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Teton Valley News - April 21, 2011 - Page A1
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10 2 n d Y e a r 16 t h W e e k
Racing through the desert
WEATHER T h i s wee k
Locals return from 150-mile trek through the Sahara
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Local skier goes big before coming home See page B3.
Racers trekked over sand dunes in 100°+ heat.
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It’s been described as the toughest race on Earth, and two Valley residents just returned having not only survived, but thrived at the Marathon des Sables, a grueling six-day, 150-mile race across the Sahara desert. For Dusty Hardman, it was her first MdS race, while Jay Batchen went back for the eighth time. He’s been the top American finisher several times and finished strong this year. “It’s hard to put into words,” said Hardman of the experience. “It’s an amazing production from start to finish. Running is a small part.” In fact, a lot of runners walk a good portion of the sandy, rocky dunes. Hardman said she felt like she got stronger as the days went on. She ran more toward the end than in the beginning. Her first
day was pretty miserable. The flat sand and heavy backpack were a challenge and she was nauseous and dry heaving. The temperatures would climb to 126 F. But she pushed through. Hardman has Addison’s disease, and she wasn’t sure how her body would react in that kind of heat. Addison’s disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of their hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA and testosterone. Cortisone plays a roll in maintaining glucose levels, metabolism of proteins, fats and carbs and reduces inflammation in the body. Hardman said she doubled her hydrocortisone medication for travel and running and that probably helped. Hardman decided to enter the race after some encouragement from local ultra athletes Jay and Lisa-Smith Batchen. Hardman ran her first marathon in 2006 in one of the Grand Teton Races put on by
Photo © CIMBALY
Dreamchasers, which the Batchens own. After that race she wanted to try longer races. When she got the opportunity to travel to Morocco and run, she jumped at the chance. “All you have to worry about is running, eating, drinking water and sleeping,” said Hardman. “That sounded pretty good to me.” Competitors carry their own food, gear and sleeping bag for the week. The also carry a compulsory kit with an emergency flare, snakebite kit, reflector mirror and a whistle. They often have to fight wind and sand storms. Transitioning from one extreme to another can be difficult, but both Hardman and Batchen take it in stride. Hardman said she ran a lot all winter. She went up and down Teton Pass and Pine Creek pass and logged a lot of miles on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness. To
Race continued on A14
Woolstenhulme gets lifetime achievement award TVN Staff Monte Woolstenhulme, Teton School District superintendent, has won this year’s Idaho Prevention Conference Lifetime Achievement Award. The award “is given to individuals who go above and beyond to surround all youth in their community with the support and motivation to thrive,” said Melissa McGrath, spokesperson for the State Department of Education. “Monte Woolstenhulme received the award this year for demonstrating an outstanding commitment in overcoming challenges related to youth suicide prevention and intervention,” she said. “He has engaged the local community to create a healthier and safe school climate
for all students and to serve as a example for other schools statewide.” Besides setting the example for a better and safer environment in his own community, Woolstenhulme speaks at other school districts about his experiences and how to best handle them, she said. “He’s really stepped up and recognized the tragedies when they occur, and works with the community to prevent further tragedies,” said McGrath. The Idaho Prevention Conference, and its award, focuses on Safe and Drug Free Schools with an eye toward antibullying and alchohol- and drug-abuse prevention.
Photo courtesy Idaho State Department of Education
Idaho School Superintendent Tom Luna, left, presents the 2011 Idaho Prevention Conference Lifetime Achievement Award to Monte Woolstenhulme, Teton School District superintendent, on April 15.