Moonshot 7

"I feel light headed, and feel like I may pass out any time", said Johnnie when we were reaching mile-25 of 81-miles!  The temps were reaching 90s, and the sun was beating down on us.  There was a mild breeze and occasional cloud cover, but none of it mattered in that elevation and heat. Ornery Mule Racing team Badwater Salton Sea is an unique race spanning 81-miles distance, 9000 ft elevation, temperatures varying from 98F to 38F, from hot sun to cold rain and many more variables... The race is mostly on roads except an 8-mile section (at around mile-40.6), which was super duper hard to climb with rocks, cactus, rattle snakes, etc. Another unique feature is, there are 2 or 3 person teams that has to run together, "not a relay". So, you are only as fast as the slowest team member, which is OK as long as you support each other to the end. There are a couple of tight cutoffs after miles 35.2 and 40.6, which the participating teams should reach within 9 and 1...

Badwater Cape Fear is a 51.4 mile race at Bald Head Island, North Carolina.  Around 40 miles of this is on the beach, and it's truly a unique experience. There are no motorized vehicles on the island (except for emergency, supplies, etc.), so the major mode of transportation is by golf carts.  You take a ferry from Southport, NC, at the top of every hour to the island.  And a ferry back at the bottom of the hour.  It is a 25 minute ferry ride.  The ride is pleasant and beautiful.  And of course, coming from a 30F Chicago to 75F North Carolina was a welcome change.  Runners can stay on the island (several houses are for rent) or at Southport or Wilmington.  Wilmington (ILM) is the nearest airport. My logistics included: Flying from Chicago (ORD) to Wilmington (ILM) with a short layover at Charlotte (CLT).  Rented a car from the airport and stayed at a Marriott in Wilmington. Wilmington to Southport (for the ferry) is a 50-minutes d...