Photo by Don Kozono

toughest in world, (Have no fear - there are going to be other people out there doing it in 7 plus hours. Plus we have a park ranger on horseback picking up the strays- race director) Traditionally the race doesn't fill up until early July; only 225 entries allowed per year. 6/25/07- current YELLOW Alert status of volcano (last week up to day before: RED alert) eruption, poisonous gases, earthquakes, splitting roads/lava fields, wild fires + usual decreased oxygen at 4000+ elevation, Hawaii heat (90s), 85% uphill route climb, sharp lava chip/rock trails, poorly marked route: easy to get lost, and maybe 4 aid stations over 26 miles) - wrote race director if race is still on this year. Plus eyeglasses/shades will keep fogging up since you're in the clouds. Not good to be nearsighted running on trails of uneven sharp jagged lava. Heard not coned off enough and must watch each step, both contributing to the possibility of get lost off course on the mountain. Also with current volcanic activity, be on lookout of new cracks/vents on trails. Bring cell phone if need rescue; search helicopter, ranger on horse sent if necessary to "pick up the strays" On the positive side, what to pray for- cloud cover, cooler temperatures, just a little rain, and some level and inclines to negotiate around obstacles that break up a linear straight up route. The Hawaiians say the volcano is sacred and has strong energy vortices. Be smart and bring green t-leaf and raw fish as an offering to Pele, the volcano goddess. I'm serious.

VOLCANO WATCH AS MARATHON APPROACHES MARATHON IN 30 DAYS - watch as of June 27, 2007

Last thoughts July 26th- leave Honolulu tomorrow morn at 5am. Acclimatize 1 day up at the B&B in Volcano Village. Check in at military camp in Volcano Park at 5 pm tomorrow. Buffet, pick up race no. Check out night before because run starts at 5:30am July 28th, Sat. and check out is at 11 am. Hope to Finish by deadline at 1 pm. 50-50. Forecast is RAIN (slippery rocks/trails), lava is flowing again 15 miles away, hope wind currents with gases from eruption don't come m way. Temp. around 50 at 5 am. Instructions to bring own water (bought canteen with military belt at Goodwill today), knee pads and gloves to break falls. Ipod with classical music as seer said something significant will happen during this even to make me forget the run???? Bringing cell phone, energy packs and extra plastic RED jacket for rain. And wearing my lucky(?) Roswell alien t-shirt. Have to wear glasses even if fogs up at 4000-5000 ft. running in clouds or rainstorm - because I'm nearsighted. Said a prayer in church last week. Did some hills so hopefully this pays off. With the eruption, near hurricane, hundreds of miniquakes, probably only close to a 100 runners this year. No more anxiety attacks, it's time, BRING IT ON!!!!!

Hi Rod,

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck in your Volcano Mega Marathon run before you fly off to Hilo early tomorrow morning.
Please take care of yourself....know your limits and don't overdo it. You'll be fine, but, be cautious. Watch your steps, know your body and its limits, think smart and be safe, brother dear. Think positive. I'll be thinking about you and hoping you come away with the satisfaction that you did your best....no matter what happens. You're already a WINNER in my eyes, Rod! =)

May God be with you during the entire run and may he see you home safely. 0:)

Best wishes and love always,
Sister Verna

YOU'RE TORCHING THE WORLD AND EVEN THE GODS THIS TIME!!! UNLIKE A MOTH ATTRACTED TO A FLAME AND CANNOT ACT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE KICK BY USING ALL YOUR SENSES AND BRAIN!!!! HOPE YOU'LL GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS BORDER EXPERIENCE.