[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13066]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NIKKI KIMBALL

  Mr. BAUCUS. I rise today to recognize my friend and fellow Montanan, 
Nikki Kimball. Starting in the early morning hours on June 24, for 19 
hours, 26 minutes, and 50 seconds, Nikki put her body through one of 
the most grueling endurance races in the world.
  The Western States Endurance Run is a 100-mile trek through the 
picturesque mountains of northern California.
  Since the 1970s, runners from six continents have traveled to Squaw 
Valley to push their bodies to the limit.
  Following the Western States Trail, once used by the gold and silver 
miners, the runners traverse some of the most diverse terrain the 
mountains have to offer.
  However, this run is more than just a physical challenge, it is a 
battle of wills between the determined runners and Mother Nature. When 
I talked to Nikki, the first thing that she mentioned was the 
excruciating heat.
  The searing heat not only resulted in intense dehydration, it also 
caused her shoe leather to constrict on her feet resulting in 
horrendous blisters. Yet, she forged on.
  This race became a battle against oneself. As a fellow distance 
runner, I know the agony that comes with these types of races. Your 
legs are cramping, your lungs are on fire, and everything in you says 
stop, sit down, quit. Yet, in the back of your mind there is the little 
voice saying keep going, one more mile, you can make it. Nikki listened 
to that voice, and turned in an epic performance.
  Though challenged by hundreds of runners, including many 
professionals, Nikki coupled her elite physical prowess with an iron 
will, and won the female division, and placed second overall.
  Her performance at Western States is just another addition to her 
phenomenal athletic resume.
  Nikki's running has taken her all over the world and awarded her many 
honors. She has been selected as the UltraRunning Magazine's North 
American Runner of the Year, represented the United States on the 100K 
World Cup team, and has also won the U.S. national snowshoeing 
championship.
  Currently, Nikki is training for the White River 50 mile race in 
Washington, which is a national championship event.
  Yet, Nikki is defined by more than just her running. For all the 
effort she puts into sports, she puts just as much time into helping 
the Gallatin and Park County communities as a physical therapist.
  Nikki has used her intimate knowledge of athletics to provide 
accurate insight into many ailments that hinder the citizens of the 
Gallatin Valley, as well as Paradise Valley, I might add, and all over 
Montana.
  Nikki is an inspiration to all of us. She represents the dedication, 
iron will, and determination that has come to define our great State of 
Montana. When you talk with Nikki, you see the spirit and energy in her 
and also the determination and the will. She is a wonderful person. I 
am so honored she has graced our State with this win.
  Mr. President, is there any remaining time in morning business?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is 15 seconds remaining.
  Mr. BAUCUS. I will let that time expire.

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