Running on Empty

by Marshall Ulrich

  • Non-cotton underwear from ExOfficio and GoLite

  • Custom orthotics, as well as over-the-counter orthotic insoles by Sorbothane

  This closet went with us at night, into the RV or hotel, to ensure that I would have access to all of my options in the morning.

  Everyday Gear

  Every morning, I strapped on my GoLite Slant pack, with one holder (I cut the other one off) for a GoLite water bottle to carry my Muscle Milk. In the pack, I kept my rescue inhaler in case of an asthma attack, a lightweight GoLite wind jacket, a pocket-pack of tissue for toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. My orange SPOT tracker hooked onto my Slant Pack belt, along with (most often) one of two Sirius satellite radios, which I usually kept tuned to The Spectrum.

  The Murse

  We had a medium-sized plastic container, with a lid, that the crew called my “murse,” short for “man purse.” Truth is, I didn’t like that name much, but a crew person had come up with this the previous year at Badwater (the same year Dr. Paul started using the term “gimp”), and it just stuck. After all, it contained all of my daily necessities, frequently used items like those you’ll find in most women’s purses. Items in the murse included:• Sportslick for friction protection/blister prevention (so, so very important!)

  • “Lipshit”: Neosporin and Carmex

  • Ibuprofen

  • Sustain electrolyte replacement tablets that I would take every hour when it was hot, or every two to four hours when cooler

  • ENGO patches for blister prevention

  • Small scissors and a kit for blister treatment (to cut them open to allow drainage)

  • Large scissors for “shoe surgery,” which I performed often

  • Sunscreen

  • My headlamp

  • Extra batteries

  The murse would also follow me for naps and at nighttime, as it seemed that I would always need something from it.

  Crew Van Supplies

  In the front of the van, the “wheelman” would keep the logbook, recording the following information:• Exact start time and location.

  • Crew at the beginning of the day, each crew change, and crew at the end of the day.

  • Details of all rest breaks or stoppages, including time of each stop or break, what it was for (changing clothes, treatment by Dr. Paul or massage, blister treatment, icing, shoe surgery, changing orthotics, a nap . . . whatever), and length/time back on the road.

  • Time I received each or any of the following: electrolytes, ibuprofen, lip treatment, sunscreen, or mouth rinse.

  • General location.

  • Overall description of the day, including things like cities traveled through, significant events, how I was feeling, weather, crew thoughts and comments.

  • Exact stop time and location.

  • Total distance run that day.

  The wheelman would get and follow the daily directions, provided by Kate and Amira. In the west, like on Highway 50 through Nevada and Utah, the directions were simple: Head down the highway. But, in the east, especially through big cities and on the winding roads of Pennsylvania, following each and every turn, twist, landmark, or street sign became more of a challenge; thus the crew repurposed campaign signs, as well as balloons, to mark most turns.

  The wheelman would also be responsible for keeping electronics charged: two Sirius satellite radios, which the crew would swap out for me, iPod, digital camera, video camera, and mobile phones so that the crew van could always be reached . . . when there was cell service. I never carried my phone or BlackBerry; focusing on running, not checking calls or e-mail, was plenty for me to do. Heather took care of communications and “real life” stuff so I didn’t ever have to think about it.

  Behind the front seats, the crew kept a cooler of clean ice. They used a funnel to scoop ice from this cooler into my water bottle, which was filled with whatever Muscle Milk concoction I was having, or to put ice into my drink glass, always a red plastic Solo cup with a bendy straw. A second cooler held drinks: Ensure, DoubleShots, Frappuccinos, soda, juice, and food that needed to be refrigerated, like yogurt, deli salads, fried chicken, cheese, etc.

  On the back bench seat, we kept a collapsible laundry basket of dry, non-refrigerated food items, like trail mix, crackers, and cookies. Within this basket was another basket with other supplies, including the cups and straws, paper towels, sanitary hand wipes, Kleenex packs (toilet paper), and ziplock bags, as well as medical-type supplies: the Mylanta and Orajel for my mouth rinse, the OTC elastic knee and ankle braces, and so on.

