Ultramarathoner
Shannon Farar-Griefer, left, with pacer Tamara Aarin of Woodland Hills, walks a portion of the course near the Darwin check point about 90 miles into the race. Farar-Griefer is a Hidden Hills resident. (Stephen Osman / LAT)
John Vonhof of Manteca, Ca., tends to Shannon Farar-Griefer’s blistered feet. (Stephen Osman / LAT)
ROAD TO NOWHERE: Shannon Farar-Griefer, left (with crew member/pacer Lisa Henson), is 80 miles into her 135-mile race across Death Valley. The only reward: A pewter belt buckle if she finishes in less than 48 hours. (Stephen Osman / LAT)
‘There are times when your bodys against you but your mind is going to go, So? You knew this going in, right? Its almost like the challenge of the pain is kind of a turn-on.’ - Shannon Farar-Griefer (Stephen Osman / LAT)
HELPING HANDS: Farar-Griefer, center, is treated by her support crew about 80 miles into the race. There are no aid stations along the way, so runners rely on their crews for everything, especially encouragement. (Stephen Osman / LAT)
