LOCAL SPORTS

CEDAR LAKE | Some people have bad days.

Last summer, Connie Karras had several "Badwater" days.

The 42-year-old personal trainer from Highland participated in the Badwater Solo Ultra race, which starts from the Badwater Basin in California's Death Valley and ends 135-miles away and more than 8,400 feet upward at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney.

She almost didn't make it.

"I made a major error in judgement when I took oral rehydration salts prior to the race," said Karras, who attempted her first "crossing" on July 1, 2007 -- which so happened to be one of the hottest days in recent Mojave Desert history.

Karras endured major illness, which included diarrhea and alarming body bloating.

"Even my fingers were bloated," Karras said. "I looked like the Michelin Man."

Following advice from a doctor patrolling the course, Karras recuperated at an air-conditioned hotel but was allowed to return. Eventually, she completed the race in a little more that 84 hours -- time included hotel stay -- and earned the coveted Badwater Solo "belt buckle."

It was so much fun that Karras is planning to do it again on July 27.

"I hope to complete the course in 46 hours," Karras said of the same goal for last year's "Solo," where the best time among participants was 41 hours. "I just have to pace myself and learn from my mistakes."

The Badwater Solo Ultra should not be confused -- but often is -- with the renowned Badwater Ultramarathon, though the latter race takes place along the same brutal course. The Badwater Ultramarathon has stringent qualification requirements, and attracts the most elite runners from around the world.

The Badwater Solo Ultra is for budding ultramarathoners, many of whom attempt the race in the name of a cause and/or charity.

Karras is running to raise funds and awareness for the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America. It's in honor of Victoria "Max" Gordon, a CFIDS sufferer who supported Karras step-by-step at last year's race.

"I'm proud to call her a friend," Karras said about Gordon.

Last year, Karras ran on behalf of the American Diabetes Association in memory of another close friend, Sharon Hawkins, who died earlier that year from cancer and diabetes.