The annual Badwater Ultramarathon kicked off this week, July 12 to 14, and will trace its usual 135-mile route from Death Valley, Calif., to the base of Mt. Whitney. It rises more than 8,000 vertical feet in that length. It is a route touted frequently as the world's toughest for a footrace, and each year up to 90 of the hardiest -- or insane! -- ultra athletes can see temps up to 130F and relentless, blazing sun.

Photo: (c) goldtoemoretz.com
Ultra-athlete Pam Reed

Ultra-running champion Pam Reed of Tucson, Ariz., has twice won the Badwater. Here are a few tips from Reed. This hot-weather running advice is for Badwater aspirants as well as workaday joggers just trying to stay in shape and deal with the daily blast of summer's heat.

1. ICE SOCK

Fill a nylon over-the-calf sock with ice. Tie the open end in a knot. Wear it around your neck, tucking its ends into your shirt or sports bra.

2. ICE HAT

Always wear a hat. Before putting it on, fill it with ice.

3. ON THE FEET

Choose high-tech, performance footwear to keep feet comfortable. Pam Reed wears PowerSox with Coolmax socks, a sponsor.

4. COTTON SHIRT

Wear a low-tech, cotton shirt. It will soak through and hold water against your body rather than wicking it away.

5. SPRITZ IT!

Spray down [while running or at stops] using a large hardware store weed spray bottle filled with ice water.

6. HYDRATE RIGHT

Drink cold club soda with sodium along with pure coconut water to keep hydrated.

Follow Reed s online journal and her quest for another Badwater win at http://www.goldtoemoretz.com/store/pages/Pam-Reed.html