  In the back of the van, a mesh laundry bag held night gear, including that stuff I hated to put on. We had headlamps for the crew, reflective vests, reflective leg and arm bands, and safety lights, including red flashers.

  Also in the back of the van, under the closet, was some extra kitchen stuff (glasses, trash bags, paper towels), as well as a fanny pack that Dr. Paul used sometimes when he would run along with me while crewing. On the other side of the van, behind the backseat, were extra shoes, as well as a bag of sponsor-branded T-shirts.

  Medical

  I did take a few prescription medications during the run: a statin for high cholesterol, a hypothyroid medication, a twice-daily asthma prevention medication, and a prescription sleep aid. The only other prescription medications I took were the anti-inflammatory injection Dr. Paul gave me after diagnosing the plantar fasciitis in Delta, Utah, and a generic form of the antibiotic cephalexin for an infected toe in Ohio. I never took any kind of prescription, or narcotic, pain relievers.

  We kept a variety of over-the-counter medical supplies on hand, including knee and ankle braces, the stuff we needed for my lipshit (Neosporin gel and Carmex), pain reliever (generic ibuprofen), and ingredients to make Dr. Paul’s highly effective mouth-sore potion (Orajel and Mylanta). I also used the Strassburg Sock to stretch the plantar fascia at night.

  One of our sponsors, VQ OrthoCare, provided us with proprietary products and on-the-road support, including two that proved invaluable:• VQ CoolCare™, which we used almost every day, sometimes a few times a day, in the RV to “ice” my injuries. The system continuously pumped cold water into pads that could be wrapped around any part of my body, particularly my feet, ankles, shins, and knees.

  • ArcticFlow™ Cold Therapy System was a portable device that we kept in the crew van, filled with ice water. It used gravity and a type of cast we wrapped around my foot, which made it a convenient way to ice my foot for ten to fifteen minutes while I caught a nap in the back of the van.

  Robert Spieler from VQ OrthoCare also provided the following:• Falcon Knee BRace (KBR) Hinged Wrap: In addition to elastic pullover knee braces, I also wore, for one day in Utah in particular, this more sophisticated knee brace to deal with severe pain.

  • Night splint: After being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, I wore this for a couple of nights and then replaced it with the Strassburg Sock.

  • Electrotherapy: Occasionally, Robert would use some kind of electrotherapy on my leg and back.

  • DeRoyal ankle brace: In addition to elastic pullover ankle braces, one day I wore a more sophisticated ankle brace made by DeRoyal.

  • Blue-ice-type sleeves of various sizes to go over/around my ankles, legs, or knees.

  RV Supplies

  The RV was home base for Heather and the crew, so all of their clothing, some bedding, and personal stuff (which was limited: Everyone packed light!) was kept in the RV. GoLite provided sleeping bags and a couple of tents, and Pacific Outdoor Equipment provided sleeping pads, camping chairs, and inflatable pillows. Extra shoes from Champs were stored under our bed in the back of the RV. Food for my meals and meals for the crew, along with food and drink for the van, were constantly purchased and on hand in the RV, along with ice to fill the coolers in the crew van. The rented RV came with dishes and pots and pans, although we supplemented the supply with a few items, including the Vita-Mix, a toaster, and a coffeepot. Power cords and chargers to run c
ell phones and computers, as well as numerous road atlases and state road maps, were always floating around, especially when Roger was helping to track the route and preparing the daily planners.

  Something that I always looked at in the RV was the NEW YORK HERE WE COME sign that Kathleen put up when we were in Nevada, above a map of the United States with “bubble” marks for each of the planned days of the run. As I went along, I crossed off each day, each chunk of seventy miles, a visual representation of how far I had to go, or how far I had come.

  Appendix F

  Charities, Sponsors, and Partners

  Charities

  The United Way “Live United” campaign was the designated charity for the transcon, in particular their programs to fight childhood obesity, a worthy cause. I continue to work with the organization to promote fitness.

