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.