badwater Solo runs the same course, under the same conditions, but is not an �official� event, in the usual sense of the word. It consists of a group of runners who each take it upon themselves to run the Badwater course as individuals, without the cover of any race director or organization. Most of them plan to run at the same time each year, during July or August, when Death Valley is a veritable furnace approaching 130 degrees. I intend in no way to minimize the challenge that Connie Karras has taken on. The Badwater course is at the far upper end of the difficulty scale for runners, no matter which day in July you choose to run. I applaud Connie for taking on the challenge, and I wish her the best of luck in July. Marcia Rasmussen Two-time Badwater Solo finisher "

Max Gordon wrote on May 5, 2007 10:26 AM:

" John, I enjoyed your piece on Connie Karras and her upcoming Badwater Ultramarathon. It's true that ultrarunners can seem a bit�obsessive�at first, but in fact they are merely driven�as Connie herself pointed out�toward bigger goals than just crossing the finish line. Unlike with short races (unbelievably, to ultrarunners, marathons fall into that category!), the long-distance endurance races are less about "winning" or beating other runners, and more about endurance and prevailing against the odds. With ultrarunning, the tougher the conditions, the better: it's no coincidence that so many of the runners channel their passion into fundraising for medical causes that are likewise battles against the odds. Your online readers should know that they can help Connie's "Race for a Cure" by following this link: www.active.com/donate/connieshotrun Max Gordon P.S.: Not long after your interview with Connie, another member of the running community died of complications of diabetes. The sponsors of the Badgerland F/X 12&24-Hour Track Ultra (Greendale, WI, September 2007) are dedicating the event to the memory of Sharon Hawkins, a long-time "crew" member for her ultrarunner husband Terry. "

Back to story 3 comment(s)

Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.

Marketplace

Sections

Services

Other Publications

Search