  I’d hoped to include the Religious Teachers Filippini in the fund-raising efforts associated with this run, but that didn’t work out. However, I still support the sisters, and personal donations by friends and family continue to help this cause. It’s my charity of choice, and a portion of the profits from this book will go to their project, AIDS Orphans Rising. You can learn more about the charity’s good work on my website, MarshallUlrich.com, and at AIDSOrphansRising.org.

  Ongoing Sponsorship

  The following sponsors have supported my athletic career for several years, largely by providing me with their excellent products to use during extreme endurance events. Those whose names appear in boldface provided products for the transcontinental run; ENGO/Tamarack Habilitation has continually provided financial sponsorship, including money for the run across the United States.

  C.A.M.P. USA • Dermatone Laboratories, Inc. • ENGO/ Tamarack Habilitation Technologies • ExOfficio • GoLite • Injinji • Larabar/Humm Foods • LaSportiva • LEKI USA • The North Face • Pacific Outdoor Equipment • Pearl Izumi • Sportslick • Zensah

  Documentary Sponsorship

  The companies below sponsored Running America, the documentary. Those whose names appear in boldface continue to provide support for me as an endurance athlete.

  Super 8 • AXA Equitable • Vita-Mix • VQ OrthoCare • Crocs • SpinVox

  Transcontinental Run Sponsorship

  The following were partners/product sponsors of Running America, the event:CarbonFund.org • Celestial Seasonings • Champs • Gatorade • PowerBar • Sombra Professional Therapy Products • SPOT • Timex

  List of Illustrations

  Page 1. Inspiration, circa 1981: My late wife, Jean, with our daughter, Elaine, who’s nearly three here, in one of the first photographs taken of the two of them together.

  Page 13. Badwater solo crossing, July 1999: Pulling everything I need in this cart (water, food, clothing, medical supplies), I’m on my way to complete a 146-mile self-contained and unaided solo crossing of Death Valley and summit of Mount Whitney.

  Page 14. Badwater Ultramarathon, July 1991: Going through the Badwater basin, I’m running below the Funeral Mountains. The desert is a humbling environment, harsh but shot through with beauty. Photo by Sean Arbahi

  Page 30. Meeting my hero, Ted Corbitt, November 2006: Ted is almost eighty-eight years old in this picture, snapped as we talk about what it would take to run across America, the history of ultrarunning, the Bunion Derby, vegetarianism, and Ted’s legendary contributions to our sport.

  Page 42. Leaving town, September 22, 2008: Gaining altitude coming out of Austin, Nevada, I’m heading into the high desert on day ten. Although I’m sleep-deprived and sore, the rising elevation feels good, bringing cooler weather and stretching the arches in my feet.

  Page 56. Starting line, September 13, 2008: On the steps of San Francisco City Hall, I’m looking out at everyone, busily getting ready and thinking, What the hell have I gotten myself into? Only 3,063.2 miles to go . . .

  Page 70. Therapy-to-go, September 17, 2008: Near Fallon, Nevada, massage therapist Kathleen Kane and orthopedist Dr. Paul Langevin work me over. It’s hot and miserable, and everything hurts, including my Achilles, from running seventy miles a day for the last five days. Photo courtesy Kathleen Kane

  Page 95. Americana, October 25, 2008: Passing by one of many farmsteads we’ve seen in forty-three days on the road, I’m running with the Stars and Stripes streaming overhead this time; an old motorcycle decorates a nearby garage roofline. Photo courtesy Dave Thorpe

  Page 96. Nevada/Colorado border, September 29, 2008: Entering my home state, where I was born and raised and still live, I’m excited and relieved to be on familiar ground. After seventeen days of running and intermittent but intense feelings of isolation, I’m also eager to see family and friends who are planning to meet us.

  Page 124. Fat foot, November 23, 2008: Three weeks after completing the run across the United States, my right foot is still significantly swollen from two major injuries, plantar fasciitis, and a tear in the tendon.

