The start line is -282' below sea level, the lowest point in the western hemisphere (hell), and the finish line is nearly 8,500' above (heaven).

 

The race is run non-stop and must be finished in less than 60 hours to avoid disqualification.

 

There are no aid stations. Each participant must bring a support crew of up to six team members to care for them. 

 

On average, only 60 or so of the 90 invitees are able to finish. Many who don't end up hospitalized.

 

Since the inception of the race in 1977, approximately 40 participants have officially finished the race 5 or more times.

 

I recently became the 41st.

 

To put it in perspective, over 1,100 people have reached the summit of MT. Everest.

 

Let me expand upon a few of the Life Lessons you will be inspired to apply to your life by immersing yourself in this life-changing, interactive experience:

• Overcome the fears associated with taking on what you feel is a significant challenge
• Gain the courage to take risks that, when pursued, will expand on the reality of who YOU really are
• Persevere through the times when you are ready to throw in the towel, when life's debilitating moments are telling you to quit
• A simple life mantra "Relentless Forward Motion"
• Identify just 1 incomprehensible goal that you want to achieve - and "close the loop" on that undertaking
• Start slow, then slow down - learn not to waste energy while pursuing a long term objective
• Smart-bomb focus on your big goal
• Social responsibility as an important part of your life (feeling "The Tap")
• And many more valuable life lessons

I have set up your learning experience this way:

During this brutal 135 mile non-stop test of human will, there are eight segments or checkpoints (start line, mile 17, 42, 72, 90, 122, 131 and finish line).

Prior to the eight segments, each one is preceded by a title I give for the upcoming section of the race.

Titles such as "Foreplay," "Highway to Hell," "Climbing the Ladder of Success," Going it Alone," "Debilitated & Deskinned but not Defeated," “I’m on fire!” "Personal Integrity," and more lead you into each Life Lesson.

At the end of each of the eight sections in the race, after you are impacted by some memorable visuals set to high-energy music, you will have imbedded & learned the Life Lessons referenced above (see titles and some of the Life Lessons starting at the top of the column to your right).

At each checkpoint I personally elaborate on the Life Lesson Learned, followed by a complete summary with action items for you at the end of the DVD.

By the end of your Life Lessons Learned While Chasing the White Line from Hell to Heaven experience you will immediately be inspired to pursue, experience and prevail over your life's Badwaters - whatever they represent for you (and we all have at least one!) 

To read my recent race summary which reflects a long-version textual representation of what you will experience visually in the DVD, click: www.frank-mckinney.com/blog.asp?article=130

To read testimonials from those who have experienced the Life Lessons Learned While Chasing the White Line from Hell to Heaven DVD scroll to the bottom of the right-hand column.

Scroll above to order your DVD copy of Life Lessons Learned While Chasing the White Line from Hell to Heaven TODAY!

Knowing that I am running for those who continue to suffer involuntarily everyday in Haiti get me though some very low moments in the race.

 

Life’s undertakings, no matter how personal in nature, must take on the responsibility of a calling higher than you alone.  

When you view the Life Lessons Learned DVD I firmly believe you will see the Badwater 135-mile Ultramarathon as truly a microcosm for your life.

 

Sometimes we feel most alive when being so close to defeat, then resisting that loss with all your might and prevailing.

 

My sister asked me to remember how I was feeling at mile 120 (as you will see, I was feeling graphically defeated) so she could ask me after the race why I put myself through all of this.

 

When she asked, I told her that we should not be governed by our short term memories of fear, status quo, or heartbreak. I used the example of childbirth.

 

What woman would have a second child if all she could remember is the pain and agony she endured during the birth of her first miracle.

 

My approach to Badwater is similar. I enjoy the challenge of being a part of something that has taken me places and taught me more about myself than any other life experience.

 

I think we should exchange those debilitating and low moments for the extreme experience associated with life's meaningful pursuits.

 

After experiencing the Life Lessons Learned DVD I believe you will feel the same. 

 

 

Last, I want to thank my superstar team (who you will hear more about in the DVD); Bob my brother and best friend, Martie my sister, Kimberley CHPF's past Executive Director, Sophie for those 42 miles, and most important, Nilsa my wife. Without her, all my life's undertakings would be insignificant or impossible. 

 

I also want to express my gratitude to Chris Kostman (pictured far left below), "Chief Adventure Officer" of AdventureCORPS, for producing such a meaningful and epic race. You can learn more about AdventureCORPS here: