[craigepo]

White Sands can be a pretty nasty place. The last time I was there was during a summer, and we were drinking approximately 18 quarts of water per day. Tons of rattlesnakes. We would actually navigate around rattles at night.

As for training at night, I trail run at night quite a bit. Get a good Petzl headlamp, and go get your miles in. You will have to slow down, but that's inherent in covering ground at night.

This race is done during March, so the predictions for weather aren't so extreme. Maximum heat is low-80's. The expectations are mid-40's in the morning, getting into the 70's during the day. This will be a big change from Canada at that time of year, so hydration will be paramount. Personally, when I run hot weather, I keep my water bottle in hand all the time, and make sure that I am drinking an amount that is equivalent to my sweat loss. One thing to keep in mind: body water loss decreases blood volume, which increases heart rate. You have to chug a lot of water during these long distance events to keep your heart rate in check.

One thing you might consider is the running whites the folks wear that run Death Valley. Whatever the temperature might be, you will undoubtedly have a UV issue there. I find it easier to wear a thin white layer than to keep enough sunscreen on, especially when I'm sweating. Plus, if it is mid-40s when you start, you might want long sleeves in the beginning.

It has been a long time since I was there, and my memory is foggy, but I seem to remember that White Sands has what they called the Green Mountains. These were fairly rugged, rugged enough that we did some fixed-rope movements. Looking at the race intel, the route has some pretty good altitude change. Running hills takes shape and fortitude. Enjoy.

As for toughening your feet for the run, I presume that you will be running in running shoes and not boots. Some things to keep in mind: 1) spend money on really good wicking socks; 2) spend as much time as possible barefoot (tough to do in Canada in the winter, but I would for sure be barefoot in the house at all times. Also, using foot powder in all of your shoes, work shoes included, will help keep your feet dry and begin the toughening process. I do this presently, as I no longer wear jungle boots for a living, and it makes a difference. 3) this run seems to be trail run-esque. If you aren't already doing it, consider some zero-drop, highly breathable trail shoes. You will definitely need the toughness on the route. The highly-breathable part will also help there, as you will be sweating (although I remember the air being so dry there a big problem was the sweat disappearing as soon as it left your skin). I presently wear Altras, which work really well. Whatever brand works, I would ensure that I had some good foot wear.

In regards to your hydration question, it looks like the race has quite a few water points, approximately every 1.5-2.5 miles. That should be plenty of water. One of my water belts carries two 20 ounce bottles. Your 3 liter should be plenty, if not overkill. It looks like they also have bananas at each water point, so if your stomach can handle those during a run, water and blood sugar should not be an external issue.

Crap. This sounds like a fun run. I might have to check my calendar for March.