  Page 142. Rumbling and rambling, October 9, 2008: Escorted by choppers through McCook, Nebraska, I’m enjoying the roar of the engines and the company of local easy riders, Mitch Farr (left) and Blaine Budke (right). Photo courtesy McCook Daily Gazette

  Page 162. Amish Country, October 29, 2008: Trudging up endless hills in Pennsylvania with the snow falling in autumn, I’m in a mood that suits my surroundings: waning, withering. But I’m also feeling the pull of New York City. Now on day forty-seven, we’re so close! Photo courtesy Bob Becker

  Page 172. Can-do crew, September 30, 2008: Eighteen days into the run, early in the morning, and west of Maybell, Colorado, Kathleen Kane (on her supposed day off and wearing pajamas) works on my back. Photo courtesy Kathleen Kane

  Page 180. Stray Dogs together again, October 4, 2008: My longtime friend and racing companion Mark “Mace” (left) and his son, Travis (right), come out to run with me near Fort Collins, Colorado, and head into the Pawnee grasslands of the eastern plains. Mace’s company always means a lot of laughs, hours that pass like minutes, and sound counsel.

  Page 199. Finish line, November 4, 2008: Heather, laughing and crying at the same time, embraces me on the portico of New York City Hall. Photo © Sheri Whitko Photography

  Page 200. State of elation, October 21, 2008 : Running toward the Indiana sign on day thirty-nine, I’m excited to pass another important milestone and eager to resolve some troubles brewing behind the scenes.

  Page 210. Small packages, October 13, 2008: Although I felt depressed and hopeless earlier on day thirty-one, when I lock eyes with the Beasley baby around midnight, just west of the Iowa border, it all falls away.

  Page 220. Victory, November 4, 2008: Jumping for joy at the steps of New York City Hall, I’m finished running. Photo © Sheri Whitko Photography

  Page 232. Over and done, November 4, 2008: After 117 marathons in 52½ days, it’s time to take off my shoes. New York City Hall stands in the background as I wonder what’s next. Photo © Sheri Whitko Photography

  Page 247. What a drag! October 2007: In training for the transcon, I’m pulling a tire to increase strength, something I did off and on during the year of preparation, when I logged hundreds of miles each week. Photo by Helen Richardson for The Denver Post

  Page 253. More road ahead, October 21, 2008: Fall in the Midwest, and I’m still running endless roads and hills in Illinois on day thirty-nine. Photo courtesy Steve Shepard

  Page 263. Eat and run, October 2, 2008: Crossing the high plateau west of Maybell, Colorado, I’m sipping one of many “mini-meals” while on the move with Brian Weinberg. This is how I ate almost everything, at a quick walk, with no time to sit down.

  Page 269. Heals on wheels, October 8, 2008: In Nebraska on day twenty-six, I insist the crew van be dubbed “Dr. Paul’s Rolling Rehab Clinic,” because everything, even medical care, has to be done on the go.

  Page 279. Rest stop, October 25, 2008: Our RV and the crew van are parked in front of a grain elevator in Elgin, Ohio, where, as a farm boy myself, I felt right at home spending the night. (Th
e vehicles would stop just about anywhere along the route, whenever necessary.) Photo courtesy Dave Thorpe

  Page 287. Good habit, July 2008: As I run with Sister Mary Beth Lloyd of the Religious Teachers Filippini at the Badwater Ultramarathon, we talk about the work of the charity and the mission of the sisters: “Go and teach.” (Sister Mary Beth did more than fifty miles that year and climbed Mount Whitney—all in her habit. I thought she deserved a finisher’s medal for that, so I gave her mine.)

  To view more behind-the-scenes photos of the 2008 run across the United States, as well as other adventures, visit http://www.MarshallUlrich.com/blog.

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks go first to my children, Elaine, Taylor, and Alexandra (Ali), for without them, I’d be incomplete; in each of them, I see facets of the future. I owe gratitude, too, to more of the family: my mom, my brother, Steven, his wife, Kathy, and their two children, and my aunt Irene Houtchens, all of whom came out to support me in Ault, Colorado. My sister, Lonna, and her daughter, Cris, were there both in Colorado and at the finish in New York City, along with my cousin Kathryn Amira. Heather’s mother, Janis, and her sister, Laura, also watched me go. It’s impossible to convey how much everyone’s presence along the way meant to me.